Tag Archives :Marine Radio

There are many ways to communicate with others at sea ranging from signal flags to satellite phones. While it is not a legal requirement in most countries, leisure sailors are strongly encouraged to use a VHF DSC (Digital Selective Calling) Radio as their primary means of communication, since this is used by the rescue authorities and commercial shipping.   ...

Recreational marine VHF antennas are usually broken down into three categories: 3- or 4-foot sailboat antennas (3dB gain), 8-foot powerboat antennas (6 dB gain) and 16-plus-foot, long-stick antennas (9+ dB gain). The antenna gain is a ratio related to an antennas effective radiated power (ERP) instead of a fixed quantity value.  ...

There is no "distance" index in radio communication, because the ultra short wave communication is line of sight transmission, and the signal is blocked and interfered by buildings, hills, forests, electromagnetic fields, etc.,  ...

The best two-way radio systems for yachts help keep everyone safe while enabling clear and consistent communication across the ship, and all the way back on land. Many things can go wrong out at sea, from ice blocking the designated route to rough currents that threaten to capsize a boat. If anything goes wrong, the ability to communicate is key to getting assistance in a timely manner. Hence, why two-way radios are a staple necessity onboard yachts, or any other type of vessel.  ...

Over the years, handheld VHFs have become both a good deal more reliable and, in many cases, a good deal more sophisticated than in years past. This has resulted in a wide range of models that vary dramatically in terms of size, performance, and features. Still, one of the first things you need to think about when choosing a particular model remains how long the radio will continue to function on a single charge, something that is largely a function of battery size.   ...

In the United Kingdom there are approximately 57 VHF channels available plus the private channels M and M2 for use by marinas and yacht clubs and the private channel 00 which is for HMCG use only. 2 additional channels are dedicated to the Automatic Identification System services. The U. K. uses the "International Frequency" plan.  ...

Each country has its own regulatory authority, here in the UK it is the responsibility of the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and OFCOM. These notes are for UK registered ships and are only meant as a guide. Non UK registered ships should check with the country of registration.  ...

Whichever option you choose, having AIS on your boat will without doubt make your sailing experiences safer. As well as less stressful in poor visibility or when crossing busy shipping lanes. Even a simple receiver with a small whip antenna at deck level is effective. Allowing you to keep informed of what ships are around and which ones you need to keep an eye on.  ...

The principle of intercom communication is to use electromagnetic wave to transmit information in the air. According to Maxwell's electromagnetic field theory, the changing electric field produces the changing magnetic field, and the changing magnetic field produces the changing electric field.  ...

VHF protocol is to repeat the name of the boat you’re calling two or three times, followed by “this is…” and the name of your vessel twice.After making contact, request to switch from the hailing channel (16) to a working channel such as 68, 69, or 72 for conversation. The other person should reply confirming that channel, or propose another. Without confirmation, you can find yourself scanning channels to find where the other person went, or if they heard you clearly.  ...