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VHF marine radio channels for recreational boaters

It’s important that boaters use the correct channel when communicating on a VHF (very high frequency) marine band radio. Here are VHF-FM non-commercial channels recreational boaters may use in specific situations. Federal Communications Commission regulations require boaters having VHF radios to maintain a watch on either channel 9 or channel 16  ...

Read more  boater,  VHF radio,  channel,  VHF-FM

Use of VHF as collision avoidance aid

There have been a significant number of collisions where subsequent investigation has found that at some stage before impact, one or both parties were using VHF radio in an attempt to avoid collision. The use of VHF radio in these circumstances is not always helpful and may even prove to be dangerous.  ...

Read more  VHF,  collision,  avoidance,  dangerous

Fixed mount VHF VS Handheld VHF

When getting your vessel ready for use in the summer months it is important to make sure you kit it out with the right gear. One piece of gear every vessel should have is a reliable marine radio. These radios are available as both a portable handheld and a fixed mount solution. First, what is a handheld VHF? A handheld VHF is as it sounds, a VHF radio that fits in your hand.  ...

Read more  fixed mount,  VHF radio,  vessel,  handheld VHF

Why we need VHF marine radio

Because radio is now common among commercial vessels on the larger freight waterways, there is a tendency to rely on it as a means of ascertaining the locations of other vessels. If they hear you on the radio, they will know where you are likely to be and can call you to warn of their approach, if necessary. It is also commonly used on larger waterways, replacing flag signals and to some extent sound signals,  ...

Read more  VHF,  commercial vessels

What is an MMSI and Why you need an MMSI?

An MMSI is a unique nine digit number that is entered into certain marine radio communications equipment. When using this equipment to send a distress alert, or to indicate some other emergency, the number assists emergency services to identify you and/or your vessel. Since marine VHF transceivers now operate under a class licence, there is no requirement for an official call sign and maritime ship station license,  ...

Read more  MMSI,  DSC,  SOLAS,  GMDSS

Marine radio information

Marine radios In an emergency, communication is vital and a marine radio is essential. Mobile telephones, although useful as a backup communications system, cannot replace a marine radio.  ...

Read more  VHF radio,  carry,  dual watch,  miles

The marine VHF radio antenna

So what is an antenna exactly? It is a device that takes an oscillating electric current and radiates that energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation and vice versa; depending on whether you are receiving or transmitting. More simply, it converts electric power into radio waves or radio waves into electric power. Understanding the important characteristics of the marine VHF antenna will allow you select the right antenna to best fit your vessel and your specific needs.  ...

Read more  marine radio,  VHF,  antenna

How to use a VHF mairne radio correctly is an essential boating skill

you don’t want to be fumbling about trying to remember the training when you really need it.. You, as skipper, should have a good understanding of how it works, how to adjust it and how to send an emergency message. Ideally, at least one other person aboard should also have a working knowledge of the basics.  ...

Read more  DSC,  How to use,  VHF radio

Marine Mobile Service Identity

In the United States, the National Telecommunications Administration (NTIA) provides MMSIs to federal users, and the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) provides MMSIs to everyone else.  NTIA is as Executive Branch agency under the Department of Commerce, and the FCC is an independent agency.  ...

Read more  MMSI,  FCC,  obtainMMSI,  VHF handhelds

Using the VHF marine radio

Having a marine (VHF) radio aboard your boat can be a lifesaver.  VHF radios are the handiest and fastest way to contact other boaters or to ask for help on the water.  In an emergency, when you use a radio, anyone with a radio can hear you and can come to your aid, perhaps sooner than first responders.  Or you may be the boater who rescues someone because you heard their radio call.   ...

Read more  VHF,  built-in,  DSC radios