VHF Marine Radio
A VHF marine radio is an essential piece of equipMent on a vessel. Very High Frequency (VHF) radios are available as a fixed mounted or a handheld portable unit to offer the best method of communicating at sea. Being in a position to contact other boaters is one sure way to enhance safety on large bodies of water.
The usable range of a VHF transceiver is subject to various eleMents, such as weather, height of the antenna, and model of radio. An effective range of five to twenty miles is often witnessed.
A typical marine radio is built to a high standard, incredibly easy to operate, and able to withstand the often rough conditions at sea, such as moisture, dust, vibration and shock. Hand-held units are ideal as a back up for a stationary or fixed unit and able to cope with direct immersion. VHF sets are often cost effective communication devices, and at minimum, a vessel should have a hand held unit.
A VHF radio offers communication that is more effective and consistent reception in a marine environMent than that of a mobile phone or CB radio. Boat radios have dedicated channels reserved for distress calls, and monitored by rescue services, such as the United States Coast Guard (USCG). Channel 16 is the distress channel. And a lot of receivers are able to pick up the latest weather reports, so its possible to keep up to date on conditions when boating.
These two-way communication devices are an essential component of safe boating at sea. No vessel should leave port without a VHF marine radio system onboard.
handheld radio
