Although not required in recreational boats under 65.5 feet long, a Very High Frequency (VHF) Marine Radio allows instant communication between your boat and other boats, marinas, bridges, and the United States Coast Guard (USCG).
Why do boats have 2 VHF radios?
Not only does the installation of a second antenna give better readability to the AIS signal, but it can also serve as an emergency antenna for VHF. Just allow enough length behind the unit to disconnect the antenna from the AIS and connect it to the VHF.
What is the difference between VHF radio and marine radio?
A marine VHF radio is different from other VHF radios used for land or air communications. Marine radios are specifically designed for communications on the waterways. They are installed on all large ships and most seagoing small craft, and with slightly different regulation on rivers and lakes.
Are boat radios UHF or VHF?
All commercial ships operating at sea are required by law to carry and monitor VHF channel 16. VHF channel 16 and repeater channels may be monitored by other recreational vessels, and at various locations and hours of operation by Volunteer Marine Rescue radio bases.
Do I need a VHF radio for my boat? – Related Questions
Why do boats use VHF not UHF?
Although, VHF signal wavelength is longer, allowing it to travel farther than UHF. If you are planning to use radios outdoors and want farther signal reach, VHF may be the right option. Aviation and marine communication are conducted exclusively on VHF radios.
Do you need a licence for a VHF marine?
All marine VHF, MF and HF radios require the user and the vessel to hold a relevant licence. The vessel’s licence is like a car tax disc, but it is also the key to obtaining an MMSI number MMSI number, which will uniquely identify your vessel.
How far does a VHF radio reach?
A typical VHF station operates at about 100,000 watts and has a coverage radius range of about 60 miles.
Can anyone use a VHF radio?
Most countries require boaters to pass a test before they can use a VHF radio, but not the United States, which accounts for the widespread ignorance of proper VHF protocol on our waters. The point of radio jargon is to avoid ambiguity and to ensure that communications are clearly understood.
Do I need to register my VHF radio?
If you have VHF radio(s) on your boat, then you should have a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number, and it should be entered into your radio(s) and connected to your Global Positioning System (GPS).
How do I know if my radio is VHF or UHF?
When you’re shopping for two way radio systems, you’ll likely see the frequency expressed as MHz, or Megahertz, which measures the speed of electronic devices. Commercial two-way VHF radios typically have a high band of between 136-174 MHz, while commercial two-way UHF radios have a high band of 450-512 MHz.
Is UHF a marine radio?
Portable and waterproof dual-purpose VHF and UHF marine radios enable riders of Jet Skis and personal watercraft to stay in contact with their support crew or riding buddies – on water or land – with just one device.
What kind of radio do I need in a boat?
Very High Frequency (VHF) Radios Very High Frequency (VHF) radios have been around for many years and remain the primary means of communication for vessels throughout the United States. The main uses of a VHF radio are: Distress calling and safety. Ship to shore communications.
Should I use VHF or UHF?
The only time you will want to use VHF is if you are outside in a wide-open space like a field. VHF has smaller frequencies which means interference with other radios is common. UHF, on the other hand, is an all-around better signal for long distance communication.
Can VHF penetrate walls?
If you need a radio that will transmit over a long distance, you’ll need to opt for a VHF radio. These radios are able to transmit a long distance, in even the remotest of locations. However, this type of signal is not able to penetrate through buildings or other obstacles, so it can only be used in open spaces.
What is the primary disadvantage of VHF communications?
VHF, since it tends to bend with the curvature of the earth more than UHF, is ideal for outdoor applications where distance is the primary user need. However, a big disadvantage of VHF is that it does not work well indoors as it will not penetrate walls or reinforced concrete as well as UHF.
How far will a 25 Watt VHF radio transmit?
VHF marine radios are monitored 24 hours a day by the Cost Guard, and are essential in emergency situations. Boaters often mount radios with the legal limit of 25 watts and, depending on the height of the antenna, can reach communication distances as far as 60 miles or more.
How do I choose a marine VHF radio?
Look for a waterproof radio or GPS rated to the IPX7 standard. Leave any touted as “water-resistant” on the shelf. The man-overboard implications of nonfloating marine electronics should be obvious. Waterproof is nice — so long as you only drop your handheld VHF or GPS in warm, clear, shallow water.
Can you listen to marine radio on land?
That’s illegal. Marine VHF radios, whether fixed or handheld, may not be used on land, period. It’s the law. Once a VHF radio goes ashore, it cannot be used for marine band transmission (without a Coast Station License).
How far offshore will VHF work?
If you are planning an offshore voyage, you need to know VHF radios and cellular telephones are limited in range, usually no more than 15 to 25 miles from shore.
Do I need a radio Licence for my boat?
Do I Need A Marine VHF Licence? Anyone who uses a Marine VHF Radio needs a licence. If you are a sailor, powerboater, kayaker, angler or even a paddleboarder, you will most certainly need a marine radio.