posted by Admin on Nov 28

Marine VHF Radio

Executive Summary of  MarineVHF Radio by Arran James

Marine Vhf

A  Marine VHF 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. A Marine 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. No vessel should leave port without a Marine VHF radio system onboard.

Types of VHF sets:

Non-DSC sets

Increasingly the boat without VHF DSC radio will be at a disadvantage.

Portable sets with a very limited DSC facility are available. Marine VHF DSC radio sets

From 2001 all new non-portable radios sold must be VHF-DSC or be capable of being converted to DSC by the addition of an extra ‘black box’. Other controllers for VHF DSC are available to meet the requirements of ships. The range of transmission of Marine VHF radio telephones is limited by a number of factors. When talking from yacht to yacht expect a range of 10 to l5 miles with aerials fitted at the tops of the masts. Those commonly fitted to yachts are known as ‘unity gain’ aerials. The better range of a ‘high gain’ motor cruiser aerial is only achieved if it is mounted vertically.

Transmitting range is also affected by the transmitting power of the set. Powerful signals cause more inference to other radio users. Try to use low power for all routine communications. A portable VHF set has yet another type of aerial. The low aerial height and a maximum power output of 5 watts reduces the range of transmission of these sets. Between portable radios the range can be up to 5 miles, increasing to 10 miles to a Coastguard station, if there is no land in the way! Ranges can be influenced by:

• Atmospheric conditions, especially high pressure, can increase the range and cause interference from distant stations.
  Land. A portable radio has a range of 5 miles to another portable, 10 miles to a Coastguard Station.

All distress calls should be transmitted on high power.

For maximum range, situate the aerial as high as possible, but realistically expect a greatly reduced range. A portable radio could be useful under these circumstances!

Check out my other guide on Marine Radio

TOP Marine Vhf Product Reviews

Midland NTVP1 Nautico 5 Watt 88 Channel VHF Marine...	Customer Review: In the reviews I read, several people complained about ease of operation. As long as you can learn your way around 3 buttons, all functions are readily available. It did take a couple of practice sessions to learn. Transmission and reception are exac... Read More	(31)
Icom IC-M72 Handheld Marine VHF Radio...	Customer Review: Let's say you fall off your boat with one of these babies in your pocket - it will actually work - with a water removal system for the speaker. "Hey Honey, I kind of fell over the side - yes, off the stern - see me? Great! how come you're not turning... Read More	(3)
TRAM 1600-HC 38- Inch VHF Marine Antenna...	Customer Review: I have this mounted on the masthead of my Compac16.<br />The antennae works well but, I have noticed some oxidation. It makes me wonder about the quality of the stainless steel used. I'm rinsing after use now.<br /><br />Otherwise, ... Read More	$31.99 (6)
Global Maritime Distress Safety System: Safety, Re...	Customer Review: Click Here for More Info	$58.00
TRAM 1620-HC 8-Ft VHF Marine Antenna...	Customer Review: The item was excellent and the price fantastic,The shipping time was really fast.<br />This was a memorable transaction and if I need something else I will definately do business with them again.... Read More	$55.99 (3)