VHF Marine Radios: Why are they Necessary?

The advancement in the technology has brought about some significant changes in the manner we communicate with people. Sending a message from one part of world to other is easier than ever. You no longer have to rely upon a special device to deliver a message; a simple cellphone would just suffice for the purpose. On earth, communicating may not be a big deal, but out in the ocean it is. While riding the waves in the ocean, you traverse along uncharted territories where communication is implausible. 

There may arise some situations while you are out on your oceanic excursion, that you may need to send a message in the event of distress. In adverse situations, in order to retain your lifeline, getting someone to you might get tricky, unless you have marine radio equipment installed in your vessel. 

Significance of VHF Marine Radios

VHF marine radios are a popular medium of communicating with shore people and other ships. These are primarily two way radios that are ordinarily used by commercial ships and casual boaters chiefly in the inland and coastal regions. These radios are specifically built to tackle emergency situations and come in real handy in establishing communication.

VHF marine radios are essentially line of sight systems that have to maintain visibility to the receiving tower. The antenna of a VHF radio has to be in line with the antenna of a distant station. Typically VHF radios offer a range of 20 to 25 miles that is an effective range for this radio. The height of the antenna plays a crucial role in determining the range of the radio. The antenna height should be adjusted in such a manner that, it should be visible from the antenna of a distant station.  

Versions Available 

VHF marine radios are available in both hand-held and fixed mount versions. They both have certain advantages over one another. A hand-held marine radio is more portable in terms of handling and convenience. It is ideally suited for smaller boats that has no electrical systems and can be carried out easily. The range however, of a handheld radio is limited to fewer miles. On the other hand a fixed mount VHF radio, although has a much wider range than the hand-held ones, but they need to be mounted and can’t be carried around. 

Conclusion

It is recommended that while riding the waves of the ocean, both handheld and fixed mount vhf radios should be kept handy, one being a backup. Make sure you have your vhf marine radio standby on the channel 16 that is primarily for emergency situations.