Safety equipment is very crucial resource and every sailor must be fully equipped before going on a sea trip. Marine VHF radio is one such instrument that is in use for decades to avoid collision in sea and direct vessels in the right direction. These radios are used as an aid to keep you on the right track and call for aid when in distress. These radios operate on very high frequencies i.e. between 156 MHz to 162 MHz dedicated for marine communication. Different types of radios are used for different types of vessels, as small boats require different type of radio than large ships etc.
These radios operate on simplex mode of transmission that means the transmitter and receiver operator one by one and there is a button that helps you switch between the two modes. Some radios also use duplex transmission that provides for simultaneous receiving and sending of messages. These radios have seen a lot of changing with the advancements and technology and now it is a very effective and user-friendly safety device for sailors.
The device should be able to perform well in rugged weather; it should give you optimum performance even when used for long period. The device should be waterproof and lightweight so that it is handled easily. The signal reception should be great even when in poor weather conditions so that you can ensure the safety o your vessel. It is important that you don’t compromise with the quality of these radios as they play an important role in determining your safety on board.