We gave our Gear Lovers one job:
Find the most reliable VHF marine radios and review the best of them.
Our review team always considers durability, price, quality, and value in their reviews.
Get a VHF Radio
Every sailor and boater should have a VHF marine radio. There are fixed mounted units with more range and handheld ones with more versatility. VHF stands for very high frequency sending and receiving marine radio communication by line of sight. These nautical products are units that are reliable and modern enough to work in today’s recreational sailing and boating conditions, in the United States, Canada and international waters.
VHF is not the same as GMRS radio or FRS two-ways. Read our guide to marine radios, which include explanations of how VHF works, as well as the different advantages and disadvantages of the handheld radios vs fixed mounted units. The Guide to VHF marine radios explains MMSI, DSC as well as other features that will make your boating experience safer and more enjoyable.
The quick answer, to what is the difference between fixed vs handheld VHF radios, is that fixed mounted units transmit longer distances, run on boat batteries and need an antenna.
Still unsure as to what vhf marine radio to choose? Check out our buying guide to know what to look for when buying a vhf marine radio.
The Top 5 VHF Marine Radios in 2024
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1
Best Budget: Uniden Atlantis 155 -
2
Floating, Tri-Watch: Cobra MR HH350 VHF Radio -
3
Sleek & Complete: ICOM 94D with AIS -
4
Great UX plus GPS: Standard Horizon HX890 -
5
Top Fixed Unit: ICOM M330G 31
All the VHF Marine Radios We've tested
This inexpensive, handheld VHF radio is a great backup for a fixed unit or serves you well in a kayak, on a paddle board or when out fishing within 2 or 3 miles from the shore. Though it’s compact and easily tucked into a pocket or cargo tray, it has one of the largest screens for its class. It has what you need when in distress with a reliable build and transmission capability at a really affordable cost.
- Dimensions: 10.8 x 4.5 x 2 inches
- Weight: 1.1 lb
- IPX7 Submersible Waterproof
- 1w/3w transmitting power
- Up to 10 hours battery life
- Channels: All USA, international & Canadian marine channels, all NOAA weather channels with alert
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Crazy affordable -
An amazingly compact device, great for narrow waterway navigation and harbors
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Good battery life
Things we don't like:
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Only 3-watt transmitting power limits range, making it good for mainly coastal activity in short range of other vessels or traffic
The Cobra MR HH350 is an inexpensive, floating VHF radio with impressive value. It’s submersible, making it a good option for smaller vessels. It has Tri-Watch monitoring that will provide safety and awareness for coastal cruising boats too.
It does not have DSC or AIS, but that’s expected at this price. With very good sound and an LCD screen that’s clear in daylight, Cobra’s entry-level marine radio punches above its weight.
- Output: 1W, 3W or 6W
- Battery: 7-16 hours
- Waterproofing: IPX7
- Dimensions: 2.09 x 2.66 x 4.75 inches
- GPS: No
- DSC: No
- AIS: No
- Dimensions: 2.09’’ x 2.66’’ x 4.75’’
- Weight: 9.6 oz.
Our Overall Review
Our review is based on experience with marine radios, researching VHF units and comparing and contrasting to other models.
Things we like:
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Makes a great secondary unit to fixed models
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Will do the job well as a primary for coastal excursions
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Quality-to-price value is impressive
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Buoyancy and the reflective orange strip make it easy to find and retrieve
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Solid construction
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IPX7 waterproof rating
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Noise-cancelling microphone
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Cobra’s 3-year warranty
Things we don't like:
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no dsc function
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no AIS
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Flimsy belt clip
The successor to the popular 93D, previously one of the best VHF radios, ICOM’s latest handheld unit hits it out of the ballpark with the 94D. This is the first handheld VHF radio with a built-in AIS receiver.
An ocean cruising backup or mobile unit, a primary waterway option as well as an excellent ditch-bag VHF, the 94D does what its predecessor did and more.
With tri-watch, DSC & AIS, MOB button and the flashing feature, safety and peace of mind are made better.
It’s easy to use and has all the right features and accessories to make marine activities safer. There’s a reason both kayakers and sailors have been praising this VHF.
There’s always banter between older sailors and newer mariners about the virtues of a chart plotter. The old-school comment, “can’t you read a map” doesn’t always reflect the trouble of navigating in fog or with so much boat traffic.
The 94D adds a simplified navigation system, one that fixed units have had for some time. We think this greatly improves the tools of safety for boaters in waterways and in tricky weather.
An AIS will show the location of other ships around, and at the same time reveal your position to them (albeit on AIS “B”), which commercial vessels can ignore.
With a 1500mW speaker that’s clear, even after a dunk in the drink–thanks to the AquaQuake and Float and Flash functions–and a directional control pad for easy navigation, the 94D is user-friendly and reliable.
This is the newest and possibly the best handheld VHF marine radio available. The price reflects that.
- Output: 1W or 6W
- Battery: 2400mAh Li-ion (7-10 hours)
- Waterproofing: IPX7
- GPS: Yes
- DSC: Yes
- AIS: Yes
- Dimensions: 2.4’’ x 5.7’’ x 1.7’’
- Weight: 12.6 oz.
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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AIS is great when standing at the bow in fog
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Directional control pad is nice
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PTT button sits in the right spot
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Battery life is good
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The dimmable LCD screen is easy to see in both sunlight and darkness
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Floats and Flashes even when turned off
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Up to 50 waypoints is good for fishing
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The most complete package of features in a handheld unit
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The included rapid charger is the new standard
Things we don't like:
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Nothing yet
Whether you use it as a primary marine VHF or to compliment a fixed unit, this Standard Horizon will serve you well. “Nothing takes to water like Standard Horizon” so goes their mission cry. SH is a 50-year old company that delivers a feature-packed do-everything VHF.
Between its rugged construction and ease of use, including an easy-to-read LCD screen, and a programmable operating system, the HX890 might just replace your smartphone. Well, maybe not, but with FM radio receiver, navigation assists, standard DSC, man overboard feature (MOB)–to name just a few–you can quickly see why this VHF costs a wee bit more than other units. But it’s worth it and you’ll have this for several nautical years. And the battery operating time of about 11 hours ain’t too shabby.
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
- Dimensions: 9.9’’ x 7.4’’ x 4’’
- 6W output power (down to 2/1 W)
- Battery: Lithium-Ion rechargeable
- Floats
- IPX8 submersible with water activated emergency strobe light
- FM Broadcast Radio Receiver
- WAAS GPS Receiver
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Strong as heck
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Easy to use
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Can use GPS to log position in concert with chartplotter
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Loud & Clear audio
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Takes normal alkaline batteries in a pinch
Things we don't like:
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A little too bulky to use one-handed
Going cruising? If you need a VHF either to replace an aged model or to upgrade safety, this compact unit won’t do you wrong. It’s a powerful and basic radio that works in the US, Canada and international waters with tri watch channel monitoring and GPS positioning to make your boat safer for yourself, your family and others who might need your assistance.
- Dimensions: 6.2 x 2.6 x 6 inches
- 1w/25w output transmission
- Internal GPS with puck antenna (needs to be point skyward)
- DSC
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Great build and quality
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Sound is superb
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The integrated GPS simplifies setup
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Very affordable for such a reliable, robust product
Things we don't like:
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There are buttons where there were knobs before. For fixed mount VHF knobs are nice!
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No NMEA input interfacing
Having a good fixed mount VHF on your boat when cruising is an established bit of wisdom by now. This marine two-way radio doesn’t disappoint. It has the features to get you out, around and home from ocean excursions (or Great Lakes adventures for that matter). With NMEA 2000 input this VHF interfaces beautifully with other devices like GPS giving you AIS mapping. ICOM makes some of the most dependable radios on the market and this one lives up to that reputation.
- Dimensions: 13 x 9 x 7 inches
- 1w/25w output transmission
- AIS and GPS compatible (requires connection to chartplotter)
- NOAA Weather information channels
- Foghorn and hailer function
- DSC
- All USA, Canada and international channels
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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User interface is simple
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Works with a 2nd station microphone
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Great audio
Things we don't like:
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No integrated GPS
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A little pricey
This basic yet feature-filled handheld VHF costs less than $100. It’s hard to imagine because the Uniden brand delivers reliability in a quality package. It’s pretty robust. Though not really compact, it’s small enough to be able to carry it around in your pocket (though it comes with a clip) and the battery will give you 10 hours of combined stand-by/talk-time. Surprisingly, it also has the triple watch feature allows you to monitor channel 9 & 16 while using another switch-over channel making it both useful and safe.
- Dimensions: 6.4’’ x 6.2’’ x 3.4’’
- Weight: 1.35 lb
- JIS8 Waterproof
- Transmits 1w/2.5w/5w strength
- All USA, Canada, International Channels
- Full NOAA weather stations
- Triple Watch scanning
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Crazy price for quality
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This two-way also has GMRS radio for land-based use (not requiring any license to operate)
Things we don't like:
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It’s slaved to the one charging dock
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No NMEA 0183 Interface
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No DSC
This handheld marine radio comes as close as you can get to packing in everything a fixed unit can do into a portable device. Starting with the bluetooth capable functions that give you extra communication (using the smartphone app) and including GPS (waypoint capable), this portable VHF provides all your nautical needs in a sturdy construction.
Add the flashlight, compass, wicked battery and the largest screen in its class (bigger event than the Atlantis 155) and you get a product that can do a lot more than other products. It also has NMEA 0183 output so it will communicate with other gadgets on board. Bigger than the M93D, it’s not as portable, but it can do just a little more.
- Weight: 1.4 pounds
- Dimensions: 10 x 6 x 2.5 inches
- 1w/2.5w/6w transmitting power
- IPX8 Submersible with strobe light
- Built-in Bluetooth and integrated GPS receiver
- DSC capable
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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It has all the features you get with a fixed unit
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Good battery life
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Compass and GPS give you a backup chartplotter
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Good, clear audio
Things we don't like:
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The belt clip seems a little flimsy
Like its big VHF brother, Standard Horizon’s HX870 is a handheld radio many mariners swear by. It does a reliable job and is versatile enough to work like an extension with GPS chartplotters. For extended coastal boating this radio can almost replace the more powerful fixed VHF models on account of its transmitting power and option for AA batteries.
- Size &: 2.44″ x 5.43″ x 1.69″ (without antenna),
- Weight: 2 pounds
- It floats and is totally waterproof (JIS8/IPX8)
- Built-in GPS so DSC can work without chartplotter
- Channels: ITU-R M493-13 Class D VHF, separate channel 70 receiver, all USA,Canada & international channels, NOAA weather channels with alerts
- Power: 1800mAh lithium-ion battery, with additional AA battery option
- Transmitter 1W, 2W & 6W
- Display:3″ full dot-matrix LCD
- Features: Group monitor, dual & triple watch, navigation, man overboard, scan, 10 favorite channels
- Extras: DSC, noise-canceling microphone, strobe light, 3-year waterproof warranty
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Great, clear audio
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Easy to use, quick to use
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Works as a redundant navigator with compass and gps
Things we don't like:
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The white LCD light is too bright and unpleasant at night
Even though this budget model might be overshadowed by the 3 biggest players, Cobra has been making two-way radios for a long time. The MRHH350 demonstrates this experience by combining all the features you need with an affordable price-tag.
It’s lightweight and compact enough to carry on you while you kayak or fish. The battery is also a winning component of this device, giving you days of standby usage. As long as you’re not planning to go diving with this VHF radio it’ll serve you well for half the price of other models.
- Dimensions: 4.75″ x 2.66″ x 2.09″
- Weight: 0.59 lbs
- Channels: All USA, Canada & international channels, 10 NOAA weather channels with alerts
- Power: 1000mAh lithium-ion battery giving you about 10 hours heavy-use
- Transmits 1W, 3W & 6W
- Display: 2’’ illuminated LCD
- Triple watch and memory scan
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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The battery is great
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It has all the basic features you need
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The price is almost unbeatable
Things we don't like:
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Even though it floats it should probably be listed as water resistant rather than waterproof. It won’t survive submersion very well
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No DSC
This small, lightweight unit has all the features you need, including tri-watch, float & flash, USB charging, aqua-quake to vibrate water out. There aren’t all the bells and whistles of higher end devices but the price of this VHF makes it a unit you should buy if in doubt. ICOM makes great products and their support is great too. It includes weather information channels too. For the casual cruiser or as a redundancy VHF or ditch bag radio this is a good choice as it doesn’t take up much space but does a pretty good job when needed.
- Weight: 1 pound
- Dimensions: 2.23 x 5.28 x 1.2 inches
- 1w/5w output
- Lithium-ion battery giving max 11 hours
- IPX7 submersible
- 3-year warranty
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Like the M93, this VHF radio feels great in the hand
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Compact and lightweight
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Very good programmable interface
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Good display with easy-to-read details
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Affordable and reliable
Things we don't like:
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No DSC or GPS, but that’s expected for this price point
From a solid brand comes a solid product. This GPS-enabled marine two-way might last you 15-20 years at a price that won’t break the bank. You get a quality radio that’s easy to install, easy to use and programmable to make your type of boating safer. This is suitable for a little coastal fishing, longer cruising trips and navigating river systems both on smaller boats as well as bigger ones. Having a 2nd station microphone capability can be great to have in some situations.
- Dimensions: 7.5 x 4 x 10 inches
- GPS integrated
- DSC
- NOAA Weather information channels
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Good, clear sound
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Always like the integrated GPS
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Good user interface with easy to navigate menus, knobs and buttons
Things we don't like:
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No NMEA interfacing
Lowrance is well-known in the fishfinding world. Their chartplotters are pretty good too. This VHF radio follows suit, giving you a simple form with all the necessities packed in. Using the microphone is very comfortable and the interface menu all makes a lot of sense. It’s a pretty smart two-way.
- Dimensions: 6.29 x 3.47 x 6.53 inches
- USA, Canada and international channels
- NMEA 2000 capable
- 2-year warranty
- DSC
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Simple interface without too many buttons for quicker use.
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The mic unit fits nicely in the hand with ergonomic design
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Easy to install with the gimbal bracket that comes with the VHF
Things we don't like:
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Maybe missing the option to add a 2nd station
Related Reviews
Guide to How VHF Radios Work
Warning: This Guide does not replace a proper VHF course–even though it offers the gist of it.
What is VHF Marine Radio?
VHF radio is a line-of-sight two-way communications system between ship-to-ship and from ship-to-shore. A very high frequency (VHF) marine radio is an essential piece of equipment on a boat when cruising beyond the bay or for navigating tricky ports. As essential as it is for safety, only nautical vessels greater than 65 feet are required to have one. Since 1920 mariners have been using a dedicated marine radio to avoid dangerous situations and to answer a SOS distress call.
With established frequencies for specific uses boats can communicate distress or ask about tides, currents, reefs, port conditions (including guest slips) and receive weather alerts. For this reason the most important channels to monitor or not for banter as two vessels cannot transmit at the same time. There are 4 channels dedicated to chatter not related to boat safety.
Boaters sailing through canals can also call ahead to find out the heights of bridges to avoid starring in the latest viral video of ships hitting bridges.
This compilation should serve as a warning.
In the video where the recreational boats lose a mast or get stuck inside the bridges it should serve as a reminder why skippers use marine radio to talk to bridge operators and nearby vessels.
Handheld VHF vs Fixed Mount VHF Marine Radios
There are two types of VHF units you can use, both having different characteristics and qualities.
The wide availability of VHF marine radios and the increased number of recreational sailors means there are a dizzying amount of sets to choose from with vastly different pricing. To begin with, sailors need to figure out which type of VHF is needed.
Marine radios that are fixed or portable do the same thing, but fixed sets can use an antenna atop a mast and can get more range (both transmission and reception) and generally have a more reliable power source (the boat’s).
In other words a fixed set can do much more than a handheld without fear of running low on power.
But the flipside to this last part is the batteries of a portable marine radio can get replaced or get recharged from solar panels, whereas a fixed VHF radio that runs on a boat’s power is useless if the marine battery gets pooched.
Some sailors will have both a fixed set and a cheaper portable VHF serving as backup, but others might rely on a cell phone. It’s always good to have redundancies especially considering cell coverage sucks on the water the further away from land you get.
What is a DCS?
Get a marine radio with a DCS. Most new handheld VHF radios and almost every fixed VHF set will have a digital selective calling (DSC) function. A DSC can send an automatic “mayday” call for help and can also request the position of a friend’s boat.
When a DSC button is pressed, an automatic SOS will go out to multiple channels (2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 16) at the same time, but only if an MMSI number has been registered to the boat. A DSC signal will make rescue easier by transmitting exact coordinates to the Coast Guard and other ships within range.
Additionally, a DSC-enabled device will constantly monitor for transmissions on channel 70, receiving and cutting through any channel to play a distress signal when activated by other vessels within range.
Check out this animated description of how emergency scenarios play out with a VHF radio.
Get an MMSI
Get an MMSI. Every VHF-DSC marine radio can get a unique identifier called a Maritime Mobile Service Identity number (MMSI), which is like a telephone number. The DSC function won’t send out a distress signal until an MMSI has been registered.
MMSI makes it possible for group communication on certain marine radios equipped with this feature, like the Standard Horizon HX870.
Some VHF devices have built-in GPS receivers or connect with a ship’s chartplotter in order to embed exact coordinates in case of emergency so responding ships and the coast guard will know exactly where to go. It goes without saying that crying wolf will result in a hefty fine as well as shame so only activate the mayday button if your ship is on fire or need immediate medical attention. Use channel 16 if your motor is caput and you’re stranded.
In the U.S. you can get an MMSI free of charge if you’re a member of BoatUS, Sea Tow Service International, Inc., or for $25 through Shine Micro, or possibly free of charge through the United States Power Squadrons.
An MMSI is assigned free-of-charge in Canada at Industry Canada online or at one of their offices.
An MMSI is registered to a specific vessel and once entered cannot easily be changed on each model. It’s necessary to have a vessel identification number and emergency contacts when signing up. Be warned!!! After you plug-in your MMSI number you can’t change it so easily, so make sure it’s the right code.
What is an Automatic Identification System (AIS)?
An AIS displays the activity of commercial vessels within a given vicinity. This includes heading and speed relative to one’s own position and will come in handy when cruising through narrow waterways or sailing into larger ports.
Through major commercial shipping lanes an AIS is a reliable collision avoidance tool. An AIS-equipped VHF will beep a warning when another AIS-registered vessel is approaching your own position.
All ships over 300 tons are required to have AIS transmitting all sorts of info including ship speed (SOG), draft, name, course (COG), etc. These vessels fall under Class A category help prevent any mishap.
Class B AIS aren’t as expensive and are embedded in some VHF radios for recreational use. In foggy conditions these units provide an overview of every large vessel plus all vessels with AIS-equipment.
VHF Marine Antennas
What is a dB rating on an antenna? All antennas have a dB rating, which indicates how focused an antenna’s signal transmission is and what emission shape it forms. With a higher dB rating an antenna’s signal form will get more focused in more narrow bursts getting more range if transmitted from a stable platform.
Smaller boats that heel over with waves will have a higher dB signal transmission interrupted more. Even antennas atop a sailboat with increased height may be better off with lower dB ratings.
The Radio, the Antenna & the Coaxial Cable: Keep this in Mind
Let’s assume you plan offshore cruising, where your vessel is steady and sturdy far out at sea, where land disappears for days on end. Getting a powerful fixed mount VHF radio makes sense, but without at least a 6db antenna with the thickest coaxial cable connecting it to your 25W transmitting unit, you won’t get the range you expect.
Important VHF Marine Radio Frequencies
Channel 9 and channel 16 are the most important VHF frequencies that sailors and boaters should monitor. While Channel 9 is used for important communication between vessels, Channel 16 is the SOS frequency (the international hailing and distress frequency) as well as the channel over which coast guard and weather alerts will be sent.
Don’t use Channel 16 for idle chatter. Even when calling the coast guard on 16, they’ll usually request switching over to another frequency.
When approaching a marina and you don’t know what radio frequency to use to “call them”, turn to channel 68 and you’ll get in touch with someone who can tell you about guest slips and water conditions for example.
Most Import Channels
NOAA Weather Radio Frequencies
What Does SOS Stand For?
SOS is a backronym, a word that is the same backwards and forwards. In morse code 3 dots make an “S” and 3 dashes make an “O” and can be repeated quickly until someone hears the easily recognizable broadcast that everyone knows is the international call for help.
Tips for Good VHF Radio Use
- Always monitor Channel 16
- Register a MMSI
- Remember the antenna for fixed sets
- Charge your handheld and have spare batteries
- Don’t cuss over the air and use only the designated channels for chitchat
- Connect unit to GPS when possible to make DSC work
Check Your Radio
Make a radio check to ensure its working. There are now a lot of automated radio check systems set up on different channels in the United States. Simply transmit “radio check, radio check, over” on one of the designated channels and listen to how clear you sound.
In Canada you can call out on channel 9 to get a radio check then switch to one of the dedicated recreational frequencies.
Check out a demonstration
What do waterproof ratings mean?
JIS “0” No special protection
JIS “1” Vertically dripping water shall have no harmful effect (Drip resistant 1)
JIS “2” Dripping water at an angle up to 15 degrees from vertical shall have no harmful effect (Drip resistant 2)
JIS “3” Falling rain at an angle up to 60 degrees from vertical shall have no harmful effect (Rain resistant)
JIS “4” Splashing water from any direction shall have no harmful effect (Splash resistant)
JIS “5” Direct jetting water from any direction shall have no harmful effect (Jet resistant)
JIS “6” Direct jetting water from any direction shall not enter the enclosure (Water tight)
JIS “7” Water shall not enter the enclosure when it is immersed in water under defined conditions (Immersion resistant)
JIS “8” The equipment is usable for continuous submersion in water under specified pressure (Submersible)
Demonstration of a radiocheck:
Beyond radio checks there are also antenna/vhf testers that monitor signal strength of both outgoing and incoming signals.
They vary in price from $30-$250. As long as radio checks with actual people are done from time to time, the cheapest model will suffice.
To complement VHF communication, and especially useful for boaters and yachters crossing the Atlantic, internet for boats is a great asset for both weather info and to stay in contact with, well, everyone and everything. Starlink is quickly becoming the main internet on the water product for combining affordability with functionality.
Then again, if radio checks over the air with automated services or with other boaters are carried out, a tester might be an unnecessary cost.
Some Marine VHF Radio Lingo
Depending on the quality of the connection between units, which is determined by the VHF models and antennas involved, it can be a bit challenging to understand each other. If you look at the nautical flag list, which has essentially an alphabet, there are flags like “whiskey” to represent “W”. Each of these also has a corresponding morse.
Head over to the nautical flags guide to learn more about this. Otherwise, here are some common VHF expressions:
- “Can I get a radiocheck, over.”
Ask the coast guard on channel 16 to confirm signal strength and clarity of your unit. They will likely request switching to another channel like 67 or 68.
- 5-5
Second World War communications speech indicating the strength of signal from a scale of 1-5; and the clarity of the transmission on a scale of 1-5
- Over
Break. Used to indicate the end of sentence and opening up frequency for transmission, letting other unit operators know they can respond.
- Roger
Indicates understanding. Roger that, often used to say, I get it.
- What’s your position, over
Request location.
- Over and out
End of conversation
- Pan Pan
The equivalent of sending a distress call with DSC. Use this only when in dire straits.
If you already have a vhf marine radio or you just bought one, leave a comment in the comment section below and share your experience with it.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need to take a course to learn how to use a VHF radio when boating. But many people have a VHF unit on board, either because it came with the vessel they bought or to be able to respond to distress calls from other boaters. If you hear a distress call, you should answer it. There will likely be only appreciation as the form of consequence if you use a VHF in this situation.
VHF radios are line-of-sight communication devices that will only transmit 5-10 miles depending on the unit and if there is an external antenna. Some sailboats equipped with antennas on their masts can transmit and receive longer distances. While this short range communication is good for localized chatter, Coast Guard stations can both transmit and receive over longer distances because of the height of their towers. Handheld VHF radios with transmission power of 6W will transmit over longer distances than units with only 5W for example. When choosing the best VHF unit, remember that when deciding between fixed mounted (up to 25W) or the more mobile versions.
VHF radios, usually for marine use, are line of sight 2-way communication devices. The higher the antenna, the further it travels before getting smothered by the curvature of the planet. For best results, a fixed mounted VHF radio with an antenna atop a sailboat mast will transmit furthest. Read more about it here.
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Comments
In any yacht, a Very High Frequency radio, or VHF radio, is a need. You can communicate even when there is no mobile service with this hand-held device, which can also be mounted in a boat. It works by sending and receiving signals through an antenna.
Totally agree. Most bigger yachts come kitted out with them anyways, but some older ones benefit from newer models. Thanks Tom.
Hey Jackie. The floating/waterproof part isn’t too much of an issue, rather it’s the transmitting power part and the price point. The best handheld I’d recommend is the ICOM IC-M93D, which is sleek and compact enough, but more expensive than you want. It also has the quake function to clear water out of the mic and speakers.
It’s little brother–ICOM M25 21-has the transmitting power and better affordability, but not the quake function.
Another option is the Uniden Atlantis 275. I haven’t tested it with water, but it by all accounts it deals with spray and rain just fine. As a normal VHF, I’ve a good impression of it and it’s pretty compact.
Kayaker with very small hands seeking smallest affordable (under $150), waterproof, floating handheld vhf (example: tired HX210 but too bulky).
Ohoy Capt. You got yourself a good unit and it’s worth repairing. Icom has some pretty decent service, even if your fixed VHF is out of warranty. It’ll cost you about $90 for them to even look at your device and maybe even $150 after parts & labor, but it should be an easy fix. You can contact them about it here: https://icomamerica.com/en/support/repair/default.aspx
Good luck and good wind.
Can my sun damaged display glass be repaired IC M 504?
would like advice on a vhf radio for 22′ with internal gps and nmea2000
Hey Tom,
Thanks for your comments. A reliable VHF is really important. I’d like to see more mariners with them and with the VHF course too, because it makes everything and everyone safer out there. Safe means more fun.
Good wind
We are a non-profit and we monitor boat and land excursions, we also coordinate rescues when needed. We have tried other popular brands but these radios are the ones we trust. They are compact in size but very durable and reliable.