Why Every Boat Needs a VHF Radio
A VHF (Very High Frequency) marine radio is the single most important safety device on your boat after life jackets. Unlike cell phones, VHF radios work when cell coverage doesn't, broadcast distress calls to every boat in range, connect directly to the Coast Guard, and allow rescuers to home in on your location. Many boaters who've survived emergencies credit their VHF radio as what saved their lives.
Fixed Mount vs. Handheld
Fixed-mount radios are wired to the boat and typically run 25 watts. They have longer range (20–30+ miles depending on antenna height), are waterproof as part of the installation, and connect to a dedicated antenna for best performance. Every boat should have one if possible.
Handheld VHF radios run on batteries and transmit at 1–6 watts. They're portable, work as a backup, and are great for dinghy use. Every person on a boat should know where the handheld is and how to use it.
The Channels You Need to Know
| Channel | Use |
|---|---|
| 16 | International distress, calling, and safety. Always monitor this channel. Required by law in US waters. |
| 22A | US Coast Guard working channel. After contact on 16, switch to 22A. |
| 9 | Boater calling channel (alternative to 16 for non-distress calls). |
| 68, 69, 71, 72, 78A | Non-commercial recreational boater working channels. |
| WX1-WX9 | NOAA weather broadcasts. Check before every trip. |
Proper Radio Procedure
Marine radio has its own language and protocol. Using it correctly makes communication clear and professional:
- Say the name of the station you're calling first, then "This is" followed by your vessel name
- Speak clearly, at a moderate pace
- Say "Over" when you're done speaking and waiting for a response
- Say "Out" when the conversation is complete
- Never say "Roger" and "Out" at the same time — it's "Roger, Out" if you understood and are ending the call
Example call to a marina:
"Harborview Marina, Harborview Marina, this is Sea Star, Sea Star. Over."
Wait for response.
"Harborview Marina, this is Sea Star. Requesting a slip for tonight. Over."
How to Make a Mayday Call
A Mayday call is for immediate danger to life or vessel. If you need to call one, do it without hesitation. The format:
- "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday"
- "This is [vessel name], [vessel name], [vessel name]"
- "Mayday [vessel name]"
- "Our position is [GPS coordinates or description]"
- "We are [nature of distress: sinking, fire, medical emergency]"
- "We have [number of persons] aboard"
- "We require [type of assistance needed]"
- "Over"
Repeat if no response. Switch between sending and listening. If you have a DSC radio, press and hold the Distress button for 5 seconds first — it automatically sends your GPS position to the Coast Guard and all nearby DSC-equipped vessels.
DSC: Digital Selective Calling
Modern VHF radios include DSC (Digital Selective Calling). When connected to your GPS and registered with the MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) number, pressing the Distress button sends an automated digital alert with your GPS coordinates, vessel identity, and nature of distress — all before you say a word. Register your MMSI at BoatUS or Sea Tow for free.
Radio Etiquette and Rules
- Monitor Channel 16 at all times when underway
- Keep transmissions short and relevant
- Never use Channel 16 for chitchat — initiate on 16, then agree on a working channel
- Handheld VHF is not required, but a fixed-mount is required on vessels in some circumstances
- FCC license required for VHF radios used in international waters
Your VHF radio is only useful if you know how to use it before an emergency. Practice making a radio call on a calm day. Know where your radio is, how to switch channels, and exactly what to say if things go wrong. That 2-minute practice could be the most valuable thing you do this boating season.
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