Do I Need a VHF Radio on my Boat? I Have a Cell Phone After All.

The short answer is, yes, you most definitely need a VHF radio or 2-way radio particularly if you boat any significant distance from the shore. But, why? If you get into trouble you can simply call the authorities on your cell phone, right? Well…maybe and maybe is not the answer you want in an emergency. The following are the reasons you need a VHF radio on your boat in addition to your cell phone.

VHF Radios Can Operate Without a Network

Imagine that you find yourself in an emergency situation and you are offshore and away from cell towers. Or maybe you are not that far offshore, but the day is very overcast and your phone is having difficulty obtaining reception. You need to contact the authorities or other support and you look down at your phone and see no or maybe only one of those coveted bars. With VHF radios you never have to worry about losing service. While cell phones rely on cell reception, data, and wifi, two-way radios are a self-contained communications network. This means that if for whatever reason cell phones aren’t working, your two-way radio is there at the ready.

They Can be Waterproof and Sandproof

Certain two-way radios are built to withstand very harsh environmental conditions. Rain, sand, extreme cold do nothing to stand in the way of these rugged radios as many two-way radio models are waterproof and sand-proof. Some can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes, in a depth of three feet, and still be functional.

They Can Greatly Improve Efficiency & Responsiveness

Multiple people can be dispatched at one time reducing the need to call people individually. In addition, everyone involved in an emergency situation can communicate instantly assuring help is on the way as quickly as possible and all involved can stay in touch in the meantime.

They Can Communicate Across Great Distances

With the right technology in place, a two-way radio’s coverage can be extended across a very wide distance - 30+ miles. Obstacles in a radio’s line of sight will block or diminish its signal, but more powerful antennas can substantially extend this distance.

They Can be Reached by Telephone

Many two-way radios have what’s called a telephony feature, which allows for communication between the radio and a landline, or cell phone. This is possible because radio base repeater stations can be connected to telephone networks. Telephony functions are very helpful if there might be a need to communicate with people who don't have a two-way radio. This said, emergency and rescue organizations are very used to communicating with two-way radios.

Long Battery Life – Backup Communications

Fixed VHF radios are powered by the boat’s electrical system. However, handheld 2-way radios generally have longer battery lives than your cell phone and serve as great backup communication devices.

VHF Radios Have A Lot of Uses Beyond Emergency Communications

Radio ahead for a berth at a marina or maybe you want to chat with a passing boat for advice on entering a new channel. Do keep in mind, however, marine VHF radios, whether fixed or handheld, may not be used on land - it’s the law. Once a VHF radio goes ashore, it cannot be used for marine band transmission without a Coast Station license. While your marine VHF radio cannot be used onshore, many boaters find 2-way radios not using a marine band transmission – think walkie talkie from your childhood – handy for communicating fairly short distances with friends and family while onshore.

Featured VHF Radios

There is a very wide assortment of VHF radios for marine use. The following is a selection of radios we like - different price points, different features, and different brands. A very broad selection of additional VHF radios and accessories are available at Partsvu.com.

ICOM M25 Floating VHF - 5W

Float'n Flash - the ICOM M25 floats and lets you know where it is with the flashing red LED light and
LCD/key backlight
11-hour battery life and USB charging
Slim body and lightweight
Large LCD, simple user interface
550mW audio output
IPX7 waterproof construction (1m depth of water for 30 minutes)
4-step battery life indicator
Weather channel with weather alert (USA version only)
Instant access to Channel 16 or programmable call channel
Monitor function opens noise squelch
Auto-scan function
LCD auto backlighting

Learn more about the ICOM M 25

ICOM M93D Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver with GPS

The M93D radio is professional and stylish with an easy-to-use interface. The M93 is slender, has a 2-tone body, is feature-rich and smart. Enjoy Icom's continued tradition of Float'n Flash, AquaQuake™, and Active Noise Cancelling. The M93D will keep you safe with integrated GPS - providing location, bearing, and speed. Plus this handheld meets ITU-R M493-13 Class D DSC with a dedicated built-in DSC receiver for CH 70. Icom's new M93D is built for the serious boater. Learn more

Standard Horizon HX300 Floating Handheld VHF

The HX300 is an extremely compact 5W handheld VHF radio. If dropped overboard, a flashing strobe light is activated to help recover the unit. Key features include programmable scan, priority scan, tri-watch and dual-watch functions, 10-channel presets, 600mW internal audio speaker, and an easily operated menu.

Submersible IPX8 - 5FT for 30 minutes
Floating
5 Watt transmit power
Unique USB charging system
E2O (Easy To Operate) menu system
Volume & squelch indication on the display
Water-activated LED light
Preset Key (Maximum 10 channels)
Preset channel scan function
600 mW loud internal speaker audio
NOAA Weather channels
Programmable Scan, Priority Scan, Dual watch and Tri Watch
Supplied with 1560 mAh 3.7V Li-Ion Battery, AC USB Plug and charging cable
Belt clip
Dimensions: 2.3"H x 5"H x 1.3"D

Learn more about the Standard Horizon HX300 Floating Handheld

Ocean Signal SafeSea V100 GMDSS VHF Radio

The Ocean Signal range of survival craft VHF hand portable radio-telephones exceeds the requirements of IMO, SOLAS, and GMDSS.

Lithium polymer rechargeable battery option available with rapid charger, for everyday normal use
Fully waterproof, even 40C thermal shock
High-efficiency transmitter for maximum battery life
The rugged design exceeds GMDSS environmental requirements
Lithium primary battery for emergency use
Novel battery protection tab protects from inadvertent use
Battery provides in excess of 16 hours of typical operation
High contrast, backlit LCD, and keypad
Rugged accessory socket option; waterproof to IP68 for use with headsets, helmets, fist mikes, etc.
4 scanning modes, D/W, T/W, scan, and memory scan
21 simplex channels according to IMO SOLAs requirements

Learn more about the SeaSafe V100

ACR SR203 GMDSS Survival Radio

The SR203 GMDSS Survival Radio meets all the requirements of the IMO for carriage on SOLAS vessels. Built tough for all marine applications and easy to use in an emergency situation, the SR203 is the ideal choice for mandatory and voluntary carriage. The digital display and control buttons are backlit making operation in low light environments simple. Once activated, the SR203 is automatically tuned to channel 16 and has a single push channel 16 call button to quickly return to the emergency channel. The SR203 boasts an exceptional battery life of over 16 hours (@ -4°F (-20°C)) thanks to its highly efficient transmitter designed to maximize battery life. The innovative battery protection tab means the primary battery can be permanently attached to the radio without fear of losing its charge. The radio will always be available for use in times of emergency without the need to remove protective labels. Simply break off the red protective tab and the radio will be immediately ready to turn on to channel 16. For everyday use, ACR offers a lithium polymer rechargeable battery option. The quick-release rapid charger provides the ideal solution for keeping the batteries fully charged. Learn more

Standard Horizon GPS Fixed Mount Radios

Common features include:

Integrated 12 Channel WAAS GPS receiver
GPS antenna built-in to the front panel allows reception when bracket or flush mounted
Ultra-thin and compact rear case design (3.5" depth)
Meets ITU-R M493-13 Class D DSC (Digital Selective Calling)
Navigation to a DSC Distress Call with compass page
GPS Compass display
Navigation (LAT/LON, SOG, and COG) information shown on the display
Submersible JIS-8 1.5M (4.92Ft) for 30 minutes
Noise-canceling microphone with channel UP/DOWN, 16/9, and H/L keys
NOAA weather channel selection with alert
Programmable scan, priority scan, and dual watch
Preset key stores up to 10 favorite channels, with scan function
Customizable channel names
Oversized dot matrix display
NMEA Input and output of GPS information to other NMEA compatible devices
Programmable soft keys
Capable of connecting to a Second Station RAM3 Remote Access Microphone

Learn more about the Standard Horizon GPS Fixed Mount Radios

Need to Extend Your Range? Elevation is the Key

Mounted antennas in a variety of lengths will extend your VHF communications range considerably. The COMROD AV60P-8 is one option. It is a high-quality gain antenna designed for the maritime VHF radio telephone service. It is a high-quality antenna with durable construction and a beautiful finish for installation on all kinds of vessels. Learn more about the COMROD AV60P-8