Marine VHF radio is used for rescue communication by vessels at sea. It operates between 156-162 MHz and uses frequency modulation. Newer models have additional features like digital selective calling and weather broadcasts. Selectivity is the ability to receive desired signals clearly when traffic is high. Higher selectivity is needed in busy areas and provided by fixed-mount versus handheld radios. Key considerations for marine VHF radios include weather resistance, performance in high traffic, and a provider with quality products.

1. Marine VHF Radio: Enhanced
Protection for Boaters
Recue communication for seagoing vessels is
largely carried out through Marine VHF radio
which uses frequency range between 156.0 and
162.025 MHz called VHF maritime mobile band.
The regulations differ for vessels on river and
lakes but the main purpose remains
summoning rescue services and carrying out
communication with locks, ridges and marinas.
The set contains transmitter and receiver

2. operating for standard frequency channels.
Frequency modulation is used and it is
necessary to keep the antennas vertical for
optimum signal reception.
Features of Marine VHF Radio
The advent technology has brought about many
changes in this equipment allowing it provide
its users with many added features apart from

3. basic transmission and receiving capabilities. It
has a Digital Selective Calling (DSC) facility to
help you send distress message by pressing a
single button. The most common mode of
communication in this equipment is ‘simplex
transmission’ allowing single communication at
a time. Transmit button indicates whether it is
working as receiver or transmitter. At times
duplex transmission is also used when both
ends use full duplex. Duplex channel allows you
to make calls to public telephones for free. This
operation is similar to using mobile phones or
landline. Marine VHF radios can also help you
receive weather broadcast.

4. How to Decide Selectivity
Selectivity is explained as the ability of your
radio to concentrate on desired signal and
ignore the others. It determines the clarity of
the signals received when signal traffic is high
and the cost of the equipment is higher too.

5. The Three Criterion of Selectivity are:
Adjacent Channel Selectivity

6. Noise Rejection Ratio
Intermodulation Rejection
Ratio
Higher level of security is desired when radio
traffic increases. 70 dB rating is apt for high
traffic location mainly near large cities. Fixed

7. mount set give higher selectivity than the
handheld ones. This is an important
consideration to be taken care for before going
ahead with the purchase.
Points to Consider

8. There are certain specifications that your
Marine VHF radio must possess in order
to dually serve its purpose.
It should have a weather channel to give
you regular updates on weather conditions
High level of water resistance so that they
can be used easily in stormy conditions.

9. It is advisable to go for a provider that gives you
best quality product so that you get optimal
performance from your radio. It should be able
to perform well even during high traffic
situations.
IF you have any query related to Marine Vhf
Radios visit:
http://www.sailradios.com/Marine-
Communication-VHF-Radios-s/1825.htm