1.14 Summary
VHF is your lifeline at sea, providing rapid contact with rescue services and other vessels.
Used for:
- distress, urgency and safety communications
- ship-to-ship communication
- communication with shore stations and ports
Important channels:
- Channel 16: distress and calling
- Channel 70: DSC (Digital Selective Calling)
- Working channels: routine communication
DSC automatically transmits a distress alert containing the vessel’s MMSI, position, and time.
VHF communication requires a clear line of sight between antennas and provides reliable coverage independent of mobile phone networks.
To types of VHF radio:
- Fixed VHF radio: long range
- Handheld VHF radio: portable and ideal as a backup
Important functions:
- Dual Watch
- Squelch
- Simplex/Duplex
Priority of communications:
- Distress (MAYDAY)
- Urgency (PAN-PAN)
- Safety (SECURITÉ)
- Routine