Specific channels have been allocated for marine use. As the VHF marine band is similar worldwide boats traveling internationally are always able to communicate. There are 55 international marine channels, a similar number of private channels and some unique national channels. The USA and Canada employ a slightly different application of marine channels. When purchasing a radio it is important to ensure that it is type-approved in the country of intended use.
Built-In Radios
A fitted radio is usually preferable for vessels with battery power. As it is likely that the radio will be used whilst navigating and then again at the helm when entering or leaving port it is necessary to think carefully about the correct position for it before installing.
Hand-Portable Radio
Handheld VHF radios work in exactly the same way and share many of the features of their fixed equivalents. The advantages of a handset include portability, usefulness in an emergency and independence from the vessel's power and antenna whereas disadvantages relate to the power output and battery life. Handhelds are most suitable for small vessels without their own battery source, as emergency back-up to fixed radios or additional radios for crew and tenders.
MF/HF/SSB
Longer distance communications are achieved using an MF/HF/SSB radio. MF (medium frequency) has a range of up to 200-250 miles from shore and HF (high frequency) extends that range to thousands of miles and possibly globally. SSB (single side-band) is the mode that the radios use to communicate.
Digital Selective Calling
Radios other than hand-portables supplied after January 2001 feature digital selective calling (DSC). DSC allows the use of digital data, rather than voice, to transfer information between radios. DSC calls can also be made to individual ships or groups of ships while DSC distress alerts, which consist of a preformatted distress message, are used to initiate emergency communications with ships and rescue coordination centres.
Icom is a highly respected, world renowned manufacturer of marine radio equipment. Their marine products range from budget priced handsets for the small weekend runabouts to high powered fixed radios for the more serious mariners. Their water resistant/waterproof radios are equipped with large easy read displays and are designed to be simple to use. From the largest commercial vessels, to the smallest weekend runabouts, encompassing everything in-between, the Icom name guarantees complete reliability and quality.
