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Why Do I Need a VHF Radio?
What is VHF (very high frequency) radio and when do boaters need one? Depending on the kind of boating you do, you may need a VHF radio for communication, especially emergency communication, on your Bayliner boat.
VHF radio or cellphone – what’s better?
You may only need a cellphone when boating in areas with good cell coverage such as marinas, harbors and inland waterways like lakes and rivers. You can have private conversations on a cellphone and since you already have one and know how to use it, there’s no additional cost or training needed.
VHF radios are specifically designed to work in the marine environment and have added benefits over phones such as being waterproof, having dedicated weather channels to receive a forecast (without an app), and being monitored by the Coast Guard so they can be a more direct way of calling for help. VHF has greater reach across open water than a cellphone when you’re more than three miles offshore but operates line-of-sight so it doesn’t work well around island corners or inside recessed coves. VHF radio can be a handheld device or a fixed mount model on your Bayliner.
When you’ll need a VHF
If you take your Bayliner boat on coastal cruises or offshore, you’ll need a VHF radio. This is especially important when calling the Coast Guard or a marine towing company for help. You can also reach boaters near you who are the most likely to be on scene first and be able to render assistance in a timely manner. VHF radio is one-to-many communications device which means others can hear you on a specified channel. That’s good when you need help, but not great when you want to tell a buddy about your secret fishing spot.
How to use a VHF radio on your Bayliner
VHF radio has many channels and they’re to be used properly. Channel 16 is the hailing and distress channel used when you need help or to call other boats around you that also have a VHF. Turn on the VHF, press the button to talk, say the name of the party you’re calling three times, then say your vessel name once and “over”.
Once you’ve reached your party (a towing service or another boat), switch to another agreed-upon frequency (channel) to continue the conversation. Don’t tie up Channel 16 which needs to be kept clear for other calls.
If you’re making an emergency call, tell the Coast Guard the nature of your emergency, your location, the number of passengers, a description of the vessel and any medical issues or injuries. Stay on Channel 16 until the Coast Guard asks you to switch frequency. You should keep your VHF radio turned on and monitoring Channel 16 at all times when you’re under way to receive information or to render assistance to other boaters.
Additional features of a VHF radio
VHF has added features that cellphones don’t offer. Digital Selective Calling (DSC) alerts all boats in your area plus the Coast Guard of distress on your vessel at the push of one button. DSC works with GPS so it relays your location simultaneously, so you get help fast.
Automatic Identification System (AIS) identifies ships in your area that are similarly equipped and provides information on their bearing, course, speed, and name. AIS is a collision avoidance system and many VHF radios have this feature built-in to keep you safe at times of reduced visibility like at night or in fog.
When you can’t pull up your favorite weather app, you can still receive weather status and forecasts on VHF Channels 1, 2 and 3.
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