WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A VHF MARINE RADIO
When you’re working offshore, it’s vital that you’re able to maintain contact with those both at sea and on land. In fact, your maritime mission depends on it. If a crisis occurs, you need to be able to depend on reliable communication in a rapidly changing environment.
It’s in situations like these where a VHF Marine Radio is valuable, enabling you to remain securely connected in a marine context and shielding you from any potential harm.
For people that work offshore often, using a specific radio system known as a VHF radio enables them to stay in contact easily with co-workers, ports, harbours and in the event of an emergency, the coastguard.
Making sure you have the right model of VHF radio is essential in making sure you get the full benefits of this equipment. With a VHF marine radio, you will be secure in the understanding that, if required, you will be able to convey information swiftly and straightforwardly, reducing risk and enabling you to work more effectively.
With this in mind, NRC have prepared a little checklist of what features you may want to think about when choosing a marine radio and what to be mindful of before you set out.
Radio Types
VHF radio commonly come as either fixed or handheld. Which variety you choose will of course be shaped by the nature of your activity and personal needs.
A handheld console is usually more suitable for smaller craft like dinghies, jet skis, or sea canoes, vessels where space is limited and the higher possibility of water ingress and a longer life battery, alleviating the prospect of a damaged or dead set.
Handhelds additionally benefit from an accessible interface and a clearer display, therefore making it easier to use if you are wearing gloves or more importantly are in a pressure situation.
DSC Handheld radios, also have the benefit of a fantastic safety feature, whereby each console is identified using a unique MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) number, which is able to transmit a distress signal together with your craft identity data and a location.
Fixed consoles on the other hand allow for extended range for craft venturing further away from shore, this makes a fixed radio set more suitable for ships, large motorboats and yachts.
Fixed VHF sets also have some additional benefits:
They have a dedicated button, alerting other vessels and the emergency services to your location.
Some systems with a remote microphone added can be utilised as an intra-vessel intercom system.
Some systems also come with external horns as a warning to people or vessels in the surrounding area.
Certificate
Make sure you have a Marine Radio Certificate, this is a legal requirement.
Accessories
Make certain any set comes equipped with the appropriate accessories, such as
• charger
• antenna
• battery
• belt clip
At NRC communications, we lease out an extensive range of VHF marine radio sets to a variety of customers.
