Marine radios, also known as VHF marine radios, come equipped with various functions designed to facilitate communication and enhance safety at sea.
Here are common functions found on marine radios:
Channel Selection: Ability to select different VHF channels for communication. Channel 16 is the international distress and calling frequency.
Dual Watch/Tri-Watch: Dual Watch allows monitoring two channels simultaneously, while Tri-Watch adds a third channel (usually Channel 16) for distress calls.
Digital Selective Calling (DSC): DSC enables the automatic transmission of distress signals and other predefined messages, providing a more efficient and reliable means of communication during emergencies.
Distress Button: Dedicated distress button for manually initiating DSC distress alerts, which can include vessel identification and location information.
Position Reporting: Some marine radios with built-in GPS can transmit vessel positions as part of DSC messages.
Weather Channels: Access to weather channels for receiving real-time weather forecasts and updates, aiding in trip planning and safety.
NMEA Connectivity: Network Standard for connecting marine electronics, enabling integration with other onboard systems like GPS and chart plotters.
Automatic Identification System (AIS) Compatibility: Integration with AIS for receiving information about nearby vessels, including their identification, position, and course.
Backlit Display: Illuminated display for easy visibility, especially during low-light conditions.
Battery Voltage Monitoring: Some radios have the ability to monitor the voltage of the boat's battery, providing warnings if the voltage drops below a certain level.
Scanning Features: Scanning functionality allows users to scan through selected channels to monitor multiple frequencies.
Voice Distortion Reduction: Features like noise-cancelling microphones and voice distortion reduction enhance communication clarity, especially in
noisy environments.
Waterproof Design: Marine radios are typically designed to be waterproof or water-resistant, ensuring functionality even in wet conditions.
Built-in Speakers: Speakers for receiving incoming transmissions and announcements.
Squelch Control: Squelch settings help filter out background noise when a channel is not actively transmitting.
Selectable Power Levels: Ability to adjust the power output based on the communication range required
.External Speaker/Microphone Jack: Ports for connecting external speakers or microphones for added flexibility.
Channel 70 DSC Watch: Monitoring Channel 70 for incoming DSC calls and alerts.
Understanding and familiarising yourself with these functions is crucial for effectively using a marine radio and ensuring safe and reliable communication on the water. Always adhere to local regulations and use the radio responsibly.
For more Marine Radio Licence information please visit our website at True North Marine
For quick and secure Marine Radio Licence enrolments please use this link: Marine Radio Enrolments