Marine VHF Radio

A short-range marine radiocommunication system operating in internationally allocated very-high-frequency channels.

It supports ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore, port operations, safety broadcasts and distress, urgency and routine calls. Fixed sets may include Digital Selective Calling linked to position information, while handheld sets provide portable local communication.

Range is mainly line of sight and depends strongly on antenna height, power and obstruction. Operators must use correct channels and procedures and meet applicable station-licence and operator-certificate requirements, except that distress communications must not be delayed.