Assuming you are impervious to accidents leads to some reckless decisions. One decision that every boat owner should make is whether to purchase a VHF radio. Learn about the most important reasons to have a VHF radio and realize its significance.
What Is a VHF Radio?
Even if your vessel is under the required 65.5 feet, you are in safe hands if you have a very high frequency (VHF) radio on board. This tool offers immediate contact between your watercraft and other boaters, ports, crossings, and, most importantly, the US Coast Guard. It is the principal communication medium on coastlines and provides better results than a cellular telephone or CB radio. Most VHFs offer continuous access to weather reports, so you know if a storm is about to hit.
Why Do You Need a VHF Radio?
It would help if you had a VHF radio on board because of its reliability compared to other devices. Whenever a film depicts a disaster at sea, the actor immediately goes to their VHF radio to ask for assistance. Issuing a MAYDAY call is something you never want to have to do, but it may be the difference between life and death in some circumstances. A VHF lets you explain what you need from the phonetic alphabet, which you can display from flags for the emergency responders.
Benefits
Improve Sound Quality
VHF is responsible for the top-tier audio on FM radio and even some TV stations. In terms of sound quality, a VHF antenna is in a league of its own. These maritime VHF antennas are ideal for nautical interaction since the excellent clarity is sustained throughout the day, whereas other means of communication may struggle based on the circumstances. In fact, a user rarely has to relay their message multiple times because of the consistency.
Isn’t Interfered With
Since it’s rarely influenced by radio interference, the VHF range has witnessed an increase among law enforcement. If given a chance, most departments choose VHF radios to communicate with each other. Therefore, if you know the police prefer VHF for emergencies, you should invest in one for your boat.
Portable
Not only are VHF radios flat out better than other tools, but they’re cheaper and more flexible. VHF radios do not require the use of lengthy lines, loops, or expensive antennas. Being able to store easily and set one up makes its value skyrocket, considering other options are larger and more constrictive.
Disaster could strike at the most random time, and rarely is it preventable. A VHF radio helps relay your calls of distress, saving you, your patrons, and hopefully your ship. Knowing the most important reasons to have a VHF radio educates you on why you need one on board.