What Is a Marine Radio (and How Do You Use One)?

What is a marine radio? Having one and knowing how to use it can help make your day on the water safer and more enjoyable.

A marine radio is an essential part of nautical communication. It's a device used on boats for navigation, safety, and coordination with other vessels in the area. This kind of radio operates on VHF (Very High Frequency) radio waves and is a crucial tool for every boater. 

Unlike cell phones, marine radios can be used for reliable communication in remote areas where cell towers are absent and phones lack coverage. Perhaps most importantly, they help you call for help when boating accidents or other emergencies happen on the water.

Here's what to know about using a marine radio and when it's best for communication and other vessel needs.

When Would You Use a Marine Radio?

You'll want to use a marine radio in some specific situations, generally for ease of communication and to protect yourself and others around you.

These situations include:

• Emergency Situations: Calling for help if your boat is in distress. 
• Weather Updates: NOAA Weather Radio provides real-time forecasts and warnings, which can be used alongside maritime weather warning flags.
• Navigational Assistance: Communicating with marinas, bridges, and locks for safe passage.
• Boat-to-Boat Communication: Talking to nearby vessels to coordinate movements or relay information, including interactions with friends or family on other boats.
• Harbor or Docking Coordination: Contacting harbormasters or marinas when entering port. 

When everyone communicates using the same device and specific channels, it reduces risks on the water. You don't want to take the chance of colliding with another vessel, for example, because you were using your cell phone to talk to the marina, and they were using VHF to interact with the harbormaster.

Everyone should use the same channels and methods for safe boating.

How to Use a Marine VHF Radio

Understanding how to use a marine VHF radio is critical to boating safely.

To start, turn on the radio and set it to the proper channel. Then, adjust the squelch knob to minimize background noise. Once you've done that, use the microphone's push-to-talk button and speak clearly.

When using a marine VHF radio, you should identify yourself, state your location, and communicate your message directly and concisely. Listen before transmitting to avoid interfering with other communication on that same channel, and speak when you have a clear break to do so.

Understanding Coast Guard Radio Channel and Emergency Channel Options

What channel should you use? Follow the Coast Guard radio channel and other emergency channel specifications to make sure you can contact the right people when needed.

Here are the main channels you need to know and remember before your next boating adventure.

• Channel 16 (156.8 MHz): This is the primary emergency and distress channel monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard.
• Channel 22A: After initial contact on Channel 16, this channel is used for non-emergency communications with the Coast Guard.
• Weather Channels (WX1, WX2, etc.): These provide valuable NOAA weather updates.
• Channel 13: This channel is used for bridge-to-bridge communication and vessel navigation safety.
• Channel 9: This is the standard channel for non-emergency hailing between boats. 

If you use the wrong channel, another boater or the Coast Guard will likely correct you and direct you where you need to be. However, it's faster, safer, and more efficient for everyone if you know your channels and use them properly as much as possible.

Using the wrong channel could also increase your risk in an emergency because your message may not reach the Coast Guard properly or as quickly as you'd like.

Review the Key Takeaways About Marine Radios

Let's review!

What is a Marine Radio?

It's an essential safety, emergency communication, and navigation tool boaters use. You can help it work for you by continually monitoring Channel 16 while boating in case of distress signals or essential updates. 

Use the Right Channels

Familiarize yourself with the appropriate channels for various purposes, such as emergencies, weather updates, and docking, and regularly refresh your knowledge. Doing this will help you remember everything you need to know and do if an emergency arises. 

Use Proper Radio Etiquette

Along with understanding how to use a marine radio and which channels to choose for specific interactions, you should also learn proper radio etiquette to ensure effective communication. You'll accomplish more, get faster help, and have more pleasant interactions with others if you follow the basics of VHF radio etiquette.

Take a Boater Education Course to Learn More About Boating Safety

Along with getting your boat ready and ensuring you know your VHF channels, make sure you've taken a boater education course. You'll learn more about proper marine radio use and be more prepared to navigate efficiently, stay safe on the water, and remain alert for changing conditions.

Plus, most states and Canada require boat operators to pass a boater education course (like BOATERexam) and carry a boater education card (or PCOC Pleasure Craft Operator Card in Canada) to boat legally.

Let us help you stay safe when boating this season!
Take the BOATERexam course for your state, or choose our course for Canadian boaters before hitting the water.