How to use a Marine VHF RADIO [Capable Cruising Guides]

[@n5yiz]

I've been in "radio" for 40 years. You did an excellent job explaining.

[@dudispudis]

Perfect summary of an essential skill when sailing. Hits all the basics. Well done, Emily.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks David. Would you share this video? We would like to get out to more viewers.

[@matthewcosgrove994]

Emily, I've watched a lot of KZbin videos over the years and many are mediocre at best. Your VHF Instructional video was so well done that it was a pleasure to watch in its entirety. Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful Life!

[@yepiratesworkshop7997]

Well done. This should be mandatory watching before anyone can buy a VHF radio. There are so many out there that think they're kids with grandpa's C.B.!

[@MarionBrown-n2o]

Yes and there is an RYA course for VHF too.

[@Benztv]

Great job Emily! I'm a private pilot and Amateur radio operator(Ham)and understand each radio type having their own language. There are similarities and differences in all of them. I can say that after watching your video... I learned something new! Thanks!

[@chipfornaris]

I’m a Ham operator and use vhf/uhf & hf. You did a great job showing all the basics! Good for you.

[@wdahlstrom]

Nicely done Emily. This will be saved as a recommended training reference. Well organized and clearly explained. The quizzes are a great idea too. Much appreciated. Keep ‘em coming!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks! Let us know what other topics you'd like to see. We sometimes forget that things that are easy or obvious to us may be helpful for our viewers, especially those new to boating. -E

[@MrYlojelo]

@@Clarks-Adventure how about explaining boat toilet systems?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I think that is coming. We want to paint the walls in the head first as there are some mold stains there. But once the room is presentable...

[@skesno309]

Love this channel. The best channel for practical, real life things you will experience out sailing.

[@acromegla]

I couldn’t agree more!

[@ChristianBernieri]

Really nice video. Clear and comprehensive. Just a quick note: if you have certain flags (I.e. Italian) you have to gain a licence a in order to operate with vhf. Sometime you have to pass an exam (it depends on the kind of vhf installed too) Fixed vhf are bound to a specific vessel and can’t be removed or changed freely. You have to record on your boat official papers. Last: MMSI number and DSC are advanced topics but are most interesting and useful. Bye and thank you

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Further you get from first world countries the less of that you have to worry about. DSC is something I hacked into when it first came out. Shocked a guy when I remotely changed his radio channel and called him directly on a working channel. Can't say I've ever used any of those features since. Don't even have friends MMSI numbers in my radio.

[@dmitripogosian5084]

Yep, in Canada you need VHF licence as well to operate it.

[@MrLpepping]

Same in the Netherlands. Mmsi is required and getting one means you have to do an exam

[@scottkrebs586]

+1 for Emily's run through the basics, very nicely done! Another +1 for the proposed "VHF radio from an engineering perspective" à la Clark.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Will do! This comes out this weekend but here's an early link for this who requested it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d33YfIeLfJuVftE

[@ivanjames6745]

Would love a video about building a better radio!!!

[@davidrhightower]

Dito

[@vxnova1]

Me too

[@ssuter0217]

Me too

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Here you go! It comes out this weekend but here is an early link - E kzbin.info/www/bejne/d33YfIeLfJuVftE

[@ronm3380]

Thank you. Your videos are always well done and informative.

[@davep6977]

Excellent job! I'm an EMCOMM officer, ham & Skywarn and you covered all the high points quite nicely. You might also hear me on the Maritime Mobile Service Net on 20 meters (14.300) Safe boating

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks Dave. We haven't used our HF in years. Cell phone/internet is just so available in this area. I expect to get back into HF as we travel south. Thank you for keeping those options open. Good work.

[@rm3141593]

Very cool 😎. My three favorite parts of this were (1) reminding people to press the mic for a half a second before starting to talk (and hold for another half sec after speaking). (2) the phonetic alphabet. (3) the pop quiz at the end. This reminded me of my younger days and walkie talkies.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks, nice of you to say.

[@scottabeers]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. I work on a passenger ferry and training new deckhands on the use of the VHF (and other radios) is a common topic. Your video has given me some ideas for training and motivated me to make our own video. In the mean-time I will point them at your video. A side note of trivia. You describe marine channels as semi-duplex. SOME marine channels are in-fact semi-duplex however...most of them are actually simplex. Here are 3 different ways channels are used/described. Simplex-is a single frequency where both stations(boats) talk and listen on the same frequency using a transceiver. A transceiver is a communication device (radio) that both transmits AND receives. Quite often the transmitter and receiver actually shares components and it CANNOT talk and listen at the same time. Semi-duplex- a system where each station talks and listens on different frequencies yet the equipment still potentially shares some pieces and typically can only transmit OR receive due to the design of the radio or by the way it is used. Full Duplex- is a radio that has an independent transmitter and an independent receiver. When you operate this type of station on separate transmit and receive frequencies it is possible for both stations to be able to talk AND receive at the same time. This might be useful if a need arises where you might want the other station to hear you in the middle of their transmission. This is how a telephone works. Both people can talk AND listen at the same time. Example of this in marine VHF radios marine channel 22 VS marine channel 22A. (I wont get into the US vs International channel usage for now as this is just an example but...) Marine channel 22 is a semi duplex channel where you receive on frequency 157.100 and transmit on 161.700 Whereas... Channel 22A you both transmit and receive on frequency 157.100 In regards to actual usage...semi-duplex and simplex are very similar. Again...thank you so much for making this video. Scott

[@hansklein8024]

Thank you for the video, really good. I'd just like to comment on the "Distress" button. This usually needs to be pressed for a longer time to get the automated distress call out. Everyone should know this. So if there is an emergeny and you ask someone not familiar with that to "press the distress button", it is very probable that they'll just shortly press it. No call will go out in a situation when you most want a call to go out. I'd make sure to advise everybody on board on how to and when to properly use that button.

[@davfre8000]

awesome info! structured and explained so well. Truly appreciate the high level of detail and effort you guys invest into these videos. I can only imagine how time consuming it can be, but it doesn't go unnoticed!

[@ThunderBroomPilot]

You are a teacher or would be a great one. This is how informational videos should be put together. Thank you for making this video.

[@jameshoiby]

This is a FANTASTIC tutorial. I'm a long-time flight instructor getting into sailing and I've been frustrated with other tutorials that basically say why you should have a radio, what the PTT is, and mention channel 16, then end it there. Subscribed!

[@okcpicker]

Very well articulated. This is a great refresher after being away from VHF operations for many years. Great job Emily, you have excellent communication skills! This is where KZbin shines.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks Mark

[@yepiratesworkshop7997]

I'm an 'experienced' C.B. user from the 70's and also an army-trained Radioman and a boater with 20, 30 or more years on VHF and this was a nice 'refresher' for me, too!

[@antonditt1661]

I love you technical vids and of course the one coming up about the Clark powered radio!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks for the comment! Here's an early look at that video from Clark -E kzbin.info/www/bejne/d33YfIeLfJuVftE

[@ericpurdy6880]

I just purchased a boat. Live in Duluth, MN With a lot of other boats around me and I am on Lake Superior. Really want to thank you for training. Invaluable.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

You're welcome Eric. Pass on a link to our videos to those other boaters please. We appreciate the views

[@seancooke9072]

I'm ona vhs cource your video has really helped me understand how it works rather than just reading the book and thanks

[@Snookbite24]

Kara and I just watched this. Great video for her to learn the basics. Awesome job as always you two

[@adamtmaguire]

Thank you Emily & Clark. Great tutorial. Taking delivery of my Corsair 880 Trimaran in April 2023 and working through my competency check list. This covered VHF so nicely. Much appreciated! Safe sailing.

[@anneli1735]

Thanks Emily for responding to our requests recently ❣️ Nice refresher after decades of not using 😉

[@ddhughes13]

Love how clear your instructions are, and the why of it.

[@TheOoblick]

Thanks for this video. I really like the idea of having the questions at the end. I got one wrong - but I won't forget the correct answer in a hurry.

[@ookulelewess]

... fantastic... not complicated, not all fluff... nice balance, and thanks for providing folks the reference. Until they get used to it (and sometimes even if), having that reference to hand smooths over the occasional stumble when you forget something. Thanks! 8^)

[@Adamdaj]

For practice with young children, you could use MURS for teaching them the proper use of the radio without tying up the radio channels. MURS maybe good addition to add onto comms, especially when in port and someone stay behind and using cell phone isn't necessary or convenient. MURS can be used on land and on the water.

[@truelambie]

I appreciate this vid. Simple and concise and embarrassingly needed to be honest

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Glad this video has been well-received. We often forget that things we see as obvious by now are still valuable for beginners. Let us know if there are other topics we can help with! -E

[@ronmoore3290]

A radio is a device used to listen to a broadcast transmitter. A tranceiver is a device used for two way communication.

[@MsLincos]

Thank you for this helpful video Emily and Clark. Much appreciated.🙂

[@jdtractorman7445]

On the work boat we have where I work, the boat captain has two fixed mount VHF radios and two antennas. It's just a good idea to have two and have one as a backup, you never know when one will just stop working. I myself prefer the fixed mount VHF's. They have higher transmitting power at usually 25 watts. Whereas the handhelds only have about 5 watts. If you are fairly close to shore or within sight of land, the handheld will probably do, but out of sight of land, it's the fixed mount radios for me. The fixed mount have GPS and DSC too, I don't know if the handheld radios have those options or not.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yes loads of interference around cities. Also the antenna on a handheld isn't usually great. Check out this weekends video. It will be about that kind of stuff.

[@bojensen9855]

Hi guys. Nice vid as usual. Here in DK we learn that international regulations place the choice of channel for further com at the CALLED station. Cheers

[@acromegla]

Definitely want to see a vid from Clark on powering the radio!

[@yanndeprince7961]

Me too !

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Coming soon! -C

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Here you go. This will come out his weekend but here's a preview. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d33YfIeLfJuVftE -E

[@TheCornucopiaProject-bd5jk]

Seawater battery. Or paddle boat powered.

[@OL-xs4rd]

Great video, will make it compulsory viewing for new crew. A simple walkie-talkie set is really useful for training about PTT control and radio etiquette. Also useful for talking from helm to bow or from deck to masthead.

[@livingsimplytosimplylive6817]

Emily and yes Clark, thank you again for a very informative video. I learned quite a bit.

[@richardpovall3020]

Great video Emily. Probably worth mentioning here that unlike the US many other countries require you to have a VHF license before you can operate the radio. Only in a Mayday situation can an unlicensed operator use the radio. There are fines! Of course that doesn't mean that you shouldn't show everyone on your boat how to use the radio in case an emergency situation arises. Oh, and needless to say the radio itself requires a license too. The radio itself becomes specific to the vessel with your vessel's MMSI number embedded into it. In some countries a dealer can change the MMSI number if you sell the radio or move it to another boat but in others that radio becomes non-transferable.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yeah!!! Government.

[@linuxman0]

Very nicely done here in this vid. As someone who grew up exactly one mile from the ocean in S. Florida, it has always bothered me that we didn't have a VHF radio on our boats. They are VERY important for emergencies and that CANNOT be emphasized enough. It would be nice to see something about the range of channels, the frequencies used, your antenna setup, cabling of the antenna and testing/setting SWRs.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Look through our channel. There is one on antenna and cable Glad you liked this one

[@petermcminn9508]

Perfect. An excellent training session for all my crew (and me, too)!

[@brufty193]

Excellent tutorial video. I enjoyed & learned loads, great job Emily.

[@sl1pg8r]

Great info! Thank you!

[@jimpiper5297]

Stumbled onto your video. Well done. I've been "playing" with radio for more years than I'll admit including a lot focused on training others the ins-and-outs of communicating without wires. A side related subject that might have some merit to discuss: emergency comms with the USCG and any other vessel either coming to one's rescue or which one is attempting to help. Something that has stuck, etched permanently in my memory was something a retired Calif capt. wild-land fire fighter told me re radio comms over an emergency/calling channel: Keep transmissions SHORT because someone who has an emergency might be waiting for you to get your damned thumb off the push-to-talk so that they can pass their emergency traffic. Good, FREE reference for marine communications is the USCG Radio Telephone Handbook. Google it and download the PDF. Though geared for Coasties, it's an excellent reference for radio comms. Post script with a recommendation: "back in the day" I took the USCG Auxiliary Coastal Piloting and Navigation Course. The USCGA does a terrific job and it didn't slack on this course. For anyone new to boating/sailing, particularly near off-shore ocean, I don't know if the USCGA still offers this course, but if still available, I suggest putting this high on one's list.

[@glenadams2959]

Nice job Emily! Thanks for the basic course which is just what I need as I install a VHF in my center console. Now with some practise hopefully some will sink in and stay!

[@mihalapajne5066]

nice, instructional, easy to remember video. Good work

[@stephendisney]

One of the best VHF guides on the web!

[@stanleybest8833]

You explained the boat radio better than those coast guard guys

[@pineromartinez3316]

You are an awesome teacher Emily, which you a lovely day wherever you are 🏝️ 🏖️ ⛵️

[@DouglasCote-l5n]

Very helpful for novice VHF radio user. Thank you

[@aeastman59]

wow Emily you are a great teacher! I really like the little quiz at the end!

[@RodFleming-World]

Worth mentioning for British and most Euros, you need a radio licence which really just registers the set to the boat. It's free IIRC and handled in UK the MCA (Marine and Coastguard Authority). You should also have an operators' licence, which again from memory is about fifty quid but that includes a morning training session and the test. Basically it's exactly what's covered here in this vid. You can do the operator's ticket either through the RYA or the MCA ,but as everyone knows,the RYA is full of it, so just call the nearest MCA office. They're super nice cause they're always looking for Volunteer Coast Guards. Having said that I have never heard of anyone being busted for no licence, so...

[@michaelsommers2356]

In the US, you need a permit only if your boat is over 300 tons or if you carry more than six paying passengers.

[@johnhewett2525]

One that you missed is the call "RADIO SILENCE called three times, it usually means that someone is trying to hear possibly an EMERGANCY or a PAN PAN message and cannot hear because of radio traffic. They are asking other boats not to use their radios. This is a when RADIO RELAY can be of great importance.

[@georgelewis8904]

Thanks for the video, appreciate your time sharing your knowledge.

[@jimdorsett]

Thank you very much Emily for your good works, I am very much impressed with and enjoyed some of your analogies.

[@NikiFoxE]

Emily! Awesome job. I am recommending this in my new Grenada Kids Cruisers Net training tomorrow. Best to you and Clark.

[@MochaboyRC]

Was hailing a marina and I flubbed the call termination this past weekend - I wanted to say "out" but said "over" first then corrected myself and said "out" ... damn you Hollywood!

[@AdrianT-ml5lo]

Great video - doing my RYA VHF course Saturday - so much better to see instructions and demonstations rather than reading from a book! Seeing is believing! Thanks. OVER!

[@masterofnone11]

Wonderful video..I've watched several of these vids and yours is very detailed but not in a boring way ! Thank you !

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks, nice of you to say. I hope you subscribe and watch some of our other offerings. You might find more that interest you.

[@georgew4734]

Excellent presentation. I really liked the way you indexed the material as well.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks George. How about sharing this video? We really appreciate it.

[@ranger2316]

Excellent, clear concise and most of all so useful. Thank you.

[@umajunkcollector]

I have a separate battery for radio etc with solar charge. It is also for ham radio. Marine, no FCC license required, like CB. But FCC license IS REQUIRED FOR HAM OR AMATEUR RADIO. An HT (marine walkie talkie) is good as a backup too. Very well done tutorial, but you did not mention the important weather channels. I like to monitor with a mobile transceiver in our van, for ship to shore, good to leave the radio in standby listening mode. Many Mariners use cell phones as primary comm and global positioning navigating. But a waterproof floating case is a good investment for the silly-phone.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I agree with all. The weather channels don't work out here. Little countries just don't have the budget. So it's not how cruisers use the radio. And honestly we forgot!

[@kerryewen3624]

Great informative video, I’m new to the radio world. Thanks

[@Sarah-do10]

This was awesome! Very informative and super easy to understand. Thank you out! 🙃

[@anthonyrosa5006]

As a backup having a Ham licence and other VHF/UHF radios can reach long distances because these are no trees or mountains at sea or a HF radio can get you worldwide comms. I'm interested in getting a boat and when I do I will add these radios.

[@alanwyatt]

I would also recommend amateur radio. It's a great hobby that allows you to communicate around the world. What a great video. The guide is very useful to those starting ham radio. Things like how you hold the mic to the side 👍. New subscriber. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 radio ham G2DXU, England.

[@troysublett8493]

Awesome information! Very well done! Thank You for making this video!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

You're welcome Troy. Hope you enjoy your other videos.

[@johnbrowne5936]

good job . I think for new boaters you could mention how to register a Radio and obtain a MMSI number

[@adelarsen9776]

1) This is well presented useful information. 2) Even when a mobile phone works you should always use a radio first.

[@drewbelfeliciano2016]

1980’s the radio was so popular in the philippines. i know the 10 codes and some Z codes. we have also some short codes like YM ( Young Man),YL (Young Lady or Your Location).

[@discepolodelvento]

Good info. I learned the difference between low gain and high gain mics. Thank you!

[@tobiaseriksson1335]

Doing the src course in Sweden right now and this video was very helpful, thank you!

[@Jo.King_]

Just passed my VHF test yesterday. Damn could have done with this video though ;)

[@vxnova1]

There is a test for vhf?

[@edl617]

Was it the RYA test

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Some European countries have tests and licenses.

[@Jo.King_]

@@Clarks-Adventure Yes I'm in Portugal and the VHF test in mandatory with most sailing courses.

[@Jo.King_]

@@edl617 the RYA is a UK association equivalent to the IYT.

[@stevemcintyre2949]

Very nice job. Simple to understand and and very informative. Thanks

[@gregp9133]

Fantastic instructions ! Great contribution to safety and fun on the water !

[@johnchilds4156]

Great beginner video. Remember that most countries have a telecommunications agency such as FCC in USA that can provide accepted practices and licenses. Also in the USA, you can go to a channel for Seatow and request a radio check. Channel 16 is the main distress and hailing channel but channel 9 can also be used as a hailing channel in the USA. Note the some radios including handhelds can scan multiple channels for hailing purposes. Great job.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Great tips! Thanks John :) -E

[@johnchilds4156]

@@Clarks-Adventure Hey i should have mentioned the the operating manuals for the VHF's normally include info for USA and Europe radios too

[@trawlertravels6376]

Unfortunately SeaTow shut down their free radio check stations.

[@thomaspeters5889]

I think you're confusing channel 9, a CB channel in AM which is amplitude modulation versus channel 16 which is VHF and FM (frequency modulation) which is 156 mhz (megahertz) to 174, neither of which requires a license. Citizens Band radio and FM marine radio has a very short frequency range with CB being held to 4 watts and marine radio is limited to 25 watts. Anything over will require an FCC license (ham).

[@johncollins5021]

Good info. Thanks. I have 2 fixed and 1 hand held on my boat.

[@vxnova1]

Big yes for the Clark better radio

[@Clarks-Adventure]

You've got it! - E kzbin.info/www/bejne/d33YfIeLfJuVftE

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Here ya go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/d33YfIeLfJuVftE -E

[@JohnEliot1978]

awesome vid! thanks so much for sharing your knowledge :D love this kind of boat basics content. subbed!

[@danielwietchy1037]

There is a lot of value in this video. Great Job. Very active Ham Radio operator here... and I learned something - securite -. Good to know. I usually listen to the marine emergency net on 14.300Mhz (20m band). Interesting - always interesting. Especially today with the arrival of Hurricane IDA. Stay safe out there.

[@jmanranger7271]

Me to

[@jmanranger7271]

Ki4wyv

[@Grandmaster-G]

Quickly wanted to mention to not just press the distress button and walk away, but *press and hold* and watch the screen (in case of people sending the distress-call on unfamiliar devices-> teach crew section. We had a case in germany where the skipper wnet overboard and the person that sent the call pressed it once and went back on deck. Didn't end well :/ )

[@beercan2499]

Good point!

[@richarddanchuk3248]

Emily you are very clear and easy to understand. Thank you.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

You're welcome Richard

[@davidlappen8727]

Excellent overview. I have a Ham license and much of what you covered applies there as well. I would encourage people starting out in ham radio to watch this.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Please share it with your radio friends

[@davidlappen8727]

@@Clarks-Adventure I will. The information regarding high and low gain mic’s and other etiquette crosses radio platforms. Same with the phonetic alphabet, General mic use (press button, PAUSE, talk…). Really good stuff.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thank you David

[@nearlynativenursery8638]

Thanks Emily great break lesson marine radio talk. Jim Rodgers

[@waynevanballa8292]

thanks for that refresher Emily

[@evananderson1455]

Great video! Very useful and easy-to-understand information. Thank you very much, good job!!!

[@hectoromarduartebarboza5793]

Excellent teaching, Hector from Argentina

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thank you Hector

[@astridcomerford6309]

very good video to re-cap on a VHF course that I did but never used, have to use one tomorrow so was kind of scared of using it. thanks Emily. greetings from Ireland

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks Astrid

[@jimrellis]

Great video! I’m new and this seems very important! Everyone should have to watch this!

[@sergeydudukin4214]

This was amazing tutorial. I was into aviation and something was known like alphabet and pan pan and mayday.

[@stuarthall3874]

Thanks for the video. You made the topic very approachable. It would be interesting to do a video on antennas (both VHF and HF) though I also realize that may get technical in a hurry.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

We took notes on what you are asking for yesterday. Spoiler -in my experience it's all about the antenna wire. Would you consider sharing this? We'd really appreciate the new viewers.

[@millman1991]

Excellent video! Very professional and instructive. And fun. Thanks!

[@robclitheroe4551]

Excellent video, thanks for putting on here. Easy to understand and all important topics covered.

[@magnusatheos7301]

Excellent and well rounded instruction. Thank you!

[@bravofighter]

What a great primer, thank you so much!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

So nice of you to say.

[@heribertoledezma1615]

Greetings from Panamá well done!! Tank so much tour call💯👌🏽

[@ckvasnic1]

Emily, thank you for the very informative video!

[@davegray8451]

Well done. Kudos for the teach the kids advice. Very real world.

[@vincefumo5512]

Would love to see a video on how to build a better VHF radio.

[@medeiros3610]

New to the radio world. Thanks

[@africantwin173]

That's a nice TS 570 Ham TRX. I always wondered why Marine SSB radio's are so user unfriendly to use. While a Ham Radio SSB radio is much easier to operate. And WinLink is Free to use when having a Ham-license. In Europe many Sailers use Iridium instead of SSB. A tip for many boaters USE thick 10mm low loss 50 ohm coaxial cable like Ecoflex 10. Most 5 mm coax for VHF radio's are useless and eating up power.

[@thomaspeters5889]

I believe marine radios are FM (frequency modulation) and not SSB (single side band). Their frequency range is 156-174 mhz. Single side band is currently reserved for certain CB radios which operate in AM (amplitude modulation) and HAM transceivers.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

No. SSB, while a mode of operation, is also an FCC category of service. Specifically marine SSB. There exist specific hardware and restrictions. It has its own frequency space.

[@danrobeen802]

Excellent run down. Thanks so very much.