Systems & how-tos

Marine VHF radio basics for yacht crews

Fixed and handheld VHF on cruising yachts — channels, DSC, antenna height, and Baltic vs Mediterranean traffic patterns.

Overview

VHF radio is the primary voice link to coast stations, marinas, and other vessels within line of sight. Fixed sets with a masthead antenna outperform handhelds — plan both on a cruising yacht.

Fixed vs handheld

Type Best for
Fixed 25 W Normal cruising — better range with masthead antenna
Handheld 1–6 W Dinghy, backup if fixed fails, emergency grab bag

Handhelds inside a GRP cabin lose range — use on deck or with an external antenna adapter.

Channels you will use

  • Ch 16 — distress, safety, and calling (keep watch underway)
  • Ch 9 — optional calling in some regions
  • Marina working channels — assigned on arrival (varies by country)
  • DSC — digital calling on Ch 70; register your MMSI to your flag state

In the Baltic, Finnish/Swedish coast radio and AIS often complement VHF. In Greece/Croatia, marina traffic on VHF is heavy in season — brief, professional calls help.

Antenna and installation

  • Height matters — masthead antenna beats rail mount
  • Coax loss — old RG-58 with water ingress kills range; replace wet coax
  • Ground plane — stainless rig helps; isolated backstay antennas need tuning
  • ATIS — required on some inland European waterways; program if you transit

Operating discipline

  1. Listen before transmit on Ch 16
  2. Low power when marina is close — 1 W avoids shouting
  3. Securité / Pan Pan / Mayday — know the hierarchy; Mayday is life-threatening only
  4. Log MMSI of your fixed set in the ship's papers for customs

FAQ

Do I need a licence?

Many EU countries require an SRC or equivalent for fixed sets — check your flag state. Handheld use in territorial waters still has rules.

Next steps

Practice calls on a Saronic weekend route or review Baltic weather planning.

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