Marine VHF radio

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A standard handheld marine VHF, mandatory on larger seagoing vessels under the GMDSS rules Handheld Maritime VHF.jpg
A standard handheld marine VHF, mandatory on larger seagoing vessels under the GMDSS rules
A VHF set and a VHF channel 70 DSC set, the DSC on top Maritime VHF Sailor type.jpg
A VHF set and a VHF channel 70 DSC set, the DSC on top
A vintage (76-89) marine VHF radiotelephone Maritime VHF Sailor RT144.JPG
A vintage (76-89) marine VHF radiotelephone

Marine VHF radio is a worldwide system of two way radio transceivers on ships and watercraft used for bidirectional voice communication from ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore (for example with harbormasters), and in certain circumstances ship-to-aircraft. It uses FM channels in the very high frequency (VHF) radio band in the frequency range between 156 and 174  MHz, inclusive, designated by the International Telecommunication Union as the VHF maritime mobile band. In some countries additional channels are used, such as [1] the L and F channels for leisure and fishing vessels in the Nordic countries (at 155.5–155.825 MHz). Transmitter power is limited to 25 watts, giving them a range of about 100 kilometres (62 mi; 54 nmi).

Contents

Marine VHF radio equipment is installed on all large ships and most seagoing small craft. It is also used, with slightly different regulation, on rivers and lakes. It is used for a wide variety of purposes, including marine navigation and traffic control, summoning rescue services and communicating with harbours, locks, bridges and marinas.

Background

Marine radio was the first commercial application of radio technology, allowing ships to keep in touch with shore and other ships, and send out a distress call for rescue in case of emergency. Guglielmo Marconi invented radio communication in the 1890s, and the Marconi Company installed wireless telegraphy stations on ships beginning around 1900. Marconi built a string of shore stations and in 1904 established the first Morse code distress call, the letters CQD, used until 1906 when SOS was agreed on. The first significant marine rescue due to radio was the 1909 sinking of the luxury liner RMS Republic, in which 1,500 lives were saved. This and the 1912 RMS Titanic rescue brought the field of marine radio to public consciousness, and marine radio operators were regarded as heroes. By 1920, the US had a string of 12 coastal stations stretched along the Atlantic seaboard from Bar Harbor, Maine to Cape May, New Jersey. [2]

The first marine radio transmitters used the longwave bands. During World War I amplitude modulation was developed, and in the 1920s spark radiotelegraphy equipment was replaced by vacuum tube radiotelephony allowing voice communication. Also in the 1920s, the ionospheric skip or skywave phenomenon was discovered, which allowed lower power vacuum tube transmitters operating in the shortwave bands to communicate at long distances.

Hoping to foil German detection during the World War II Battle of the Atlantic, American and British convoy escorts used Talk-Between-Ships (TBS) radios operating on VHF. [3]

Types of equipment

Sets can be fixed or portable. A fixed set generally has the advantages of a more reliable power source, higher transmit power, a larger and more effective antenna and a bigger display and buttons. A portable set (often essentially a waterproof, VHF walkie-talkie in design) can be carried on a kayak, or to a lifeboat in an emergency, has its own power source and is waterproof if GMDSS-approved. A few portable VHFs are even approved to be used as emergency radios in environments requiring intrinsically safe equipment (e.g. gas tankers, oil rigs, etc.).

Voice-only

Voice only equipment is the traditional type, which relies totally on the human voice for calling and communicating. Many lower priced handheld units are voice only as well as older fixed units.

Digital selective calling

DSC equipment, a part of the Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS), provides all the functionality of voice-only equipment and, additionally, allows several other features:

When a DSC radio is bought new the user will get the opportunity to program it with the MMSI number of the ship it is intended to be used on. However to change the MMSI after the initial programming can be problematic and require special proprietary tools. This is allegedly done to prevent theft.

Automatic identification system

More advanced transceiver units support AIS. This relies on a GPS receiver built into the VHF equipment or an externally connected one by which the transceiver obtains its position and transmits this information along with some other details about the ship (MMSI, cargo, draught, destination and some others) to nearby ships. AIS operates as a mesh network and full featured units relay AIS messages from other ships, greatly extending the range of this system; however some low-end units are receive only or do not support the relaying functionality.

AIS data is carried on dedicated VHF channels 87B and 88B at a baud rate of 9,600bit/s using GMSK modulation [4] and uses a form of time-division multiplexing.

Text messaging

Using the RTCM 12301.1 standard it is possible to send and receive text messages in a similar fashion to SMS between marine VHF transceivers which comply with this standard. [5] However, as of 2019 very few transceivers support this feature. The recipient of the message needs to be tuned to the same channel as the transmitting station in order to receive it.

Regulation

In the United States, any person can legally purchase a Marine VHF radio and use it to communicate without requiring any special license as long as they abide by certain rules, but in a great many other countries a license is required to transmit on Marine VHF frequencies.

In the United Kingdom and Ireland and some other European countries both the operator and the equipment must be separately licensed. A Short Range Certificate is the minimum requirement to use an installed marine VHF radio. This is usually obtained after completing a course of around two days and passing an exam. This is intended for those operating on lakes and in coastal areas whereas a Long Range Certificate is usually recommended for those operating further out as it also covers HF and MF radios as well as INMARSAT systems. Installations fixed on a particular vessel require a Ship Radio License. Portable equipment that could be used in multiple craft, dinghys etc required a Ship Portable Radio Licence. [6]

Automatic Transmitter Identification System (marine)

For use on the inland waterways within continental Europe, a compulsory Automatic Transmitter Identification System (ATIS) transmission conveys the vessel's identity after each voice transmission. This is a ten-digit code that is either an encoded version of the ship's alphanumeric call sign, or for vessels from outside the region, the ship MMSI prefixed with "9". The requirement to use ATIS in Europe, and which VHF channels may be used, are strongly regulated, most recently by the Basel agreements.

Channels and frequencies

A marine VHF set is a combined transmitter and receiver and only operates on standard, international frequencies known as channels. Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) is the international calling and distress channel. Transmission power ranges between 1 and 25 watts, giving a maximum range of up to about 60 nautical miles (111 km) between aerials mounted on tall ships and hills, and 5 nautical miles (9 km; 6 mi) between aerials mounted on small boats at sea level. [7] Frequency modulation (FM) is used, with vertical polarization, meaning that antennas have to be vertical in order to have good reception. For longer range communication at sea, marine MF and marine HF bands and satellite phones can be used.

Half-duplex channels here are listed with the A and B frequencies the same. The frequencies, channels, and some of their purposes are governed by the ITU. For an authoritative list see. [8] The original allocation of channels consisted of only channels 1 to 28 with 50 kHz spacing between channels, and the second frequency for full-duplex operation 4.6 MHz higher.

Improvements in radio technology later meant that the channel spacing could be reduced to 25 kHz with channels 60 to 88 interspersed between the original channels.

Channels 75 and 76 are omitted as they are either side of the calling and distress channel 16, acting as guard channels. The frequencies which would have been the second frequencies on half-duplex channels are not used for marine purposes and can be used for other purposes that vary by country. For example, 161.000 to 161.450 MHz are part of the allocation to the Association of American Railroads channels used by railways in the US and Canada. [9] [10]

Channel
number
Frequencies (MHz)Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom [11] Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand Flag of Finland.svg  Finland [1] Flag of Europe.svg  Europe CEPT [12] Mediterranean countries
(sea, ocean)
Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium
Flag of France.svg  France
Flag of Germany.svg  Germany
Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands
Rhine: main stem, river, canal, lake, pond, estuary [13] [14]
 A  Ship tx, usually B  Shore tx, usually
0156.000160.600Private, coast guard  A 
1156.050160.650Ship-to-ship/shore, commercial and safety
West Coast  A 
Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
port operations
Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex), Independent radio networks
Radiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways.. (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
2156.100160.700Public
BC Coast
Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
port operations
Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex), Independent radio networks
Radiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways.. (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
3156.150160.750 A  Illegal for public use [lower-alpha 1] Public
BC Coast/Inland
Boat to Boat - KawauPublic correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
port operations
Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex), Independent radio networks, Customs Coast Guard, search and rescue
Radiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways. (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
4156.200160.800Ship-to-ship/shore, commercial and safety
East Coast and Inland  A 

Canadian Coast Guard - Search & Rescue
BC Coast [lower-alpha 2]  A 

Boat to boat Tutukaka/RaglanPublic correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
port operations
Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex), independent radio networks, customs, coast guard, search and rescue
Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex), independent radio networks
5156.250160.850Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
port operations
Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex), independent radio networks, authorities responsibleRadiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
6156.300156.300Ship-to-ship and ship-to-air  A Ship-to-ship and ship-to-air  A Distress ship-to-airInter-ship working A  Ship-to-ship (commercial)
also SAR: Ship-to-ship and ship-to-air
 A  Ship-to-ship and ship-to-airShip-to-ship (limited to 1 watt) and ship-to-air
7156.350160.950General working channelPublic correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
port operations
Navy Radiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
8156.400156.400Ship-to-ship  A Ship-to-ship
East and west coasts,
Lake Winnipeg  A 
Inter-ship workingInter-ship working A  Ship-to-ship (commercial) A  Ship-to-ship A  Ship-to-ship (limited to 1 watt)
9156.450156.450Frequently used by pilots  A Calling  A , commercial and non-commercial.Ship-to-air for maritime support
Atlantic and BC coasts  A 
Pilots, port operationsPort operations A  VTS
Ship-to-ship + port operations
Marina pilots, marina operations, ship in a marinaMarina pilots, marina operations, ship in a marina, limited to 1 watt
10156.500156.500Frequently used by HM Coastguard  A Ship-to-air - SAR and antipollution  A 
General working - Atlantic and BC coasts, Great Lakes
Port operations A  Ship-to-ship
port operations
also SAR and oil cleanup
only VTS on Gulf of Finland
International waters ship-to-ship; customs, coast guard, navy Calling; ship-to-ship; customs, on-board working, limited to 1 watt; distress, safety, and calling
11156.550156.550Port operationsVessel Traffic Services - BC coastPort operations A  port operations, also the Saimaa Canal locks Navy Port operations
12156.600156.600Port operationsVTS - San Francisco offshore
Pilotage  A 
Vessel Traffic Services - BC coastPort operations, VTSPort operations A  port operationsCommercial port operations, fishing port operations, pilots, ship in a fishing port, ship in a commercial port
13156.650156.650Bridge-to-bridge working  A Bridge-to-bridge safety  A : Vessels > 20m must maintain watch, Tx limited to 1 watt. Movable bridge / lock operations.VTS - BC coast
Bridge-to-bridge safety  A 
Port operations, VTSIntership Nav Safety A  Pilots
Ship-to-ship
port operations
Port operations, coast guard Ship-to-ship (limited to 1 watt)
14156.700156.700Port operationsVTS - San Francisco bay and delta
Pilotage  A 
VTS - BC coast
Port and pilot ops  A 
Port operations A  Working channel for SAR authorities, Turku Radio
(port operations)
Port operations, navy Port operations
15156.750156.750 A  On-board working, limited to 1 watt A  max. 1 W
Intraship
Ship-to-ship
port operations
Beach monitoringRadiocommunications on board a ship or in a group of boats towed or pushed, as well as those concerning the instructions for the maneuver bullish and docking, limited to 1 watt
16 156.800156.800International distress, safety and calling  A 
All vessels equipped with VHF must maintain watch.
Estuary (16 + 10). Not used on: main stem, river, canal, lake, pond.
17156.850156.850 A  On-board workingBC Coast PilotsAquatic sports events A  max. 1 W
Intraship
Ship-to-ship
port operations
Port operations, navy, Maritime Gendarmerie Radiocommunications on board a ship or in a group of boats towed or pushed, as well as those concerning the instructions for the maneuver bullish and docking. (limited to 1 watt)
18156.900161.500Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
port operations
Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex), Independent radio networks
Radiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
19156.950161.550Landside facilities: harbormaster, marinas.Canadian Coast Guard working channelPublic correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
port operations
Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex), port operationsRadiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
20157.000161.600Repeater operationsContinuous weather
Maritime Safety Service
Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
port operations
Port operations, Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
Radiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore full-duplex),
(limited to 1 watt Paris Underground canal)
21157.050161.650 A  U.S. Coast Guard only Continuous marine broadcasts  B 
(WX 8)
Continuous weather
Maritime Safety Service
Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
port operations
Port operations
22157.100161.700 A  U.S. Coast Guard public working channel [lower-alpha 3] Continuous weather
Maritime Safety Service
Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
port operations
Port operations, public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
Radiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
23157.150161.750HM Coastguard Maritime Safety Information: now on 62, 63, 64. A  U.S. Coast Guard OnlyContinuous weather
Maritime Safety Service
Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
port operations
Port operations, Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
Radiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore full-duplex), Independent radio networks
24157.200161.800 UKSAR G/A Winching  A 
UKSAR TWC  B  [lower-alpha 4]
Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
port operations
Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex), Independent radio networksRadiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
25157.250161.850Maritime radio working channelPublic correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
port operations
Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex), Independent radio networksRadiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
26157.300161.900HM Coastguard Maritime Safety InformationPublic correspondence (marine telephone operator)Canadian Coast Guard Duplex - Public CorrespondencePublic correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
port operations
Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex), Independent radio networksRadiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
27157.350161.950Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
port operations
Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex), independent radio networksRadiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
28157.400162.000Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
port operations
Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex), independent radio networksRadiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
31157.550162.150(The Netherlands) Marina channel
public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
M1/37A157.850157.850(As M1) Yacht clubs, race committees and marinas
60156.025160.625 GOFREP on Gulf of Finland
public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
port operations
Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex), Independent radio networksRadiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
61156.075160.675 A  Illegal for public use [lower-alpha 1] GOFREP (Estonia) on Gulf of Finland
Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
port operations
Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex), Independent radio networksRadiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
62156.125160.725HM Coastguard Maritime Safety Information [lower-alpha 4] Boat to boat - Waiheke/WhangaroaPublic correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
port operations
Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex), independent radio networksRadiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
63156.175160.775HM Coastguard Maritime Safety Information (half-duplex) [lower-alpha 4] Boat to boat - ManukauPublic correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
port operations
Coast Guard, port operationsRadiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
64156.225160.825HM Coastguard Maritime Safety Information (half-duplex) [lower-alpha 4]  A  Illegal for public use [lower-alpha 1] Public correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
port operations
Coast Guard, port operationsRadiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
65156.275160.875 National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) and Independent Coastwatch Stations (http://www.seasafetygroup.org) Working Channel for communication with local mariners for radio checks and local sea conditions. Effective 1 March 2021.Marine assistance working channelBoat to boat - CoromandelPublic correspondence (ship-to-shore full-duplex)
port operations
Coast Guard, port operationsRadiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore duplex)
66156.325160.925 A  BC coast marinasPublic correspondence (ship-to-shore duplex)
port operations
Public correspondence (ship-to-shore duplex), Independent radio networksRadiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore duplex)
67156.375156.375UK Small Ship Safety ChannelWorking Channel, Marine WeatherMaritime radio working channel A  VTS
(Ship-to-ship + port operations)
Coast Guard Radiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore duplex)
68156.425156.425Non-commercial  A Maritime radio working channel

 A  port operations, border guard authorities,

Also some yacht clubs and marinas

Coast Guard Radiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore duplex)
69156.475156.475Port operationsNon-commercial  A Australian NavyMaritime radio working channel
surf lifesaving
 A  Ship-to-ship
port operations
Navy Radiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore duplex)
70156.525156.525 Digital Selective Calling  A Not used on: main stem, river, canal, lake, pond.
71156.575156.575Port operationsNon-commercial  A Vessel Traffic Services - BC CoastMaritime radio working channel A  VTS
(ship-to-ship + port operations) port operations
Navy Port operations
72156.625156.625Ship-to-ship  A Frequently used by leisure craftNon-commercial ship-to-ship  A Ship-to-ship A  Ship-to-ship
Ship-to-air
 A  Ship-to-ship, communications with a social (ship) A  Ship-to-ship, communications with a social (ship) (limited to 1 watt)
73156.675156.675HM Coastguard Safety Broadcasts

Backup Small Ship Safety

Ship-to-shipMarinas working A  Ship-to-ship

Ship-to-air
(port operations)
Port operations, Navy Radiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore duplex)
74156.725156.725British Waterways/Canal and River Trust Channel (Canal and River System)

port operations

Vessel Traffic Services - BC CoastShip-to-shipCoast/Ship working A  port operationsPort operations, navy, Maritime Gendarmerie Port operations
75156.775156.775Navigation related communications, limited to 1 watt A Restricted
ship-to-ship
port operations
 A Restricted
ship-to-ship
port operations, (limited to 1 watt)
Port operations
76156.825156.825 A  Restricted
port operations
 A Restricted
ship-to-ship
port operations, (limited to 1 watt)
Radiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore duplex)
77156.875156.875Ship-to-ship  A Ship-to-ship A  Ship-to-ship A  Ship-to-ship, communications with a social (ship) A  Ship-to-ship, communications with a social (ship), limited to 1 watt
78156.925161.525Non-commercial  A Public correspondence (ship-to-shore duplex)
port operations
Public correspondence (ship-to-shore duplex), independent radio networksRadiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore duplex)
79156.975161.575Public correspondence (ship-to-shore duplex)
port operations
Customs, coast guard, search and rescue, port operationsRadiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore duplex)
80157.025161.625UK marina channelRepeater operationsCoastguard radio working channelGOFREP on Gulf of Finland
public correspondence (ship-to-shore duplex)
port operations
Customs, Coast Guard, search and rescue, port operationsRadiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore duplex)
81157.075161.675 A  U.S. Government Use OnlyRepeater OperationsCoastguard radio working channelGOFREP (Estonia) on Gulf of Finland
public correspondence (ship-to-shore duplex)
port operations
Public correspondence (ship-to-shore duplex), independent radio networksRadiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore duplex)
82157.125161.725 A  U.S. Government use only A  Canadian Coast Guard working channelCoastguard radio working channelPublic correspondence (ship-to-shore duplex)
port operations
Port operationsRadiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore duplex)
83157.175161.775 A  U.S. Coast Guard use only A  Canadian Coast Guard working channelPublic correspondence (ship-to-shore duplex)
port operations
Public correspondence (ship-to-shore duplex)
port operations
Radiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore duplex)
84157.225161.825HM Coastguard Maritime Safety Information: now on 62, 63, 64.Canadian Coast Guard Duplex - Public CorrespondenceCoastguard radio working channelPublic correspondence (ship-to-shore duplex)
port operations
Public correspondence (ship-to-shore duplex), Independent radio networksRadiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore duplex)
85157.275161.875UKSAR TWC (half-duplex) [lower-alpha 4] Radio telephone - full duplexCoastguard radio working channelPublic correspondence (ship-to-shore duplex)
port operations
Navy Radiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore duplex)
86157.325161.925HM Coastguard Maritime Safety Information: now on 62, 63, 64.Coastguard radio working channelPublic correspondence (ship-to-shore duplex)
port operations
Navy Radiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore duplex)
87157.375157.375Public correspondence
port operations
Public correspondence (ship-to-shore duplex), independent radio networks, customs, Coast Guard, search and rescueRadiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore duplex)
88157.425157.425Commercial, inter-ship onlyPublic correspondence (ship-to-shore duplex), independent radio networksRadiotelephone links between ship stations and land stations of the authorities responsible for the operation of inland waterways (ship-to-shore duplex)
M2/P4161.425161.425(As M2) Yacht clubs, race committees and marinas(As P4) In France, some yacht clubs, marinas and race committees
87B161.975161.975 Automatic Identification System  A  B 
88B162.025162.025 Automatic Identification System  A  B 
L1155.500155.500

Leisure activities

(Ship-to-ship) Used in the Nordic countries and Estonia

L2155.525155.525

Leisure activities

(Ship-to-ship) Used in the Nordic countries and Estonia

L3155.650155.650

Leisure activities

(Ship-to-ship) Used in Finland and Norway

F1155.625155.625

Fishing

(Ship-to-ship) Used in the Nordic countries

F2155.775155.775

Fishing

(Ship-to-ship) Used in the Nordic countries

F3155.825155.825

Fishing, also recreational fishing

(Ship-to-ship) Used in the Nordic countries

  1. 1 2 3 Some radios enable channels 3A, 61A, and 64A when configured for "USA mode" even though those channels are allocated exclusively for Public Safety use by the FCC. The frequencies 156.075, 156.150, and 156.225 MHz are used for interoperability communication by police and fire departments in many areas.
  2. CCG public operations moved from 22A to 04A to avoid interference from USCG stations in northern Washington state.
  3. Channel 22A is reserved for communication between the U.S. Coast Guard vessels and private vessels. The Coast Guard does not monitor 22A: Contact must first be established on 16.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 UKSAR land-based search and rescue teams have access to the half-duplexed versions of 24, 62, 63, 64, 85 for operational and training needs. These include mountain rescue teams in England, Wales and Scotland.

Operating procedure

Marine VHF mostly uses half-duplex audio equipment and non-relayed transmissions. Ship to ship communication is over a single radio frequency (simplex), while ship to shore often uses full duplex frequency pairs, however the transceivers are usually half-duplex devices that cannot receive when transmitting even on a full-duplex channel. To transmit the user presses a "push to talk" button on the set or microphone which turns the transmitter on and the receiver off in a device with half-duplex audio, even on a full-duplex radio channel; on devices with full-duplex audio the receiver is left on while transmitting on a full-duplex radio channel. Communication can take place in both directions simultaneously on full-duplex channels when the equipment on both ends allows it. [7] Full duplex channels can be used to place calls over the public telephone network for a fee via a marine operator. When equipment supporting full-duplex audio is used, the call is similar to one using a mobile phone or landline. When half-duplex is used, voice is only carried one way at a time and the party on the boat must press the transmit button only when speaking. This facility is still available in some areas, though its use has largely died out with the advent of mobile and satellite phones. Marine VHF radios can also receive weather radio broadcasts, where they are available.

The accepted conventions for use of marine radio are collectively termed "proper operating procedure". These international conventions include:

Slightly adjusted regulations can apply for inland shipping, such as the Basel rules (de:Regionale Vereinbarung über den Binnenschifffahrtsfunk) in Western Europe.

Future

In 2022, the ETSI issued a proposal for implementing the use of FDMA protocols on the band in response to increasingly scarce availability of voice channels in some circumstances owing to the widespread use of systems such as AIS. The plan includes significantly narrower 6.25 kHz channel spacing, and would support voice and data applications. [15]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Very high frequency</span> Electromagnetic wave range of 30-300 MHz

Very high frequency (VHF) is the ITU designation for the range of radio frequency electromagnetic waves from 30 to 300 megahertz (MHz), with corresponding wavelengths of ten meters to one meter. Frequencies immediately below VHF are denoted high frequency (HF), and the next higher frequencies are known as ultra high frequency (UHF).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emergency position-indicating radiobeacon</span> Distress radio beacon, a tracking transmitter that is triggered during an accident

An emergency position-indicating radiobeacon (EPIRB) is a type of emergency locator beacon for commercial and recreational boats, a portable, battery-powered radio transmitter used in emergencies to locate boaters in distress and in need of immediate rescue. In the event of an emergency, such as a ship sinking or medical emergency onboard, the transmitter is activated and begins transmitting a continuous 406 MHz distress radio signal, which is used by search-and-rescue teams to quickly locate the emergency and render aid. The signal is detected by satellites operated by an international consortium of rescue services, COSPAS-SARSAT, which can detect emergency beacons anywhere on Earth transmitting on the distress frequency of 406 MHz. The satellites calculate the position or utilize the GPS coordinates of the beacon and quickly passes the information to the appropriate local first responder organization, which performs the search and rescue. As Search and Rescue approach the search areas, they use Direction Finding (DF) equipment to locate the beacon using the 121.5 MHz homing signal, or in newer EPIRBs, the AIS location signal. The basic purpose of this system is to help rescuers find survivors within the so-called "golden day" during which the majority of survivors can usually be saved. The feature distinguishing a modern EPIRB, often called GPIRB, from other types of emergency beacon is that it contains a GPS receiver and broadcasts its position, usually accurate within 100 m (330 ft), to facilitate location. Previous emergency beacons without a GPS can only be localized to within 2 km (1.2 mi) by the COSPAS satellites and relied heavily upon the 121.5 MHz homing signal to pin-point the beacons location as they arrived on scene.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Radiotelephone</span> Communications system for transmission of speech over radio

A radiotelephone, abbreviated RT, is a radio communication system for conducting a conversation; radiotelephony means telephony by radio. It is in contrast to radiotelegraphy, which is radio transmission of telegrams (messages), or television, transmission of moving pictures and sound. The term is related to radio broadcasting, which transmit audio one way to listeners. Radiotelephony refers specifically to two-way radio systems for bidirectional person-to-person voice communication between separated users, such as CB radio or marine radio. In spite of the name, radiotelephony systems are not necessarily connected to or have anything to do with the telephone network, and in some radio services, including GMRS, interconnection is prohibited.

The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is a worldwide system for automated emergency signal communication for ships at sea developed by the United Nations' International Maritime Organization (IMO) as part of the SOLAS Convention.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Digital selective calling</span> Marine radio standard

Digital selective calling (DSC) is a standard for transmitting predefined digital messages via the medium-frequency (MF), high-frequency (HF) and very-high-frequency (VHF) maritime radio systems. It is a core part of the Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Two-way radio</span> Radio that can both transmit and receive a signal, used for bidirectional voice communication

A two-way radio is a radio transceiver, which is used for bidirectional person-to-person voice communication with other users with similar radios, in contrast to a broadcast receiver, which only receives transmissions.

A Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) is effectively a maritime object's international maritime telephone number, a temporarily assigned UID issued by that object's current flag state.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Automatic identification system</span> Automatic tracking system that uses transceivers on ships

The automatic identification system (AIS) is an automatic tracking system that uses transceivers on ships and is used by vessel traffic services (VTS). When satellites are used to receive AIS signatures, the term Satellite-AIS (S-AIS) is used. AIS information supplements marine radar, which continues to be the primary method of collision avoidance for water transport. Although technically and operationally distinct, the ADS-B system is analogous to AIS and performs a similar function for aircraft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maritime mobile amateur radio</span> Amateur radio in maritime applications

Maritime mobile amateur radio is an amateur radio transmission license that allows maritime operators to install and use radio while they operating at sea. The call sign of operators is extended by adding the suffix "MM" when transmitting at sea.

A land mobile radio system (LMRS) is a person-to-person voice communication system consisting of two-way radio transceivers which can be stationary, mobile, or portable.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Radio repeater</span> Radio signal retransmitter

A radio repeater is a combination of a radio receiver and a radio transmitter that receives a signal and retransmits it, so that two-way radio signals can cover longer distances. A repeater sited at a high elevation can allow two mobile stations, otherwise out of line-of-sight propagation range of each other, to communicate. Repeaters are found in professional, commercial, and government mobile radio systems and also in amateur radio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2182 kHz</span> Radio distress frequency

2182 kHz is a radio frequency designed exclusively for distress calls and related calling operations in the maritime service.

An international distress frequency is a radio frequency that is designated for emergency communication by international agreement.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Radio</span> Use of radio waves to carry information

Radio is the technology of communicating using radio waves. Radio waves are electromagnetic waves of frequency between 3 hertz (Hz) and 300 gigahertz (GHz). They are generated by an electronic device called a transmitter connected to an antenna which radiates oscillating electrical energy, often characterized as a wave. They can be received by other antennas connected to a radio receiver, this is the fundamental principle of radio communication. In addition to communication, radio is used for radar, radio navigation, remote control, remote sensing, and other applications.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AIS-SART</span> Radio transmitter which sends a location signal

An AIS-SART is a self-contained radio device used to locate a survival craft or distressed vessel by sending updated position reports using a standard Automatic Identification System (AIS) class-A position report. The position and time synchronization of the AIS-SART are derived from a built in GNSS receiver . Shipboard Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS) installations include one or more search and rescue locating devices. These devices may be either an AIS-SART, or a radar-SART.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Survival radio</span> Small radios carried to facilitate rescue in an emergency

Survival radios are carried by pilots and search and rescue teams to facilitate rescue in an emergency. They are generally designed to transmit on international distress frequencies. Maritime systems have been standardized under the Global Maritime Distress Safety System. Civil and military organisation's utilized different frequencies to communicate and no infringement on either sector would take place. For emergencies involving civilian aircraft, the radio frequency used is VHF 121.5 MHz and for military aircraft incidents, the frequency used is UHF 243 MHz.

The Automatic Transmitter Identification System (ATIS) is a marine VHF radio system used and mandated on navigable inland waterways in Europe for identifying the ship or vessel that made a radio transmission. The identity of the vessel is sent digitally immediately after the ship's radio operator has finished talking and releases their transceiver's push-to-talk button. This contrasts to the Automatic identification system(AIS) used globally on ships that transmit continuously. A short post-transmission message is sent by the radio with the vessel identity and is in the form of an encoded call sign or Maritime Mobile Service Identity, starting with number "9" and the three country-specific maritime identification digits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Survival craft transceiver</span>

Very high frequency (VHF) survival craft transceivers (SCTs) are lightweight, portable, two-way, handheld VHF transceivers capable of radiotelephone on-scene communication between rescue units and the survival craft. Essentially these are hand-held VHF radios that are used in any survival craft, such as a life boat or life raft. SCTs with re-chargeable type batteries may be used for on-board communications as well.

During World War II, the German Army relied on an diverse array of communications to maintain contact with its mobile forces and in particular with its armoured forces. Most of this equipment received the generic prefix FuG for Funkgerät, meaning "radio device". Occasionally the shorted Fu designation were used and there were exceptions to both these systems. Number ranges were not unique across the services so sometimes different equipment used by different services had the same FuG prefix. This article is a list and a description of the radio equipment.

An emergency locator beacon is a radio beacon, a portable battery powered radio transmitter, used to locate airplanes, vessels, and persons in distress and in need of immediate rescue. Various types of emergency locator beacons are carried by aircraft, ships, vehicles, hikers and cross-country skiers. In case of an emergency, such as the aircraft crashing, the ship sinking, or a hiker becoming lost, the transmitter is deployed and begins to transmit a continuous radio signal, which is used by search and rescue teams to quickly find the emergency and render aid. The purpose of all emergency locator beacons is to help rescuers find survivors within the so-called "golden day", the first 24 hours following a traumatic event, during which the majority of survivors can usually be saved.

References

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