Pro Tips: How to Operate a Marine Radio

Today, voice radio transmissions are the primary mode of most marine communications. Using marine radio channels can feel very similar to having a conversation on the telephone, but the processes are significantly different.

As a boat operator, using a marine radio phone will be an occasional responsibility. That’s why understanding and being comfortable with the proper operation of your vessel’s marine radio is so important.

Here, we’ll take a look at some standard procedures and protocols for using your boat’s marine radio.

Simplex Marine Radio Channels

Voice radio communications are “simplex” or “talk-around,” meaning the radio supports only one frequency per channel. Only one person can speak at a time in a two-way radio conversation. This differs from what we’re accustomed to in face-to-face and telephone conversations where voices may overlap.

Simplex communication is the primary reason for many of the procedural regulations for speaking on a marine radio.

Types of Marine Radios

Boaters use several different types of marine radios. VHF-FM and MF/HF radios are common on boats. They’re usually identified by the radio’s mode of transmission. Understanding the basic differences between these radios and their use will help you determine the best solution to your personal or professional boating needs.

VHF-FM (156–162 MHz) Radios

Boaters use these radios for local, short-range marine communications. Frequencies in this band operate on the line-of-sight (LOS) principle, meaning its radio waves travel in nearly a straight line. As a result, communication between two radios is possible if one antenna can “see” another antenna. 

Their effective communications range depends mainly on:

• The antenna height of both the receiving and transmitting stations
• The power output of the transmitting station
• Atmospheric conditions that may allow VHF signals to bounce or bend in their line of travel, increasing the transmission’s range

MF/HF Radios

Boats typically use the MF band to communicate when out of VHF radio range. The MF band uses low frequencies, so the ground wave travels along the earth’s surface, permitting communications at distances up to 200 miles during daylight hours. The low frequency also makes communications easier at much greater distances at night. 

MF and HF radios of any modulation type always have a greater range than VHF radios. The operating range for MF and HF radios can shift as conditions change, and the conditions that affect the operating range will vary from hour to hour.

Consequently, communications between two vessels can be lost due to several factors, including changing weather.

Learn How to Use Your Marine Radio

The following steps and procedures are the same for either mounted or portable marine radios:

• Check the radio setting: Be certain you’re on the correct marine radio channel, frequency, and bandwidth. While on an underway vessel, you are required to keep a listening watch on the international distress frequency, Channel 16 (2,182 kHz).
• Adjust squelch control: Squelch control blocks out weak signals. Adjust the squelch control until you hear the noise (static), then adjust it slightly in the opposite direction until the noise stops. Setting the squelch control adjusts the receiver so that only signals strong enough to pass the selected level will be heard, reducing the amount of static noise on the speaker.
• Avoid interrupting others: Before beginning a transmission, listen for a few seconds to avoid interrupting other communications already in progress.
• Optimize microphone placement: Keep the microphone about 1 to 2 inches from your lips. When transmitting, shield the microphone by keeping your head and body between noise-generating sources (such as engine noise, wind, etc.) and the microphone.
• Know what to say: Before keying the transmitter, know how to say what you need. Keep all transmissions short and to the point. Never “chit-chat” or make unnecessary transmissions on any frequency.
• Speak well: Speak clearly, concisely, and in a normal tone, maintaining a natural speaking rhythm.
• Use proper prowords: End each transmission with “over” and the last with “out.” Never say “over and out.”
• Use prowords for pauses: In cases where a pause for a few seconds between transmissions is necessary, use the proword “wait.” If the pause lasts longer than a few seconds, say “Wait, out.” Do not use “wait one” or “stand by.”

As you use your marine radio, remember that your messages are not private. Anyone with a radio or scanner can hear your voice transmissions, so maintaining professionalism at all times is critical.

Earn a Marine Radio Operator Permit

Learning more about operating marine radio channels and earning a Marine Radio Operator Permit will set you up for success and help you meet FCC regulatory requirements. The online course from Mariners Learning System includes study materials detailing what you need to know to pass the FCC’s written exam. Get started today.