Every seasoned boater understands the importance of a VHF radio. It is a lifeline at sea, a critical tool for safety and communication. Yet, despite its significance, many boaters fail to utilize its full potential. Why? Because they don’t read the manual.
Katherine M. Clements image.
In an age where technology is becoming increasingly user-friendly, it’s easy to assume that operating a VHF radio is as simple as turning it on and pressing a button. However, modern VHF radios are packed with features designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and convenience — features that are often ignored or misunderstood.
Take, for example, products from leading brands such as Garmin Marine, Icom, and Standard Horizon. Each company offers VHF radios with powerful technologies designed to improve boating safety and communication. Yet, many of these features remain underutilized simply because boaters never take the time to explore them.
If you are operating with a Standard Horizon VHF radio, Hans Rooker of Standard Horizon Marine / Yaesu Aviation, states that one of the most overlooked features of the equipment is the PC programming capabilities. PC programming in a Standard Horizon VHF radio refers to the ability to customize the radio’s settings, like channels, DSC information, and other operational parameters, using a personal computer and dedicated software provided by Standard Horizon, essentially allowing you to program the radio from your computer instead of manually adjusting it on the device itself.
“Some of our newer models can now be setup and programmed on the computer first then downloaded into the radio using our supplied USB programming cable,” said Rooker. “Updated software is posted on the product pages of our website.”
Another powerful yet often overlooked features of a VHF radio is Digital Selective Calling (DSC), a function that allows boaters to instantly transmit a distress signal at the push of a button. If properly set up, DSC sends the vessel’s exact location to the Coast Guard and nearby boats, dramatically improving response times in an emergency.
“All fixed mount radios have DSC, all handheld radios with GPS have DSC,” explained Rooker. “There are many benefits to DSC, the most important is DSC Distress calling. When the red DSC Distress button is pressed, an all-ships distress call is transmitted and all VHF radios within range will receive the distress alert / automatically switch to 16 / and display the position of the vessel in distress. Other DSC benefits include individual calling, group calling and position sharing capabilities.”
Despite the life-saving potential of DSC, many boaters fail to register for a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number, a critical requirement for DSC functionality, or neglect to program their radios correctly — rendering this essential feature useless.
Garmin’s VHF 215, Icom’s M605, and Standard Horizon’s GX2400 all include DSC, yet many users never take full advantage of it. Most modern DSC-equipped radios feature a red, covered distress button, which, when held for a few seconds, broadcasts a digital distress signal on VHF Channel 70. If the radio is connected to a GPS system, the distress call includes precise latitude and longitude coordinates, enabling search and rescue teams to pinpoint the vessel’s exact location. The Coast Guard can then establish direct communication with the boat and coordinate a response, while other nearby vessels receive the alert, increasing the likelihood of immediate assistance.
Some DSC-enabled radios even allow boaters to specify the nature of their emergency — whether it’s a fire, sinking, or medical issue — before transmitting the distress call. The importance of DSC cannot be overstated; it eliminates the need for a verbal Mayday call, ensures rescuers receive accurate location data even if the crew is incapacitated, and expands the network of potential responders.
To ensure this technology functions correctly, boaters must register for an MMSI number, integrate their radio with a GPS system, and perform periodic test calls where permitted. Leading marine electronics brands, including Garmin, Icom, and Standard Horizon, offer a range of DSC-enabled VHF radios, such as the Garmin VHF 315, Icom M510, and Standard Horizon GX1800G. By taking the time to properly set up and understand their DSC radio, boaters can significantly enhance their safety on the water, ensuring that help is always just a button press away.
Another overlooked capability is Automatic Identification System (AIS) integration. AIS helps boaters see and be seen by other vessels, reducing the risk of collisions, particularly in busy waterways or during poor visibility. Many modern VHF radios come with AIS built-in or as an optional feature, yet a surprising number of boaters never activate or use it. Garmin’s VHF 315 has AIS built-in, while Icom’s M506 and Standard Horizon’s GX2400 also include AIS functionality, but without proper setup, they offer no advantage.
NOAA weather alerts are another underused function. Most VHF radios have the ability to tune into NOAA’s continuous weather broadcasts, providing real-time updates on changing conditions. These alerts can be lifesaving, yet many boaters don’t take advantage of them or fail to program their radios to receive automatic notifications. Standard Horizon’s GX1800G and Garmin’s VHF 115 both offer NOAA alerts, but unless boaters take the time to configure them, they won’t receive crucial weather warnings.
Dual-watch and tri-watch scanning is another feature of your VHF radio— it allow users to monitor multiple channels at once. According to Rooker, dual and tri-watch are great when the user needs to continuously monitor 2 or 3 separate channels at one time. The radio will stay on one channel but will continuously monitor a second and third channel in the background and will automatically switch over when a call is received. This feature is particularly useful for boaters who need to communicate with both their crew and the Coast Guard. However, many users don’t realize their radios have this function or fail to configure it correctly. Garmin, Icom, and Standard Horizon all offer dual-watch and tri-watch capabilities across their VHF radio lineups, yet a lack of awareness leads many users to miss out on this functionality.
GPS functionality is also becoming more common in VHF radios, yet many boaters still rely on separate GPS devices. When properly set up, a VHF radio’s GPS can instantly transmit location data in an emergency, providing crucial assistance during search and rescue operations. The Standard Horizon GX2400 includes GPS integration, while Garmin’s VHF 315 and Icom’s M510 also feature GPS capabilities. However, if boaters don’t take the time to input their location settings, they lose out on a feature that could mean the difference between a quick rescue and a dire situation.
One of the biggest reasons boaters don’t take full advantage of these features is a simple lack of awareness. Many purchase a VHF radio, install it, and never dive into the manual beyond basic operation. Additionally, some boaters are intimidated by the setup process. Registering for an MMSI number, programming emergency contacts, and configuring settings can seem complex, especially for those who aren’t tech-savvy. But these steps are crucial for making the most of a VHF radio’s capabilities.
So, how can boaters ensure they are fully utilizing their VHF radios? The first step is simple: read the manual. It may not be thrilling, but taking the time to understand the full scope of your radio’s capabilities can unlock valuable features and prevent operational mistakes. Registering for an MMSI number and enabling DSC should be a priority for any boater with a compatible device. Regular testing, such as conducting a radio check before heading out, can also ensure proper function.
The weather channel on a VHF radio refers to the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather channels that provide continuous, real-time weather updates and emergency alerts for boaters. These channels broadcast 24/7 weather forecasts, marine conditions, and warnings, making them an essential tool for safe boating.
How NOAA Weather Channels Work on VHF Radios
Most modern VHF marine radios come equipped with dedicated NOAA weather channels that boaters can tune into for up-to-date weather information. These channels provide:
- Marine forecasts (wind speed, wave height, visibility)
- Severe weather alerts (storm warnings, high surf advisories, hurricanes)
- Emergency weather warnings (small craft advisories, gale warnings, tsunamis)
List of NOAA Weather Channels (WX Channels)
There are 10 NOAA weather radio frequencies available on VHF radios:
- WX1 —162.550 MHz
- WX2 — 162.400 MHz
- WX3 — 162.475 MHz
- WX4 — 162.425 MHz
- WX5 — 162.450 MHz
- WX6 — 162.500 MHz
- WX7 —162.525 MHz
- WX8 — 161.650 MHz
- WX9 — 161.775 MHz
- WX10 — 163.275 MHz (Canada-specific)
Most VHF radios allow users to scan these channels automatically to find the strongest signal in their area.
Why Boaters Should Use NOAA Weather Channels
- Early Warning System — Stay informed about changing conditions that could affect your trip.
- Safety at Sea — Quick updates on storms, fog, high winds, and other hazards.
- Automatic Alerts — Some radios can be set to auto-monitor NOAA alerts, notifying boaters when severe weather is approaching.
VHF Radios with NOAA Weather Channels
Many Garmin, Icom, and Standard Horizon VHF radios include NOAA weather monitoring, such as:
- Garmin VHF 115 & 215 (Auto-scanning NOAA weather)
- Icom M330 & M510 (Weather alert mode)
- Standard Horizon GX1400 & GX2400 (Dedicated WX button)
By enabling NOAA weather alerts on a VHF radio, boaters can stay ahead of dangerous conditions and make informed decisions before heading out on the water.
The Log asked Hans Rooker about the best way for new users to get comfortable with their VHF radio beyond just reading the manual. Rooker emphasized that hands-on usage is always the most effective way to build competence. However, he added that if users ever find themselves in a pinch, his knowledgeable technical support team is always available to help answer any questions. Rooker can be found at https://www.standardhorizon.com/.
A VHF radio is more than just a communication device — it is a vital safety tool. Boaters who take the time to explore their radio’s features, set up emergency functions, and educate themselves on proper usage will not only enhance their own safety but also contribute to a more responsible and prepared boating community. While it may be tempting to skip the manual and rely on the basics, taking a few extra steps to understand and configure a VHF radio can make all the difference when it matters most.
