As summer approaches and the weather gets better, more and more people are planning trips to rivers, lakes, and seaside locations. Boating offers an unparalleled experience, but to ensure safe navigation, it’s essential to understand and correctly use maritime radios. This article provides a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about maritime radio communication.
Basics of maritime radio communication
The purpose of maritime radio communication is to enable communication between ships, and between ships and shore stations. It is crucial for safety, navigation, and emergency procedures.
Main functions:
- Contact with other vessels
- Information exchange (weather, navigation status)
- Emergency signaling
- Authority communication
Types of maritime radios
Inland radios:
- Designed for use on rivers and lakes.
- Limited range (10-20 km).
Marine radios:
- Longer range.
- Special features (e.g., DSC, EPIRB distress beacon).
Handheld VHF radios:
- Compact, portable solutions.
- Ideal for lifeboats and smaller vessels.
Frequency bands in maritime communication
Maritime communication primarily takes place in the VHF (Very High Frequency) band, between 156–162 MHz.
Other bands:
- MF (Medium Frequency): 300 kHz – 3 MHz (e.g., for distress signals)
- HF (High Frequency): 3 – 30 MHz (for long-distance communication)
Range
The range of VHF radios mainly depends on the line of sight.
- Handheld radio: 5-10 km
- Fixed installation radio: 20-50 km
- With enhanced antenna: up to 80-100 km
Mandatory monitoring channels
On inland waters and rivers:
- Channel 10: vessel traffic information
- Channel 16: distress call and initial contact
At sea:
- Continuous monitoring of channel 16 is mandatory.
- Channel 70: DSC (digital distress call) data transmission.
Emergency procedures
In case of emergency:
- Switch to channel 16.
- Use the word “Mayday” three times.
- Provide short, clear information: vessel name, position, description of the situation, and type of assistance required.
Example:
“Mayday, Mayday, Mayday, this is vessel XY123. Position: 47° 30′ N, 19° 05′ E. We are sinking due to flooding. 4 persons onboard. Immediate assistance required!”
DSC system: digital distress call
The DSC (Digital Selective Calling) system enables quick distress calls and automatic location reporting.
- Usage is mandatory for sea-going vessels.
- Capable of alerting nearby ships and shore stations with a single press.
Maritime radio licenses and regulations
In Hungary and the European Union:
- For inland radio use, an SRC (Short Range Certificate) is required.
- For sea navigation, an LRC (Long Range Certificate) or ROC (Restricted Operator’s Certificate) is needed.
- Radios must be officially registered, and an MMSI number is required.
Common mistakes in maritime radio communication
- Communicating on the wrong channel
- Incorrect distress signaling
- Outdated batteries, poorly maintained equipment
- Noisy, lengthy transmissions with unnecessary information
Modern maritime communication systems
AIS (Automatic Identification System):
- Automatic location sharing and data exchange between vessels.
GPS-based navigation:
- Assists with accurate navigation.
Internet-supported systems:
- Smart applications help access weather information and emergency alerts quickly.
