AFAIK VHF frequencies are internationally agreed and so any set fitted with the normal frequencies should be OK. Most seem to offer switchable changeover between US and International frequency sets anyway but, as far as I remember, the area you are talking about uses the normal International settings.
After all commercial ships use their sets everywhere without problems.
Local fishing boats typically use CB radio rather than VHF. Having a CB on board in addition to a VHF seems like a good idea. 245Mhz red-radio sourced locally might do well...