Which VHF?

[Guest]

I would like to purchase a VHF radio for this coming season and I am looking for some advise. I have a 21 foot cruiser / racer which I sail in the Firth of Forth. Should I go for a fixed VHF or should I opt for a handheld system (e.g. do you get a longer range with the fixed system, etc., etc.). What are the advantages and disadvantages of these systems and what particular features should I look out for. Any feedback would be gratefully received.
Thanks.

 

[ccscott49]

For a boat of your size and usage, I would reccomend one of the new waterproof type handhelds. If you intend to travel futher afield, a fixed system would be better, the range of the handheld versus the fixed, is mainly due to antenna hieght as oposed to power output, but of course I'm sure some will disagree. A hand held with adaptor and mast head antenna would be also worth considering. If you go with a fixed set, go for one which can be upgraded to gmdss, it makes sense.

 

[Bergman]

I, for one, will agree with CC.

Handportable with a masthead antenna will be a good solution.

Only caveat will be to ensure that you can keep batteries charged.

 

[Piers]

If there's any chance you would want to use the radio to call for help, there is no choice - a fixed set is by far preferable. The power output is much more - 25 watts - which can be received in excess of 25 miles by a coast guard. Far, far more than a hand held.

A hand-held will be less expensive, more flexible in use, but have a far less range, even with an external aerial.

Put it his way, when you are in distress and can't be heard, I suspect you might just have wished you'd paid the extra....

Piers du Pré
MBM Cruising Club enthusiast
www.dupre.co.uk

 

[Mike_Martin]

The other gentlemen have pretty well explained why the fixed set would be the better option, bearing in mind the fact that its primary purpose is to alert the authorities if you are in trouble, coupled with the secondary purpose (if used properly) of helping you to avoid these situations.

You should also probably be made aware of the licensing conditions for Maritime radio.

1) To install (in other words make available for use) you will require a Ship Radio Licence, if you have the fixed radio unit you will need a Fixed licence (£20) which will also issue your vessel with a unique identification, MMSI number (for Digital Selective Calling) and register some pretty important info about you and the craft with the MCA, it will also cover any further equipment on the vessel. If you choose a portable radio you will be able to choose between applying for either a Fixed or Portable licence (£15). A portable licence covers one hand-held radio for use on more than one vessel, however, it is not as useful for Search and Rescue purposes as it doesn't issue a call-sign or register vessel details.

Once you have the licence you will also need a Maritime Radio Operator's Certificate of Competence. This is because Maritime Radio exists for the safety of life and vessels at Sea and therefore you have to prove competence to use it as required by the international Radio Regulations. However, it is not half as fearsome as it sounds, as a beginner you are looking at a one-day course followed by an exam through the RYA, average cost around £50.



Manager,
Aeronautical & Maritime Section Radiocommunications Agency

 

[JohnR]

I am fitting a fixed DSC + one handheld. Logically this should be a DSC but I am told that these are not proving popular, anyway if I have to use a handheld for distress working I am likely to be in an area when I will be working to other vessels and not to a coast station. Any views?

 

[Mike_Martin]

Hi John,

There is no real reason that your hand-held should use DSC as well as your fixed set. Once the initial alert has been made and acknowledged (by HMCG) using DSC on Channel 70, distress working will resume on Channel 16.

In fact the idea of the hand-held DSC is for vessels that are unable to install fixed sets ie have no power or space available.

However, I would not claim to be an expert and would refer you to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (who are) for full in-depth advice. You can call them on 02380 329 100 and ask for the Safety Radio Section.

Mike

Manager,
Aeronautical & Maritime Section Radiocommunications Agency

 

[JohnR]

Thanks for that; its the practical advice that I value not the official "and you must keep carrier pigeons as well in case the battery goes flat" advice!