At sea, safety is non‑negotiable. Having a reliable handheld marine VHF on board is essential to communicate with the Coast Guard on Channel 16, receive weather bulletins, and handle any emergency. Whether you need a backup radio for your sailboat or the primary communication device for your RIB or tender, browse our selection. Choose from floating, waterproof transceivers equipped with the latest marine technologies.
Choosing the right marine transceiver means carefully assessing the technical specifications to ensure clear communications in all sea and weather conditions.
Here are answers to the most common questions from recreational boaters:
Is a VHF mandatory on board? A VHF (fixed or handheld) is mandatory when navigating beyond 6 nautical miles from the coast. However, even within 6 miles, a handheld VHF is the most important safety device you can carry—far superior to a mobile phone, which may have no coverage or get wet. Remember that operating it requires the Short Range Radiotelephone Certificate (RTF).
Floating and Waterproof (IPX7 or IPX8)? For marine use, waterproofing is critical. Look for models with at least IPX7 certification (submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes) or IPX8. Even more important: make sure the model is floating and features a Waterquake function (or similar) to expel water from the speaker via vibrations, maintaining clear audio.
Transmit power: 5W or 6W? Handheld VHFs typically transmit at a maximum of 5 or 6 Watts, sufficient to cover 5–8 nautical miles depending on obstacles and the height of the receiving antenna. Almost all models allow switching to 1 Watt for short‑range communications (e.g., harbor maneuvers or tender–mothership comms), saving battery life.
VHF with DSC and integrated GPS: is it really necessary? If you often sail solo or offshore, a model with integrated DSC (Digital Selective Calling) can be a lifesaver. In an emergency, pressing the “Distress” key automatically transmits your exact position (thanks to the built‑in GPS) and your MMSI to all vessels and coast stations within range.
