VHF Radios

Our VHF Radios range covers fixed and handheld marine VHF sets, the primary means of ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication and distress calling around the Irish coast, including DSC-equipped models for one-touch distress alerting.

A fixed-mount VHF with DSC (Digital Selective Calling) connected to GPS is the standard recommendation for a boat’s primary set, since DSC sends your position automatically with a distress call at the press of a protected button – far faster than a voice Mayday under pressure. A handheld VHF is a sensible backup or tender/dinghy radio, and useful if you abandon ship, but has less range and battery life than a fixed set with a proper masthead antenna. Whoever operates a marine VHF should hold a recognised radio operator qualification, and DSC-equipped sets need an MMSI number registered before the distress function will identify you correctly – see our safety equipment guides for more.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need DSC on my VHF radio?

Strongly recommended for a primary set – DSC sends your position automatically with a distress alert, far faster than relaying it by voice under pressure.

Fixed or handheld VHF?

A fixed set with DSC and a masthead antenna should be your primary radio; a handheld is a good backup, tender radio, or grab-and-go set if you abandon ship.

Do I need a licence to use a marine VHF?

Operators need a recognised radio operator qualification, and DSC sets need a registered MMSI number before the distress function identifies you correctly.