best yacht crew radios

• New Sailboats
• Sailboats 21-30ft
• Sailboats 31-35ft
• Sailboats 36-40ft
• Sailboats Over 40ft
• Sailboats Under 21feet
• used_sailboats
• Apps and Computer Programs
• Communications
• Fishfinders
• Handheld Electronics
• Plotters MFDS Rradar
• Wind, Speed & Depth Instruments
• Anchoring Mooring
• Running Rigging
• Sails Canvas
• Standing Rigging
• Diesel Engines
• Off Grid Energy
• Cleaning Waxing
• DIY Projects
• Repair, Tools & Materials
• Spare Parts
• Tools & Gadgets
• Cabin Comfort
• Ventilation
• Footwear Apparel
• Foul Weather Gear
• Mailport & PS Advisor
• Inside Practical Sailor Blog
• Activate My Web Access
• Reset Password
• Customer Service

• Free Newsletter

Ericson 41 Used Boat Review

Mason 33 Used Boat Review

Beneteau 311, Catalina 310 and Hunter 326 Used Boat Comparison

Maine Cat 41 Used Boat Review

Tips From A First “Sail” on the ICW

Tillerpilot Tips and Safety Cautions

Best Crimpers and Strippers for Fixing Marine Electrical Connectors

Thinking Through a Solar Power Installation

Getting the Most Out of Older Sails

How (Not) to Tie Your Boat to a Dock

Stopping Mainsheet Twist

Working with High-Tech Ropes

Fuel Lift Pump: Easy DIY Diesel Fuel System Diagnostic and Repair

Ensuring Safe Shorepower

Sinking? Check Your Stuffing Box

The Rain Catcher’s Guide

Boat Repairs for the Technically Illiterate

Boat Maintenance for the Technically Illiterate: Part 1

Whats the Best Way to Restore Clear Plastic Windows?

Mastering Precision Drilling: How to Use Drill Guides

Giving Bugs the Big Goodbye

Galley Gadgets for the Cruising Sailor

Those Extras you Don’t Need But Love to Have

UV Clothing: Is It Worth the Hype?

Preparing Yourself for Solo Sailing

How to Select Crew for a Passage or Delivery

Preparing A Boat to Sail Solo

On Watch: This 60-Year-Old Hinckley Pilot 35 is Also a Working…

On Watch: America’s Cup

On Watch: All Eyes on Europe Sail Racing

Dear Readers

Chafe Protection for Dock Lines

• Marine Electronics
• Safety & Seamanship
• Boat Maintenance

The Search for Reliable Hands-free Onboard Communication Systems

Practical sailor tests hands-free, two-way boat radios from yapalong and motorola..

Being able to communicate along the length of the boat allows crew to coordinate activities like anchoring, docking, or going up the mast, but to be truly useful, the communication method needs to be hands-free.

Practical Sailor

What We Tested

In the October 2007 issue, Practical Sailor reported on the Mariner 500 headsets from Cruising Solutions. Though affordable ($60 per pair), they proved to be prone to static and bulky to wear. Since then, Practical Sailor has been experimenting with two other hands-free solutions: the Motorola SX800R two-way (Family Radio Service/GMRS) radios, using the voice-activation feature, and Nautic Devices Yapalong 3000. (For a complete description of Family Radio Service, or FRS, and a review of seven different models, see the Jan. 1, 2002 issue or the online version of this article at www.practical-sailor.com .)

Unlike the Mariner 500, which incorporates the radio transmitter and battery into the headset, both the Motorola SX800R and the Yapalong comprise a cell-phone-sized transmitter/radio unit and a separate headset. But they represent two very different solutions for hands-free communication.

How We Tested

Practical Sailor  testers put both the Motorola and Yapalong headsets into service aboard several cruising boats, using them to communicate during various activities, including anchoring, masthead repairs, and docking. The products were used in various weather and sea conditions, including light rain and spray, with their mated headsets. The Motorola was also tested with the Fire Fox Sportsman Throat Mic.

Motorola SX800R

A global leader in communications devices, Motorola manufactures cell phones, two-way radios, and their accessories. Like a VHF radio, the Motorola SX800R allows only one person to speak at a time by keying the “push to talk” (PTT) button. Its voice-activation (VOX) technology, which starts transmitting when a voice is detected, improves this simplex operation by eliminating the need to push the PTT button.

With the addition of a headset and a hands-free way to carry the transmitter (a wide variety of which are available at www.motorola.com ), a crewmember can grind a winch or operate a windlass while talking to others on the boat.

The Motorola radios have three drawbacks that result from the combination of simplex operation with VOX technology. First, as with a VHF radio, users can “step on” one another by transmitting at the same time. Second, the voice-activation feature does not respond instantaneously, cutting off the first few words of each transmission. Third, if background noises are loud enough, they can trip the voice activation and prevent other users from transmitting.

The Motorola SX800R is weatherproof, but not waterproof: It has no rubber gasket to protect the electrical components. However, testers did use it in rainy conditions for up to an hour without any ill effect. It is reasonably rugged and survived being dropped from waist height several times.

For onboard communication on most recreational boats, a range of 100 feet is sufficient, but for taking lines ashore, the range needs to extend to 300 to 600 feet. The Motorola SX800R has a reported range of about 2 miles on the FRS channels and up to 16 miles on the GMRS channels. Our testers successfully communicated with the radios at a distance of about a mile with buildings and other obstacles between speakers.

Unlike many onboard communications devices, the Motorola two-way radios also offer NOAA weather-alert radio and have 22 FRS/GMRS channels with a scan mode.

The Motorola SX800R set is relatively inexpensive. For $68, you get two radios, two rechargeable NiMH batteries, and one drop-in wall charger, with a one-year warranty.

Ontario-based Nautic Devices Inc. developed the Yapalong, which uses a 2.4-GHz unlicensed frequency band, to address the drawbacks of FRS communication. It works like a telephone, using duplex operation to join speakers in what is effectively a conference call with up to four active participants. There is no delay because the “line” is always open, so no words are lost at the start of a transmission. Background noises may be distracting, but others can still transmit and be heard over them. Adjustable mic sensitivity also helps ensure clear communication, even when users speak softly.

User group size is limited to four active participants, but the listen-only Yapalong 3000-L allows an almost unlimited number of people to listen in on the conversation.

The robust, waterproof Yapalong withstood being dropped several times from a height of one meter onto a hard surface and being submerged in salt water to a depth of one meter for 30 minutes. A rubber gasket and a watertight seal keep splashes and rain out of the battery compartment and audio jack connector. In the event of submersion, water may enter these areas, but the rest of the unit is epoxy filled and watertight. Yapalong says that rinsing these areas with fresh water and drying the unit thoroughly after submersion will prevent corrosion. Our testers followed these instructions, and six months later, the Yapalong still functioned and showed no signs of corrosion.

The Yapalong is supposed to have an effective range of 800 feet line-of-sight. It is sensitive to body position and works best when oriented toward the other users with no obstructions. In practice, testers found the effective range to be about 150 feet when shielded by a users body, which would normally be the case when working on the foredeck. Our testers also found that after 10 or 15 minutes of use, the low level of static through the earbud became annoying and unpleasant.

The Yapalong is powered by two AAs or rechargeable NiMH batteries. It does not have a standard charger, and batteries are not included.

At $240 for a pair of headsets, the Yapalong 3000 is considerably more expensive than the Motorola radios. But unlike the Motorola, the package comes with a two-year warranty and includes a microphone, earbuds, adjustable neck strap, and a storage case.

The Yapalong comes with a clip-on microphone and earbud speaker; it cannot be used without these. Yapalong voids the warranty if the device is used with non-proprietary headsets.

The Motorola SX800R can be used with a headset or in iVOX mode, which enables voice activation without a headset. For the voice activation to work, the unit must be kept within an inch or so of the speakers mouth-not practical for hands-free use in most situations.

The Motorola SX800R has a standard 2.5-millimeter radio jack and can use a variety of headsets. The Yapalong headset uses a shorter radio jack, so we could not use it with the Motorola SX800R, and we could not use the Motorola-compatible headsets with the Yapalong.

For hands-free operation, we tested the Motorola with two different headsets: the Motorola earpiece with boom microphone (Model 53620) and Fire Fox Technologies Sportsman throat mic. All of the headsets proved problematic in actual use. None was waterproof, and all would fail if worn in a soaking rain.

When clipped to a jacket or shirt within a few inches of the users mouth, the Yapalong clip-on mic worked well. Communication continued easily even when one user was working an electric winch. A hook over the ear keeps tension off the earbud so that it stays in place. This works well if the user remains still. However, field tests showed that any activity-grinding a winch or replacing a light at the masthead-caused the earbud to fall out. The need to continually replace it made

total hands-free operation impossible. In addition, the earbud was too large for our female tester, who could never get it to stay in her ear.

The Motorola headset is similar to those used for hands-free talking on a regular phone. The padded speaker is mounted on a semi-rigid ear hook and fits over the ear instead of seating into it. The foam-covered boom microphone is attached to the headset via a flexible arm. Once positioned comfortably, the headset stayed in place with minimal fussing. The microphone needed to be positioned very close to the mouth to engage the VOX on the Motorola SX800R.

This was the best of the headsets we tested, but we still found three drawbacks: The earpiece could not be worn with glasses, a major problem for those at the bifocal stage of life; the earpiece was dislodged with any sort of aggressive activity; and the mic picks up the noise of the wind in breezes better than about 20 knots, tripping the voice activation.

The Fire Fox Sportsman throat mic has a neck collar with a microphone designed to be positioned next to the users Adams apple and an earbud speaker on a wire. The microphone proved difficult to correctly position, and it slipped out of position with any movement. Even when the microphone was properly positioned, users had to speak quite loudly to engage the VOX technology.

The earbud had nothing to hold it in a fixed position and also fell out with minimal movement. Like the Yapalong earbud, it was too large for our female testers ear. Ear hooks to hold the earbud in place and ear tips to improve the fit are both available at the Fire Fox website ( www.firefoxtech nologies.com ) for less than $5. The Sportsman is the least expensive of the Fire Fox line of throat microphones. The more expensive units, which have ear hooks and more sensitive microphones, range in price from $25 to $90 ( www.csonline.net) .

Bottom Line

Practical Sailor  has still not found the ideal hands-free, onboard communication system. To be hands free, the earpiece must stay in place through vigorous activity and the microphone technology must reliably transmit what has been said. Each of the options tested failed on one of these points.

While the Yapalong represents a major advance over the less-expensive VOX technology tested, were not convinced it is worth the $240 price tag. The problems with the earbud and the annoying static during transmission make communication too difficult.

The Motorola SX800R with the Motorola earpiece and boom microphone may be a better buy, but the realities of VOX technology and simplex operation make them cumbersome and frustrating to use.

For now, without an effective hands-free solution, testers will communicate either by using hand signals or the two-way radios without a headset. Well remain on the lookout for a cruiser-budget friendly, hands-free solution for onboard communications.

has been on the lookout for reasonably priced, hands-free communication options since the 2006 Americas Cup in Valencia, Spain, when the teams relied on high-tech-and expensive ($600 to $1,000 each)-lightweight wireless headsets.

Photos by Beth A. Leonard and Evans Starzinger

• Practical Sailor Value Guide: Hands-Free Transceivers
• Practical Sailor Value Guide: Hands-Free Headsets
• Download PDF Format
• Family Radios

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Log in to leave a comment

Latest Videos

What’s the Best Sailboats for Beginners?

Why Does A Sailboat Keel Fall Off?

The Perfect Family Sailboat! Hunter 27-2 – Boat Review

Pettit EZ-Poxy – How to Paint a Boat

Latest sailboat review.

• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell My Personal Information
• Online Account Activation
• Privacy Manager

• Innovative Accessory Summary
• Camping, Hiking & RV Products
• Clearance Items - Limited Quantities
• Docking & Safety
• Gift Certificates
• HatSitter, Coolers, Totes & Water Bottles
• Headsets & Accessories
• Landing Loop Products
• Radio & Communication Systems
• Boating & Sailing Services & Solutions
• Boat Transport Service
• Common Boating Issues
• Testimonials

BOATING COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS COMPARISON

Boating Communication Systems:

(latest update: 01/31/2021 - added the 2talk my team talks headset system; previous update: 08/07/2019).

Have you ever wished there was a better way to communicate with each other or with multiple people while on your boat?  A hands-free way to communicate while docking, anchoring, or mooring can make boating much less stressful.  Imagine no more yelling over the wind/engine noise or using hand signals to communicate on your boat.  A full-duplex system is where each person can speak simultaneously, and everyone can speak and hear each other at the same time.  For a two-way system, it is like talking on the telephone.  Each person can speak and understand the other person at the same time.

There are communication systems designed specifically for the boating environment with great features. A headset band that wraps around your head/neck will prevent the headset from falling into the water or crashing onto the deck while leaning over working with a line. There are noise-canceling headsets for powerboats or other noisy boating environments.  A system can be designed depending on what your needs are to accommodate your specific requirements.

Here is a Summary table that describes some different communication systems that make boating more enjoyable and less stressful.

Below the table, you will find a paragraph describing each of the different Headset Systems in detail.

The above communication systems  provide a solution for the following situations and environments:  

• Fore-deck to Helm
• Deck to Mast Head
• Navigation Station to Helm
• Helm to Bow
• Mooring or Docking
• Traveling through locks
• Spouse to Spouse (Keep your marriage intact - "The Marriage Saver")
• Trailering - loading, unloading, and parking.
• Fueling your boat

These communication systems are great for:

• Parking Campers/RVs
• Equestrian Training
• Theater/Dance Performances
• Videographers/Weddings
• Blind Skiers
• Construction/Bridge Inspections
• Heavy Equipment Operation
• Plant Tour Communications
• Sports Officiating/Referees
• Bicycling/Mountain Biking

The 2Talk My Team Talks Headset (made by Sena)  system is a NEW System (2/1/21) that uses the same electronics and controls as the Sena Expand headsets but has a different microphone. You can set up a full-duplex system for two to four people. The 2Talk My Team Talks System contains two headsets, each with a boom microphone and a USB power/data cable, plus a hard, water-resistant storage case. The Sena Expand or Sena SPH10 headsets are compatible with the 2Talk headsets.  The 2Talk headset uses Bluetooth 3.0 technology for the intercom mode, which allows you to communicate between headsets.   The 2Talk My Team Talks Headsets do NOT require any cell phone service for the headsets to communicate with each other.   The headset weighs about 4.25 ounces with the electronics built into the headset. These headsets sit comfortably on your ears and have a headband that wraps around the back of your head/neck.  Located on the left earpiece are the controls.  There is a speaker for both the left and right ear.  There is a volume control that allows you to adjust the volume to hear in whatever environment you find yourself.  The boom microphone can be adjusted so that others can hear you speak clearly.  These headsets do not need any other equipment to communicate with each other.  You can use these headsets to listen to music, and you can even pair up the headset with Bluetooth on your cell phone. With your cell phone safely stored below decks, you can answer your cell phone calls with your headset.  This system does NOT use any belt pack, and there are no wires to get caught on stays or other boat equipment.  Up to four headsets can work together to allow four individuals to communicate in a full-duplex environment without having any buttons to push.  All four people can speak and hear each other at the same time.  To charge up the 2Talk My Team Talks Headsets, you plug the USB power cable into the headset and plug the other end into a compatible USB port. You can also use the USB cable end with an adapter converting the USB end to either a 12-Volt adapter or an AC adapter.  The 12-Volt adapter or AC adapter are NOT included and can be purchased separately.

The  My Team Talks Headset (Sena SPH10 )  full-duplex headsets work in a  system for 2-4 people. Each headset is sold individually and comes with the headset, boom microphone, mini microphone, USB power and data cable, a stereo audio cable, and a set of rubber ear pads.  A minimum of two headsets is required to make a system.  The headset uses Bluetooth 3.0 technology for the intercom mode, which allows you to communicate between headsets.  The My Team Talks Headsets do NOT require any cell phone service for the headsets to communicate with each other.  The headset weighs about 4.25 ounces with the electronics built into the headset. These headsets comfortably sit on your ears with a headband that wraps around the back of your head/neck. The controls are located on the left earpiece. There is a speaker for both the left and right ear.  There is a volume control that allows you to adjust the volume to hear in whatever environment you find yourself.  You can move the boom microphone to be heard clearly by others.  These headsets do not need any other equipment to communicate with each other.  You can use these headsets to listen to music, and you can even pair up the headset with Bluetooth on your cell phone. With your cell phone safely stored below decks, you can answer your cell phone calls with your headset.  This system does NOT use any belt pack, and there are no wires to get caught on stays or other boat equipment.  Up to four headsets can work together to allow four individuals to communicate in a full-duplex environment without having any buttons to push.  All four people can speak and hear each other at the same time.  To charge up the My Team Talks Headsets, you plug the USB power cable into the headset, and then you will need an adapter converting the USB end to either a 12-Volt adapter or an AC adapter.  The 12-Volt adapter or AC adapter are NOT included and can be purchased separately.

The  Sena Expand-02 Headset  system is a NEW system that can be used with 2-4 people in a full-duplex environment and is water and sweat resistant. Each headset is sold individually and comes with the headset, fixed microphone on the left side, a USB power and data cable.  A minimum of two headsets is required to make a system.  The headset uses Bluetooth 3.0 technology for the intercom mode, which allows you to communicate between headsets.  Sena  Expand uses the Universal Intercom™ protocol, which makes your gear compatible with other brands.  The Sena Expand Headsets do NOT require any cell phone service for the headsets to communicate with each other.   The headset weighs about 4.25 ounces with the electronics built into the headset. These headsets sit comfortably on your ears and have a headband that wraps around the back of your head/neck.  The controls are on the left earpiece.  There is a speaker for both the left and right ear.  There is a volume control that allows you to adjust the volume to hear no matter the environment.  These headsets do not need any other equipment to communicate with each other.  You can use these headsets to listen to music, and you can even pair up the headset with the Bluetooth on your cell phone and answer your cell phone calls while it is stored safely below deck.  This system does NOT use any belt pack, and there are no wires to get caught on stays or other boat equipment.  These headsets can be programmed to work with up to four headsets so you can have four individuals communicating in a full-duplex environment without having any buttons to push.  All four people can speak and hear each other at the same time.  To charge up the Sena Expand Headsets, you plug the USB power cable into the headset and then into a USB port, or you will need an adapter converting the USB end to either a 12-Volt adapter or an AC adapter.  The 12-Volt adapter or AC adapter are NOT included but can be purchased separately.

The  Eartec UltraLITE  system is NEW and is the replacement for the Eartec Simultalk 24G system. The UltraLITE headsets are breakthrough full duplex wireless headsets that provide  hands-free, two-way full-duplex voice  communications. At the heart of these systems is a specialty "Master" headset that relays the digital signals generated by up to three "Remote" units. The resulting open line talking pattern allows u p to 4 people to talk simultaneously  without pushing buttons. The electronics and the battery are inside the headsets themselves.  There are no belt packs with this system.  The headset comes with one ear cup (Single Headset) or two ear cups (Double Headset), depending on your preference. Locate the noise-canceling boom microphone on the left or right ear cup. When the boom microphone is in the "UP" position, this mutes the microphone. There are systems available for 2-way, 3-way, and 4-way systems with different headset configurations (Single Headset or Double Headset).

The most popular system my customers purchased was the Eartec Simultalk 24G 2-Way system .  Eartec DISCONTINUED the Simultalk 24G 2-Way and is OUT OF STOCK PERMANENTLY as of 8/3/17.  This system is a cost-effective system that allows boaters to communicate in a full-duplex environment easily.  Both people can speak and hear the other person at the same time.  There are no buttons to push once you have the radios set up, which is easy to do.  There is a Master Radio and Remote Radio.  These radios are water resistant but are NOT waterproof.  The beautiful thing about the Eartec Simultalk 24G system is that there are many different headsets options if you want to customize your system.  The system comes with the Cyber Headset, a very lightweight headset (less than 1.25 Ounces) that wraps around the back of your head/neck and is very comfortable.  You don't even realize the headset is on your head.  The Cyber Headset design is excellent for boating because the band goes around the back of your head/neck, so it will not fall off as you are bending over, tending to lines, or other items. The Cyber Headset has only one speaker, which is on the left side.  If someone wears a hearing aid in their left ear, this may not be the right headset choice.  Many other Eartec headsets are available, which work with the Eartec Simultalk 24G radios instead of the Cyber headset.  The con to this system is that the headset plugs into a separate radio/belt pack (Master and Remote).  There is a wire running from the headset down to the radio. Attach the radio/belt pack to your waistband via a clip, or you can stow it in a pocket.  Some folks don't like the wire because it can get caught on stays or lifelines or other items on your boat.  It is a personal preference. Eartec informed us in October 2016 that they are discontinuing the Simultalk 24G system and replaced it with the Eartec UltraLITE system.

The Eartec Simultalk 24G does offer a 3-Way and a 4-Way system, but once you go beyond a 2-Way system, it is NO LONGER a full-duplex system.  Eartec DISCONTINUED the Simultalk 24G 3 and 4-Way systems and is OUT OF STOCK PERMANENTLY as of 8/3/17.  If you are looking for a full-duplex system for 3 or 4 people, check out the My Team Talks Headset System or the Eartec UltraLITE system.  The Simultalk 24G 3-Way or 4-Way system does have applications where this setup still works well.  Each system contains a Master Radio, and the 3-way system contains two Remote radios, and the 4-way system contains three Remote radios.  So for a 3-Way system, there is now a Master and two Remote radios (let's call them Remote1 and Remote2). Remote radios (Remote1 and Remote2) can hear the Master radio speak, but the two Remote radios cannot hear each other since they are using the same frequency.  Both Remote radios could hear what the Master is saying, but only the Master radio will hear what each Remote radio says.  Only one Remote radio can speak to the Master radio at a time. So if Remote1 comes out of the Standby Mode into Transmit mode, the Master radio will hear Remote1 speak. Radio Remote2 will not hear what the Radio Remote1 said, but Radio Remote2 will hear what the Master replies to Remote1.  When Remote1 finishes speaking, they should go into the Standby Mode so that if Remote2 needs to talk to the Master, Remote2 can now go into Transmit mode and speak with the Master radio.  Eartec informed us in October 2016 that they are discontinuing the Simultalk 24G system, replacing it with the Eartec UltraLITE system.

The Eartec Comstar system is a more sophisticated system that allows up to eight people to communicate simultaneously without any buttons to push.  There is a Com-Center base station  that is the center of communication, and the headsets will work up to 400 yards away from the base station in either direction so you can communicate and be up to 800 yards from each other.  There are two types of headset setups that are available with this system. For the All-In-One headsets , there is a choice of three different headset options, which have all of the electronics built right into the headset.  The other option is to use the Comstar Compak belt pack, which has one of many different headset options that plug into the belt pack.  The Comstar All-In-One headsets and the Comstar Compak headsets can be used together as part of up to eight systems that can communicate together.  This system is ideal, where you know that you will need more than four people interacting in a full-duplex environment.  It allows you to add additional headsets/users to the system at any time in the future.  The base station comes with an AC power cord or can operate with Ni-MH batteries.  This system is very flexible and allows you to meet each individual's headset preference.

Please comment below in the "Comments" section if you have any questions or experiences with any of these systems. I will respond to your comments so others will see the response.  If you use other communication systems, please let me know which system you use. Please be as specific as possible.

Please let us know how you like your communication system., did you like this blog post share it below, we would love to hear your feedback.  contact us here  if you have any questions., serving boaters since 2007.

Best Marine VHF Radios [Fixed]: Top Picks For Boaters

Are you finding that the choice of fixed marine VHF radios on the market right now is a bit daunting? You’re not alone in feeling this; I had the same impression when putting together this article.

In addition, I noticed almost every other website putting handheld VHF radios in the same list as fixed! That’s not the case here!

The editorial team at Sailing Savvy boasts nearly 50 years of experience in the yachting and sailing industry. Over the years, we’ve used and evaluated more fixed marine VHF radios than most.

Coastal sailors might not require high-end features. So, this article highlights reliable fixed marine VHF radios with essential functions

For those needing more advanced units, we’ve listed our top recommendations, too. Let’s dive in!

📻 The Best Fixed VHF Marine Radios

We have carefully researched, tested, and compiled a list of the best VHF marine radios available on the market.

Each product is selected for quality and performance to help improve your communication and safety at sea. Browse through our recommendations below to find the perfect VHF marine radio for your needs.

Lowrance LINK-9 VHF Marine Radio

Our in-house yacht captain, Craig, recently had the opportunity to install and use the Lowrance LINK-9 VHF marine radio on his new tender and was impressed by its functionality. 

He believes the Lowrance LINK-9 is an excellent choice for boaters needing a reliable and feature-rich VHF marine radio.

• Powerful VHF performance with DSC and AIS receive
• Large, clear white dot matrix LCD
• Easy installation and setup process
• Difficulty entering MMSI number
• Limited to 2 channels

Its overall experience is quite solid, as it offers clear communications with DSC and AIS capabilities. These features make it easier to locate and communicate with other vessels, ensuring improved safety on the water.

One of the best aspects of the LINK-9 is its large, clear white dot matrix LCD screen. We found this very useful, as it offers high visibility even in bright sunlight, allowing for quick reading and access to essential information during our voyages. 

This marine radio also has a robust and easily mountable fist mic, which we found convenient for everyday use.

However, we did run into some snags while setting up the unit. Specifically, we had trouble entering the MMSI number and spent considerable time with Lowrance tech support to resolve the issue. 

Although this was an inconvenience, the responsive and helpful customer support did make amends for this. 

Additionally, the radio is limited to just two channels, which might not be enough for those who require more extensive communication options. 

In conclusion, the Lowrance LINK-9 VHF marine radio is a solid choice for a reliable and feature-packed communications solution for those out on the water. Despite some setbacks in the setup process and channel limitations, we believe its performance and the overall experience it offers make it a worthwhile investment for boat owners.

Standard Horizon GX6000 Fixed Mount VHF

The Standard Horizon GX6000 25W Commercial Grade Fixed Mount VHF is an excellent marine radio for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich VHF radio. 

We highly recommend the Standard Horizon GX6000 for its integrated AIS receiver, collision avoidance alarms, and NMEA compatibility.

• Integrated AIS receiver with target display
• Programmable CPA and TCPA collision avoidance alarms
• NMEA2000 and NMEA0183 compatible
• Additional antennas required
• NMEA 2000 cable, GPS receiver, and flush mount brackets not included
• No built-in GPS

Its integrated AIS receiver enables the display of crucial information, including MMSI, Call Sign, Ship Name, BRG, DST, SOG, and COG, allowing you to identify nearby vessels and avoid potential collisions easily.

One impressive aspect of the GX6000 is its programmable CPA and TCPA collision avoidance alarms. These alarms are typically found in radars and provide an additional layer of safety, so having them in your VHF is a highly premium feature!

The radio is also NMEA2000 and NMEA0183 compatible, allowing for seamless integration with other marine electronics onboard.

However, we must point out that some essential components are not included in the package. 

You will need to purchase additional antennas, and it lacks an NMEA 2000 cable or flush mount brackets. 

Additionally, the VHF radio doesn’t have a built-in GPS; you will need to buy Standard Horizon’s SCU-31 GPS antenna and receiver or wire your own compatible receiver/antenna.

In conclusion, the Standard Horizon GX6000 offers a great combination of features, making it a top choice for anyone looking to enhance their marine communication capabilities.

Despite some minor drawbacks in terms of missing components, the overall performance and feature set make it well worth the investment for a reliable and efficient VHF marine radio.

Icom M330G 31 Compact VHF with GPS

Our experience with the Icom M330G 31 Compact VHF marine radio left us with a favorable impression, thanks to its overall build quality, professional design, and durability. 

Icom is a highly respected industry name. The M330G 31 is reliable, compact, and comes with built-in GPS features.

• High-quality materials and reliable performance
• Compact design with large LCD
• Integrated GPS with external puck antenna
• Less intuitive button layout compared to older models
• No dedicated buttons for 09 or weather channels
• Some users miss the knobs and dials

As a user, the large LCD and soft key menu operation make navigating through the device a breeze. The integrated GPS with an external puck antenna ensures accurate location tracking while on the water.

Though we found the compact design to be a plus, some users might feel differently about the lack of dedicated buttons for channel 9 or weather channels, making it slightly less intuitive than older models. 

Another minor downside is that the Icom M330G 31 has shifted away from knobs and dials in favor of button controls, which might not suit all users’ preferences.

The Icom M330G 31 Compact Basic VHF marine radio offers a good balance between simplicity, functionality, and advanced features like Class D DSC and IPX7 waterproofing. 

While making some concessions in terms of ease of use for certain tasks, it remains a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable VHF marine radio with GPS capability.

Icom M424G 21 Fixed Mount VHF Radio

This VHF marine radio is worth considering due to its built-in GPS, clear audio quality, and reliable performance.

Having recently used the M424G 21, we were quite impressed with its features and overall performance. 

• Built-in GPS
• Aqua Quake draining function
• Submersible protection (IPX7) – up to 1 meter depth for 30 minutes
• Requires some drilling for installation
• Could have a better user manual
• Only 21 channels

The built-in GPS functionality is a major advantage, providing accurate position reports and making it ideal for receiving and sending distress signals.

The Aqua Quake draining function is another feature we found helpful, especially when out on the water. 

It clears any water from the speaker grill, ensuring the audio quality remains clear. Additionally, the radio’s IPX7 submersible protection rating offers added peace of mind, securing the device up to 1 meter underwater for 30 minutes.

However, we did encounter a couple of drawbacks. Installing the radio required some drilling, which might be a pain for some. 

We also noticed that the user manual could be better, as some parts were not easy to comprehend. This radio offers 21 channels, which may be sufficient for casual users, but professionals might prefer more options.

Overall, the ICOM M424G 21 VHF marine radio met our expectations in terms of performance and usability. Its unique features, like the built-in GPS and Aqua Quake draining function, make it stand out among other marine radios on the market. 

If you’re looking for a reliable marine radio that performs well on the water, this one should definitely be on your list.

• Submersible protection (IPX7) - up to 1 meter depth for 30 minutes

Raymarine Ray55 VHF Fixed Mount Radio

The Raymarine Ray55 VHF radio is a feature-rich, compact marine radio suitable for reliable communication at sea.

Our experience with the 55 has been quite satisfying overall. 

• Compact design with 25-watt output
• Class D DSC with GPS interface and distress key
• Dual channel display for easy monitoring
• Some reported reliability issues
• Hardwired microphone cord
• May require an additional purchase for in-dash flush mounting kit

The compact design is perfect for smaller boats, and the 25-watt output ensures strong communication. 

The Class D DSC with GPS interface and the front-mounted distress key make this radio a trustworthy choice for emergencies.

The dual-channel display is another feature we appreciate. It allows for simultaneous monitoring of active and standby channels, ensuring efficient communication with other boats or monitoring weather alerts. 

The professional-grade receiver provides clear reception, and we found onboard controls on the microphone to be convenient.

Some drawbacks include reported reliability issues with the device, such as premature power-offs. We did not experience this ourselves, but we thought it was worth mentioning. 

The hardwired microphone cord could also be an issue in the long run, as a damaged cord might require an entire radio replacement. Lastly, remember that an optional in-dash flush mounting kit may need to be purchased separately for a cleaner installation.

In conclusion, the Raymarine Ray55 VHF Fixed Mount Radio is a feature-packed marine radio designed to enhance safety and communication at sea.

Though there are a few potential issues, the radio’s overall performance and convenience make it a solid option for boaters investing in a reliable VHF radio system.

🧑‍⚖️ Our recommendation process

Between the  editorial team  at Sailing Savvy, we have nearly 50 years’ worth of experience within the yachting industry. We have used numerous brands like Lowrance, Raymarine, and ICOM.

The recommendations we share are 100% impartial and bias-free. We only offer genuine advice on what we have come to know as the best and most reliable sailing gear.

📝 Buying Guide

When choosing the best VHF marine radio for your needs, there are several factors to consider. We’ll discuss the key features and elements to look for to make an informed decision.

The first thing to consider is the frequency range that the radio operates on. A good VHF marine radio should cover all standard marine channels .

This includes channels 9, 16, and 22A, commonly used for distress calls, and other channel ranges for regular communication between boats and stations.

The power output of your VHF marine radio is crucial, as it affects your transmission range and signal clarity.

While handheld models usually offer 1 to 5 watts of power, fixed-mount radios can have an output of 25 watts or more, which is ideal for longer-range communication.

Given that marine radios are designed for use in aquatic environments. Ideally, they should be waterproof and built to withstand harsh conditions.

Look for models with an IPX7 or higher waterproof rating and sturdy construction to ensure it will withstand constant moisture exposure and possible impacts.

A built-in GPS receiver can be a valuable addition, as it allows for more accurate location tracking in an emergency.

With GPS integration, some radios also support Digital Selective Calling (DSC), which enables transmission of location information during distress calls, facilitating quicker assistance.

⚖️ Final Verdict

Considering these key features will allows you to make a confident decision when selecting the best VHF marine radio. Remember, safety and communication should always be prioritized while out on the water.

Written by:

I’m the founder and chief editor here at Sailing Savvy. I spent a decade working as a professional mariner and currently, I mix those experiences with digital publishing. Welcome, and I hope that we can be the hub you need for safe passage.

• Career Advice
• Salary Guide
• Dockwalk Presents
• Digital Dockwalk

Guide to Onboard Radio Etiquette

Patrick Levitzke is from Port Macquarie, Australia. He left in 2019 to begin yachting, and found his first job on a private 82-foot Horizon, cruising the U.S. East Coast, with just the captain. Currently, he’s a deckhand on a 210-foot private yacht and has plans to complete his 200-ton license this year.

The radio is perhaps one of the most valuable and often overlooked tools in every crewmember’s toolkit. It’s a highway for communication and information across the vessel. Knowing how best to use it will serve you and your crewmembers well and ensure peak guest experience.

Proper radio etiquette can be broken down into two parts: Ensuring proper radio function and maintenance and the communication being delivered and received.

Ensuring Proper Radio Function: You and your trusty radio may often find yourselves in inclement climates. Check for corrosion, bent antennas, and water in the speaker. If it has suffered a salty tender ride, remember to rinse it afterwards with freshwater — otherwise it may not see the end of charter.

When transmitting, remember you’re on loudspeaker throughout the vessel. If in a leadership position or head of department, as the saying goes, “Praise in public and give discipline/feedback in private; never over the radio.” 

As you go about your day (and night), be aware of your battery, volume, and channel. If any of these three are out, you’re running deaf to the vessel happenings. This especially becomes important before undertaking any kind of docking, fire drills, or tender operations where clear lines of communication are a must.

If your vessel doesn’t have them already, invest in radio lanyards that are able to hook onto your belt loops. It will save many would-be radio-overboard incidents, as well as preventing dents on deck and having to get that infamous clothing iron out.

As a final touch, turn down your radio when guests are about. It’ll make it that much easier for them to enjoy those aft deck sunsets if they’re not overhearing the endless logistics of crew.

Communication Delivery: When carefully constructing your message, include vital info:

/ What are the actions/information you’re requesting?

/ What actions/information are you conveying?

The goal is to make communication as clear and concise as possible. It’s a get-from-point-A-to-B type of deal; distinctly different than having a conversation. Identify who you’re addressing, then await confirmation that your intended recipient(s) are listening. Most radios will have a slight delay between when you press the button to transmit and transmission, so give it half a second before you start speaking to avoid those, “Sorry, could you repeat” moments.

• 101 Words You Need to Know as Crew

If you’re being given information — perhaps along the lines of “Guests are requesting three snack-packs, books from their cabin, and a bottle of wine with ice” — repeat that information back before acting on it to ensure both parties have the information correct.

As a final touch, turn down your radio when guests are about. 

When transmitting, remember you’re on loudspeaker throughout the vessel. If in a leadership position or head of department, as the saying goes, “Praise in public and give discipline/feedback in private; never over the radio.” When on charter, always assume guests will hear what you have to say over the radio. If it’s banter, make sure it’s family friendly.

While the humble radio is often overlooked, it plays a central part to any vessel. It’s entertaining to think of how you would run any modern superyacht without them.

This article originally ran in the August 2021 issue of Dockwalk.

More from Dockwalk

Most popular on dockwalk.

• Subscribe Now
• Digital Editions

Boat and Marine Wireless Crew Intercom

• Editor's Choice - Top 50 boat gadgets

We all know that the key to stress-free anchoring, berthing and close quarter maneuvering is staying calm and being clear with your instructions but that’s easier said than done when it’s blowing a hoolie and there are numerous obstacles to avoid.

These hands-free intercoms will no doubt improve relations on board between captain and crew (and save a fair few arguments) as they negate the need to bark orders and directions across the foredeck.

The intercoms use a simple earpiece and voice-activated microphone to enable two-way conversations over a range of up to 250 metres without ever needing to raise your voice.

The primary device is secured in a pouch and worn on the user’s arm. It’s slimline and comfortable. The earpiece and microphone work in the usual way, much like a hands-free mobile phone.

The intercoms can also receive mobile calls and nav instructions. They also can prove pretty handy as a boat-to- tender communication device, providing each are within 250m.

The verdict from the MBY Cool 50 judges was loud and clear – these nifty hands-free intercoms will make tricky manoeuvres such as approaching new marinas or unfamiliar locations, berthing in bad weather, anchoring or mooring to a buoy much easier.

Recommended videos for you

The ability to clearly hear instructions from the skipper at the helm, to relay information back and communicate at a distance is a huge advantage and with an attractive price point, crews preparing to notch up some cruising miles this season could find this kit very useful.

The intercom system can be paired to two other devices – making intercom between 3 people possible.

The unit charges using a USB cable. In addition to receiving telephone calls hands free you can also play the built in FM radio.

www.see-marine.co.uk

Best boating water toys: 12 ways to make your boat even more fun

Tried and tested: wuzzos corinthian pro deck shoes, best boating gadgets: 6 of the best options for upgrading your boat’s tech, latest videos, watch: parker sorrento sea trial: 50-knot cruiser with a killer aft cabin, watch: virtue v10 sea trial: €272k weekender, how to mark your anchor chain: 6 top tips from our expert, watch: galeon 560 fly sea trial – the best galeon flybridge you can buy.

Two-Way Radios and Yachting – The Perfect Match

Two-way radios are a great communication option for multiple applications. It is especially true for yachts and other marine applications. Onboard a yacht, staff and passengers can communicate easily and effectively with premium two-way radios. Offering complete coverage on your vessel, two-way radios allow you to communicate with personnel simply and offer exceptional value. Water-proof two-way marine handsets may sound like costly options, but in truth, they provide quality and value for your crew and your vessel.

Advantages of Two-Way Radios Onboard Your Yacht

Effective, reliable communication onboard your yacht is important, sometimes even critical, and two-radios are up to the task. Not only do they allow for exceptional onboard communication, but also help your staff perform their tasks and duties more effectively. Two-radios provide the advantage of effective communication when handling your guests’ needs and be better prepared in case of emergency to save lives.

Marine two-way radios provide these benefits for onboard communications:

• Loud, clear audio
• Hands-free operation
• RF performance
• Built-in loudspeaker
• Wind-noise reduction
• All-weather functionality
• Portability
• Multiple User Channels
• Unlimited listeners
• Numerous privacy codes
• Clear digital signal
• Exceptional range
• Full Duplex, Fully Conversational
• Quick and easy set up
• Quality accessories
• No base station required

Choosing the Ideal Two-Way Radios for Your Vessel

Making the selection of the ideal two-way radio for your yacht can be challenging with so many options from which to choose. That is where the expert team at Highland Wireless comes in with the knowledge and experience to outfit your yacht with state-of-the-art handsets designed to effective wireless communication. From waterproof two-way radios to marine base wireless radios, marine signal boost repeaters, earpieces, microphones, and chargers, the team at Highland Wireless has the expertise to ensure you get the best equipment to meet your needs.

Additional Marine Equipment Options for Your Yacht

In addition to two-way radios, Highland Wireless offers a full range of marine communication and safety equipment for your yacht include Vessel Watch with alarm monitoring, quick command controls, task scheduling, and crew call. Vessel Watch is a unique software solution which extends the effectiveness of your two-way radio system. Leveraging the digital radios data function, Vessel Watch offers features to help your crew perform more effectively. The software is customized for each unique yacht and enhances security, safety, hospitality, and management onboard. Vessel Watch can integrate with your yacht’s alarm system to send detailed notifications as directed. In addition, the software allows for the use of quick commands to control onboard devices, lighting, sound, fans, and more directly from your handsets. Task scheduling is also a part of the Vessel Watch programming which is designed to ensure crucial checks and maintenance occur on time and successfully. Crew Call allows you and your guests to transform smartphones and tablets into a virtual Crew Call button to summon crew members as needed. In fact, once a member of your personnel answers the call, confirmation is sent to your guests along with the name of the person responding.

Call on the Trusted Marine Communication Consultants at Highland Wireless

As Marine Communication Consultants, Highland Wireless provides every aspect of ideal, effective yacht communications customized for your vessel. From the planning stages to installation to support, the Highland Wireless team strives to exceed your expectations. When installing marine communications aboard your yacht the process begins with an initial consultation to access your needs. Next, comes the design and selection phase, followed by delivery and installation. Optimization of your marine communication gear follows and includes training your onboard staff. Finally, you can count on the team at Highland Wireless to support you and your communication devices following purchase and installation.

Superyachts

Yacht crew radios.

• June 1, 2022

What Radios do yacht Crew Use ?

The simple answer to this question is that yacht crew in most cases depending on yacht size use VHF/UHF Radios. You can take a VHF radio course before you start working as yacht crew.

Here are the top things you need to know about using a Yacht crew radio. 

Always be available on your radio. Not answering a transmission to you when you are on duty is not acceptable. You will get your own UHF Radio once on board. It is a piece of expensive equipment so treat it with extra care from any damage. Attach it to yourself do you do not drop it.

All radio traffic should follow these guidelines:

• Short messages
• Clear messages
• Minimize traffic
• Do not use for personal non-work-related tasks
• Keep volume low
• Press transmit button and hold for 0.5 second, start speaking and transmitting your message, wait 0.5 seconds and let go of the transmit button.

Never use bad language or argue over the radio and remember to always charge you yacht crew radio when not on duty Think before using your yacht crew radio of what messages you want to send.

Yacht Deckhand Premium STCW

Yacht Stewardess Premium STCW

Yacht Stewardess Full STCW

Superyacht Deckhand Full STCW

STCW Training in Holland- A Comprehensive Guide

Top 10 best places to find a Yacht job in the Med 2024?

Yacht Crew Courses for Holland: Food Hygiene Level 2

Yacht Deckhand Training in United States: Upgrade Your Career at Sea

Best Yacht Deckhand Training in Florida: Advance your Sea Career

Find the Best Yacht Deckhand Training In Fort Lauderdale

All You Need to Know About Yacht Stewardess Training in United States

Superyacht crew training europe.

2024 Dates full.   Book Final  4 spot for October date with payment plan “paylater50”

Get free yacht cv and yacht job offers

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

HF radio or sat comms? Communication at sea

• Katy Stickland
• July 12, 2021

Barry Pickthall considers the best options for communications at sea where even the most modern boat might look to old technology for answers

Does old communications technology still have a place onboard a modern cruising yacht? Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

It’s possible to stream Netflix videos straight to your boat, make direct calls to anyone, stream music and fire off and receive emails 24/7, writes Barry Pickthall

Barry Pickthall is a journalist and photographer who has been covering all aspects of yachting for four decades. Credit: Barry Pickthall/PPL

But unless you own a boat the size of a superyacht, (preferably with a built-in cinema) it is simply not practical to fit the large satellite dome required onboard.

Satellite technology, however, has had a major impact on marine communications, making traditional radiotelephone communications all but redundant.

Many of the coastal and global radio stations around the world have closed down, including Niton Radio on the Isle of Wight, which could patch a VHF radio call to a landline, and Portishead Radio in the West Country, which could do much the same across the globe via HF radio.

So what is available for us cruising folk planning an extended voyage, without having to pay through the nose to keep in touch with the outside world?

Quite a lot, actually.

HAM Amateur Radio Net

The 2018 Golden Globe Race (GGR) celebrating the 50th anniversary of Sir Robin Knox-Johnston’s first non-stop solo sail around the world back in 1968/9 , took the 18 starters back to the ‘golden age’ of simple sailing in more ways than one.

All forms of computerised electronics were banned under the general rule that if something wasn’t available to Sir Robin at the time, then it wouldn’t be allowed now.

That extended to smartphones, electronic wind speed and direction instruments, digital cameras and iPods.

For communications, competitors had to rely on HF radio, VHF and the ham radio net.

Mark Slats made good use of the Ham net during the 2018 Golden Globe Race. Credit: Christophe Favreau/PPL/GGR

By and large, the race was a success, though there were some anomalies.

The ham net came of age during the Second World War when the War Office recruited some 500 amateurs to record German Morse code signals.

Britain’s National Radio Centre for radio amateurs is still based at the once-secret listening centre at Bletchley Park.

Now there are more than three million amateur radio enthusiasts happily chatting from garden sheds all around the globe to anyone they can pick up.

To most, contact with adventurous voyagers is manna from heaven.

My first experience with the ham net was during the 1979 Nedlloyd Spice Race from Jakarta, Indonesia to Rotterdam, Holland when crew on the 80ft Australian yacht Batavier (a replica of the American classic Ticonderoga) had such a radio.

Quite apart from keeping in regular contact with the race organisers, quite by chance they also developed a regular schedule with King Hussein of Jordan, who was a keen amateur radio enthusiast.

Licence crackdown

During the 1990s, skippers competing in the BOC Challenge Solo Round the World Race relied on this amateur net for much of their communications, often using made-up hooky call signs to save themselves the six to 12 months it takes to get a licence.

These skippers also learned to cannibalise cheap 100W car radio-sized ham transmitter/receivers by cutting one wire at the back and connecting them to a 400W booster to open up all the HF radio frequencies for a fraction of the cost of a Single Sideband SSB HF Marine set.

Things are much stricter now, with the global licensing authority CEPT calling on national licensing authorities to impose swingeing penalties on registered ham operators who communicate with unscrupulous users.

In Britain, the Amateur Radio network is controlled by OFCOM, which has recently cancelled more than 500 licences for non-compliance, which includes communication with unregistered radio operators.

The maximum penalty is six months in prison, a £5,000 fine, confiscation of equipment and the loss of their licence.

Mark Slats’ nav station showing an extensive array of communications equipment for the 2018 GGR. Credit: Don McIntyre/PPL/GGR

Problems came to a head during the final stages of the Golden Globe Race when it was discovered that the two leaders, Frenchman Jean-Luc Van Den Heede and Dutchman Mark Slats , were alleged to have unregistered call signs.

Word got out on social media, and the ham operators, who operate to strict procedures and are well disciplined, dropped them like hot bricks.

Slats was worst affected, finding himself without weather forecasts, and fell into a wind hole , which lost him 450 miles on his rival during the last week of the race.

Bill Walker, a retired electronics engineer and life-long ham radio enthusiast who sails a Halberg-Rassy 37 with his wife Judy out of Chichester, has his radio shack in his back garden, high on a hill in Tunbridge Wells where he gets a 90-mile signal range on VHF and worldwide coverage on HF frequencies when propagation is good.

‘There is no restriction on listening to broadcasts over the ham net, but the authorities are now very proactive in policing rogue ham radio operators,’ he says.

There are good reasons to learn the basics and gain an Advanced (full) licence, managed by RSGB (Radio Society of Great Britain).

Some examples of of ham shorthand and quirks. It’s well worth obtaining your licence if only to ensure you are aware of what people are talking about

For a start, there is an international language code to be learned when abbreviating common phrases to make it easier to understand  when the signal strength is poor.

An amateur radio licence opens up a range of communication types, including free access to a network of amateur satellites and worldwide radio connectivity via the internet.

These types of communications are not affected by the vagaries of HF radio propagation.

Commercial HF radio

As it stands, future GGR competitors are now forced to use ITU (International Telecommunication Union) marine HF frequencies, which limits their communication capability to contact their team and families, compared to the 1960s when there was a worldwide network of commercial marine HF radio stations like Portishead Radio in Somerset, UK.

This is expensive, with radio/telephone links charged at a much higher rate than satellite phone calls.

Worse, GGR skippers like Tapio Lehtinen and Mark Slats complain that many of these commercial radio stations simply didn’t respond to their calls during the 2018 Race.

‘That’s because many now operate at limited times.

There is simply not the traffic to warrant 24/7 coverage any more because the world has moved on to satellite communications,’ says Ari Caselius.

Ham radio is strictly policed by its dedicated hardcore of committed users. Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

He suggests that the race organisers will need to arrange support from a network of commercial stations to provide a manned service on certain frequencies and time slots as the race progresses from one ocean to the next.

The one alternative is the HF service provided by Sailcom Marine (www.sailcom. co.uk/) and Yachtcom (www.yachtcom.co.uk/) for those competing in the annual Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), Oyster World Rally and a number of competitors in the last GGR.

These two British companies offer an HF/SSB package that includes equipment, training, licensing and communication networks to provide weather forecasts and free ship-to-ship connection within the fleet.

Bob Smith from Sailcom Marine confirms that their HF/SSB packages cost around £5,000, including installation, but warns: ‘Coastal radio stations are a thing of the past, with most now closed or providing only a minimal service by appointment. Shipcom, the last USA provider, ceased operation last year.’

Continues below…

Internet at sea: The future of getting online

Mark Hawkins explores the options for guaranteed internet at sea and the new technologies for bluewater sailors

Tested: Spot X Bluetooth Satellite tracking & messaging

The Spot X Bluetooth promises cheaper two-way satellite communication. We test the satellite tracking and messaging device to see if…

How do I get an MMSI number and call sign?

Send your questions to [email protected] for an expert answer and the chance to win a bottle of Chilgrove Bluewater Gin…

Tested: Vesper Cortex VHF radio, AIS and remote monitoring

Promising to revolutionise how sailors communicate on board, the Vesper Cortex integrates VHF radio, Class B AIS, remote vessel monitoring…

He adds: ‘Also, back in 1968, high-frequency radio conditions were much better than they are today because of the increased sunspot activity. Satellite communications are not only much better but a much cheaper option when calling the outside world.’

To legally operate marine HF (SSB) equipment, regulations require marine radio operators to hold a Long Range Radio Certificate (LRC). YachtCom provides LRC courses/exams tailored towards the yachting community.

The LRC course and exam takes four days to complete, and is a much easier option than obtaining a full amateur radio licence, which can take six to 12 months.

Read YBW’s guide to the best VHF radios on the market

Satellite Communications

During the 1990s I returned from a three-week assignment at Cape Horn covering the Whitbread Round the World Race to be faced with an eye-watering £4,000 bill for transmitting pictures, text and radio broadcasts via satphone.

Satphones don’t come cheap but the technology has come a long way

Not only have prices fallen considerably since then but the equipment has shrunk from a suitcase down to the size of a smart phone – and without the need for a satellite dome dominating the aft deck.

All the Golden Globe Race skippers were equipped with Iridium satphones for emergency use and to call or text Race HQ.

The clarity and reliability was impressive.

Since then, Iridium has completed a $3 billion upgrade to its network, launching 75 new satellites into orbit to provide real-time communications from any point on Earth.

An ICOM IC SAT100 mobile phone from Sailcom Marine costs £1,195 and provides global call and text coverage.

The more comprehensive Iridium GO Marine package, a small WiFi hotspot that provides a voice telephone service via a WiFi-connected smartphone, also provides data access to certified apps, including SailMail and social media, and gives users the ability to transmit low-res (600 x 480 pixel) image files.

The package costs between £1,250 and £1,320 depending on the aerial, with additional monthly data charges ranging from $60 for 40 minutes usage and $150 for 150 minutes phone usage and unlimited data and texts.

Read YBW’s guide to the best satellite phones on the market

SUPERYACHT CREW RADIOS

Reliable communications onboard are vital for the smooth operation of any superyacht​.

Onboard Crew Radios play a vital role in the smooth operation of any superyacht, offering uninterrupted service for the guests onboard as well as ensuring procedures and safe manning are communicated seamlessly. 

We offer all the major brands of two-way radios for superyachts, from off-the-shelf solutions to more bespoke setups onboard, our range of two-way radios provides a critical communication lifeline for all crew onboard. 

As well as crew radios, we also offer ATEX radios for firefighting and handheld VHF radios for emergency uses. 

Superyacht Crew Radio Order Form

Thank you for your quote request, our team will be in contact shortly!

• Pontoon Boats
• Personal Watercraft
• nauticalknowhow
• Nautical Knots
• Tools and Calculators

Ranking The Best Handheld VHF Marine Radios On The Market

Cobra MRHH350FLT Floating VHF Radio

ICOM IC-M93D Marine VHF Handheld Radio

Baofeng BF-F8HP Handheld Radio

A handheld marine radio is an essential piece of equipment for boaters heading out to sea. They can be used to contact the Coast Guard in case of an emergency, for communication with other vessels, and for regular information updates and weather reports. A handheld VHF radio is what you need!

VHF stands for Very High Frequency, and it operates on channels used specifically for marine applications. VHF radios come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from fixed, hard-wired units to lightweight, portable handheld radios. All vessels should have a radio installed, but having a handheld model that uses battery power is what you need in an emergency. That’s why we recommend having both kinds.

A portable, handheld radio can be used when the power is out, if you have to abandon ship, and usually, they’re designed to withstand serious punishment. Many of them are shockproof and waterproof, and made from materials that can withstand harsh marine environments. In fact, some can even float!

If you’re next voyage is taking you out to sea, don’t even think about leaving the marina without one of these on-board!

Here are the best handheld marine radio units you can buy!

Cobra MRHH350FLT is another excellent handheld marine radio that has a tough and durable nature, at an affordable price point. This is a very cheap radio, but it’s only cheap in price, and not in construction. This robust little radio comfortable to hold, ergonomic in design, and very easy to use. It’s got a large backlit display, and a cool BURP feature that vibrates water out of the speaker, should the speaker get wet.

If it does fall overboard, don’t panic. It floats, and it’s waterproof to a JIS7 (IPX8) standard, and submersible for up to 30 minutes in depths of up to 3 feet. It’s also made with an orange color, to make it easily visible.

It features full international coverage, with 3 channel maps that covers the USA and Canada, plus international waters. The Cobra MRHH350FLT also has a function that allows you to save and store important channels, with easy channel recall. Other functions include instant access to 10 NOAA weather channels, with an alarm tone in case of an emergency or severe weather, and the ability to monitor three channels at once.

The battery life could be better, but for the price, you can’t complain. The 1,000-milliampere-hour battery is good for up to 8 hours of standby, depending on what power setting you have it on. It also has a long charging time, of up to 5 hours—though some users have reported longer. Still, these aren’t really negative observations, considering the overall cost of this otherwise excellent handheld marine radio.

• Buy on Amazon   →
• Buy on Bass Pro   →
• Buy on Walmart   →

Battery Life:  8 hours Charging Time: 5 hours Product Weight: 9.6 ounces Warranty: 3 year manufacturer’s warranty

Uniden MHS126 Handheld Submersible VHF Marine Radio

If you’re looking for an inexpensive marine radio with a smart, ergonomic design, all the necessary features, and a few neat surprises, then the Uniden MHS126 is the device for you. It’s a compact, handheld VHF marine radio that’s designed to fit comfortably in your hand, with a large, easy-to-read screen, and an intuitive, idiot-proof keypad.

This radio is completely waterproof, and it floats on the surface of the water if you drop it overboard too. It has three selectable power settings to prolong battery life, with an additional POWER BOOST function for extra juice when you need it most. Other handy features include an integrated strobe light that can be triggered to flash an SOS signal and attract attention.

The battery life is rated for up to 11 hours, with an AC adapter and DC charger for easy recharging, with a special cradle to keep things tidy. Each radio ships with a belt clip, a mic jack, antenna, lanyard, and battery tray.

It’s submersible up to 5 feet, and will remain watertight for more than 30 minutes, thanks to its JIX8/IPX8 waterproof rating. If you’re looking for a competent unit that will broadcast in harsh conditions, relay important messages and NOAA updates reliably in heavy weather, and won’t break the bank, then this could be the radio for you.

Battery Life: 11 hours Charging Time: 3.5 hours Product Weight: 1.5 lbs Warranty: 3 year manufacturer’s waterproof protection warranty

ICOM has been in the marine audio receiving and transmitting business since 1954, so you can depend on the name. This particular handheld receiver, the IC-M93D, is a serious tool for serious sailors. It’s slim, practical, intuitive, and very capable, with plenty of live-saving technology to keep you safe out on the water.

As a radio, it features everything you need and more. It’s kitted out for VHF communication, but it also boasts integrated Class D DSC capabilities, with a dedicated Channel 70 receiver. It also features integrates GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) technology , which uses GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, and SBAS (WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS) information to provide you (and emergency services) with your exact position, bearing, and speed. The GPS also has a large waypoint memory.

All of the features are easily accessible using an intuitive button-pad. The menu is displayed on a large dot-matrix display, with a large font and identifiable icons. It’s easy to read, easy to control, and won’t let you down.

Ideal for making emergency calls, the IC-M93D goes beyond the call of duty in a danger scenario. It comes equipped with the company’s Float’n Flash, Aqua Quake, and Active Noise Cancelling technology. That means it floats and flashes when in the water (Float’n Flash), has an active speaker grill draining function (Aqua Quake), and has a feature that removes background noise when transmitting and receiving (Active Noise Cancelling).

Each radio ships with a charger, charging stand, and a belt clip.

Battery Life: 9 hours Charging Time: 2 hours Product Weight: 1.2 lbs Warranty: 3 year warranty

Boaters on a budget will get a real kick out of this little device from Baofeng. This powerful radio has a large battery, a huge power output, and a serious antenna, which makes it ideal for emergency situations. Plus, it’s really cheap, so there’s no excuse for not having something like this as a backup. And don’t let the name Baofeng color your opinion of cheap Asian technology. This radio is a top-quality unit.

This small and compact radio boasts up to 8 watts of output, with a large antenna, a capable battery that’s good for up to 20 hours of standby time, and a large and easy-to-read tri-color LCD display. The menu is accessed using a soft-button keypad, with simple, no-nonsense commands. It’s tough, durable, and incredibly cheap.

Unlike many others that you’ll see on this list, it doesn’t feature much in the way of special features, but it’s hard to ask for more, considering the low price tag. Despite being budget-friendly, it does ship with a nice selection of accessories, including: a V-85 antenna, a power adapter, an earpiece, a belt clip, a hand strap, and a battery charger, with a 2000mAh battery pack.

What’s more, every Baofeng radio comes with a 1 year warranty with a concierge service and warranty support.

$62.89 Amazon  →

Battery Life:  20 hours Charging Time: 8 hours Product Weight: 1.1 lbs Warranty: 1 year warranty (through authorized sellers)

Standard Horizon HX870 Handheld VHF Marine Radio

Standard Horizon has a full range of capable marine-related products, but if we had to choose one of their handheld devices that offers the best mix of function and value, then the HX870 would be our top choice. It’s a “top list” mainstay, and it has been for a number of years, and we imagine it will continue being a best seller for a few years more.

Equipped with DSC and GPS technology, this VHF radio packs a lot of technology into a small and practical package. The GPS isn’t the most advanced in the world, but it can tell you your position, features a life-saving man overboard function. The DSC has integrated Channel 70 calling, with Channel 16 distress calling, and NOAA Weather Channel and alert functions.

The battery life is fairly impressive, with up to 12 hours of battery life per charge, and selectable power settings that can reduce the wattage to conserve power. Talking of charging, it comes with a generic USB charger which means that you can charge it from a wide range of sources for ultimate versatility.

Other interesting and important features include the radio’s waterproof ability, which is rated to IPX8 standards. It floats on the water in the event of falling overboard, and is submersible up to a depth of 4.92 feet for up to 30 minutes. If it does come into contact with water, an emergency strobe light activates, helping you locate the fallen radio, or helping emergency services find you.

It’s quite affordable given the amount of technology that it packs, and it comes with a very handy 3 year warranty too.

Battery Life:  12 hours Charging Time: 3 hours Product Weight: 2 lbs Warranty: 3 year waterproof warranty

Handheld VHF Radio Shopping: A Buying Guide

Buying a new handheld marine radio might seem like a straightforward task, but there are a number of important things to keep in mind when you’re shopping around. We’ve put together this little guide to make sure that you invest your money in the right tool for your needs. Here are the most important things to pay attention to when you’re on the hunt.

Before you begin your search, take a moment to consider exactly what kind of radio would be best suited to the kind of boating that you’re doing. If you’re heading out onto the open ocean, your priority should be looking for a fixed VHF radio, supplemented by an extra handheld unit for emergencies. If you’re heading out to sea, you’ll want a radio that can monitor several channels at once, with a serious range and more transmitting power.

If you’re just exploring the coast, a smaller radio with less power is probably a better investment.

Generally, a VHF radio’s range is governed by the device’s power. The maximum power for most handheld marine radios is 6 watts, which can give you up to 20 miles in the right conditions. Unfortunately, the higher the wattage used, the faster you’ll drain your battery. It’s a wise idea to look for a radio that has selectable power and wattage settings. This allows you to put your radio on a low wattage conserving the battery for when you really need it most. Some radios have quick boost options, allowing you swap to full power in a hurry.

Like it says above, your battery can be drained quite quickly if you’re using full power. Unfortunately, there’s not a lot that can be done about that since there’s only so much power that you can store inside of a battery, whilst keeping your device small, compact, and handheld. There are some radios that have very large batteries, but they come at a cost. Naturally, they’re not as portable. And secondly: if you drop them overboard, they are going to sink like a stone. Batteries are heavy, and if you need a large capacity battery, you’ll have to compromise on portability and buoyancy.

Waterproofing

If you opt for a heavy battery, you will almost certainly lose any buoyancy. Many handheld marine radios are designed specifically to float on water should they fall overboard—and that’s a particularly useful thing. Radios that are built to float on water are going to have a high-degree of waterproofing. If you fall overboard with a radio in your hand, a waterproof radio could save your life. Even if you never fall overboard, having a radio that withstand some serious water is what you need. IPX7 and IPX8 are generally the best ratings you can get. These ratings mean that a product is waterproof up to 3 or 5 feet in water (respectively).

GPS (Global Positioning System) isn’t an essential feature for handheld marine radios, but there are a number of items that have GPS capabilities . These can be particularly handy in an emergency, since it’s easy for you to give your exact position to the Coast Guard, or rescue vessel. GPS isn’t just for emergencies though. You can use GPS devices to remember specific locations, add waypoints to maps, and plot charts. This is ideal for fisherman who have favorite fishing spots, or divers who want to explore a certain reef. Again, it’s not an essential feature, but it is very useful.

DSC, which is the abbreviation of Digital Selective Calling , is a useful feature that all fixed, hard-wired VHF have had since the late 90s. A digital selective calling system is not mandatory for handheld marine radios to have them, but quite a lot of them do.

DSC radio is a great feature. It’s a simple one-button-push that transmits an emergency distress call directly to the Coast Guard. That single button push can save time, and save lives, that’s why so many devices have it installed. In fact, devices that are also equipped with GPS technology often transmit your location co-ordinates directly to the emergency services too, making for quicker, and easier rescues.

Though DSC technology it’s not an essential feature, it better to have it than not.

Channel Monitoring

The ability to monitor more than one channel at a time is pretty useful when you’re out on the water. Handheld marine radios that are capable of monitoring two channels are known as “Dual Watch,” and those capable of monitoring three are known as “Tri Watch.” Dual Watch allows you to monitor a priority channel, and a secondary channel without having to switch between the two. A Tri Watch device will monitor your priority channel, Channel 09, and a third channel of your choice.

There is such a thing as Quad Watch, which allows the monitoring of four channels simultaneously, but very few handheld vhf marine radio units boast this feature.

Being able to monitor multiple channels is a very useful function, and you should look out for it when you’re browsing.

Additional Features

While these aren’t the most important things to look out for, some nice additional features could help sway your decision when you’re shopping around for a radio. Here are some of the most interesting features that boaters can take advantage of:

Weather Updates

Some radios communicate with NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and receive regular updates and alerts. These warnings can help keep you safe, stopping you from straying into the path of a storm, alerting you to potential danger. Some radios even have built in alarms that sound when they received a weather alert from NOAA.

NOAA alerts are nation-wide, however, SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) is a great tool for receiving regional weather updates. A radio that provides both of these will be a valuable asset onboard.

Noise Reduction

Noise reducing and noise cancelling features are useful. This technology essentially filters out background noise and isolates and amplifies speech. This feature cleans up the audio, removing the sound of waves crashing, wind blowing, and engine noise, which could interfere with the clarity of your message. In an emergency, you need to be heard, and be able to understand instructions from the Coast Guard. Noise cancelling technology could be a life saver, so it’s worth looking out for.

Rewind Say Again

Rewind Say Again is a useful feature, and incredibly important if you miss a transmission or don’t quite understand a communication. In short, it’s a feature that records the last transmission and allows you to play it back. This is great is you can’t properly hear a transmission, or if the person broadcasting is unable to repeat what they said. This feature allows you to listen again, without missing something of vital importance that you may have missed the first time.

Why Use A Radio When I Could Use My Phone?

For many sailors, cell phones have become their primary means of both ship-to-shore and ship-to-ship communication. Even the Coast Guard will often ask for a cell number after it receives a distress call. None of this, however, makes a VHF radio any less important—and this goes just as much for a handheld as any fixed-mount model.

There are a number of reasons for this: first and foremost, the fact that despite the seeming ubiquity of cell coverage these days, it is still far from total, even for those sailing coastal. Of course, for those going offshore or venturing to remote locals, cell coverage simply isn’t part of the equation.

Beyond that, while it may be convenient to call ahead to a marina or make dinner reservations by phone, VHF remains the primary means of making a distress call, either to the Coast Guard or any towing services in the area, both of which monitor channel 16. Same thing with any other boats in the vicinity, making VHF a critical safety device. If you’ve run aground and don’t happen to have the cell number of that sport fishing boat roaring by, the only way you’re going to be able to hail it is by VHF, even if you are literally stuck in the shadow of a nearby cell tower.

Of course, cell phones are notorious for running out of juice or dropping dead after getting wet, while VHFs are both heavily marinized and run off reliable sources of power—either the house battery bank with a fixed-mount unit, or a rock-solid battery pack, or packs, in the case of a handheld. VHF radios also remain the primary means of communicating with such marine entities as lock tenders, bridge tenders, harbor masters and race committees, as well as a great way of picking up NOAA weather forecasts. In the case of handhelds, they are also an excellent (and fully waterproof!) means of reaching out from the “mother ship” to any crew who may be off exploring or running errands in the dinghy.

Finally, handheld VHFs fulfil one of the critical requirements of any safety system—redundancy. Not only are they up to the task of operating amid wind and rain, but they keep on working even when your cell phone has long given up the ghost or your fixed-mount radio has been rendered non-functional due to fire, a sinking or after you’ve had to abandon ship. Not for nothing do sailors include a VHF handheld in their ditch bag.

Marine Radio Information for Boaters

We had a lot of response when we asked the question; “what courses would you like to see?” One suggestion was a course on radio procedure. While we have future plans for a course on radio licensing, we felt that some frequently asked questions about radios might be in order. Much of the information presented here is courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard and the FCC.

You have the option of selecting one of the questions below to go directly to that information or simply start with “Who needs a radio?” and scroll through the entire article.

Who needs a radio?

Do i need a radio license, do i need a permit to operate a radio, if i have a radio do i have to listen to all that noise, there are so many channels, how do i know which to use.

• Okay, so I have a radio, how do I use it?
• What About in an Emergency situation like Mayday! Mayday! Mayday?

What do you do if you hear a distress call?

• What do you do if you are out of range of other vessels and no one responds to your distress call?
• How do you know if there are Storm Warnings?

What about radio checks, how do I know my radio is working?

What about mayday radio checks and other hoaxes.

Although recreational vessels less than 20m (65.6 feet) in length are not required to have VHF radios, before you purchase anything else, make sure you have a VHF marine radio. If you plan to travel more than a few miles offshore, you should strongly consider purchasing an HF or single side band radiotelephone or mobile satellite telephone, an emergency position indicating radio beacon, or EPIRB, and a second VHF radio or cellular telephone as well.

Mobile satellite telephones are becoming more common and more inexpensive. The mobile satellite will provide easier and clearer communications than the HF radiotelephone, but the HF radiotelephone will receive high seas marine weather warnings. Your radio is part of your life insurance policy that we talked about last week when we addressed EPIRB’s .

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 permits recreational boaters to have and use a VHF marine radio, EPIRB, and marine radar without having an FCC ship station license. Boaters traveling on international voyages, having an HF single sideband radiotelephone or marine satellite terminal, or required to carry a marine radio under any other regulation must still carry an FCC ship station license.

Those not exempted by the Telecommunications Act of 1996 must still have an FCC ship station license. A ship station license application is made on FCC Form 605, available from local FCC Field Offices, by writing to the FCC, P.O. Box 1050, Gettysburg PA 17326, or by calling the FCC Forms Distribution Center at (202)418-3676 or the toll-free number (800) 418-FORM. Forms can also be obtained from most marine electronics dealers.

Radios can be used immediately upon license application. The license is not transferable if a boat is sold or if the installed radio equipment is moved from one boat to another.

If you wish to purchase a portable radio for use on more than one boat, only one license is necessary. When completing an FCC Application for Ship Station License (form 506), check “Portable” in block 10, “Type of License”.

The FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit is required for boaters having an HF radiotelephone, for boaters having a VHF transceiver and traveling in foreign waters, or where fitting of a marine radio is required by law (e.g. on boats 20m long or larger). There is a fee for this lifetime permit, but no tests are required in applying for this license. An application is made on FCC Form 753, available from local FCC Field Offices or by writing to the FCC, P.O. Box 1050, Gettysburg PA 17326.

Even though you may not be required to carry a VHF marine radio, if you do (and you should) you must maintain a watch on channel 16 (156.800 MHz) whenever the radio is operating and not being used to communicate. You may alternatively maintain a watch on VHF channel 9 (156.450 MHz), the boater calling channel. Note however that urgent marine information broadcasts, such as storm warnings, are announced on channel 9 only in First CG District waters (northern New Jersey, New York and New England).

Recently a charter boat whose radio was not tuned to the proper channel missed a severe storm warning. By the time the captain learned of the storm, it was too late to return to shore. The ship sank and a couple of persons died. A yacht in trouble off the west coast of Mexico, and far from help, saw a passenger ship. What should have been a quick rescue almost turned to disaster when the passenger ship (improperly) had its radio off. The yacht was able to attract the ship’s attention, however, and was rescued. Misunderstanding of passing intentions by approaching vessels and near collisions have repeatedly been averted by working radios tuned to the proper channel.

The International Telecommunications Union established three VHF marine radio channels recognized worldwide for safety purposes:

• Channel 16 (156.800 MHz) – Distress, safety and calling
• Channel 13 (156.650 MHz) – Intership navigation (bridge-to-bridge)
• Channel 70 (156.525 MHz) – Digital Selective Calling

Let me start by talking about the major channels that recreational boaters should be familiar with. The Federal Communications Commission has established VHF-FM channel 9 as a supplementary calling channel for noncommercial vessels (recreational boaters). A ship or shore unit wishing to call a boater would do so on channel 9, and anyone (boaters included) wishing to call a commercial ship or shore activity would continue to do so on channel 16. Recreational boaters may continue to call the Coast Guard and any commercial facility on channel 16.

The purpose of the FCC regulation is to relieve congestion on VHF channel 16, the distress, safety and calling frequency. FCC regulations require boaters with a  VHF boat radio to maintain a watch on either VHF channel 9 or channel 16, whenever the radio is turned on and not communicating with another station.

Warning: The Coast Guard announces urgent marine information broadcasts and storm warnings on channel 9 in the First Coast Guard District only (waters off the coast of northern New Jersey, New York, and New England). For that reason, we strongly urge boaters to use channel 9 in these waters. Use of channel 9 in other waters is optional, and we recommend boaters keep tuned to and use channel 16 in those waters unless otherwise notified by the Coast Guard.

Channels 9 and 16 are used for “hailing” (calling another vessel) only. Once you have contacted a vessel you should move your conversation to a “working channel”. That is, one designated as “non-commercial” such as channel 68.

Another channel you should be aware of is channel 22A. This channel is reserved for the U.S. Coast Guard to relay marine information broadcasts. You may on occasion hear on channel 16 an announcement by the USCG telling all boaters that they have information that may be of importance to you. They would request that anyone wanting to listen to the information switch to channel 22A to hear the information.

If you would like to view or print out the available channels, transmitting and receiving frequencies and description and use of the channel just go to the channel listing. Click here for a full list of VHF boat radio channels .

How to use a VHF radio on a boat?

The standard procedure for a non-emergency call such as calling another vessel, marina, or restaurant to ask where to tie up for dinner, is as follows. This is the correct way how to use a marine radio:

• You should call the vessel, marina or restaurant on channel 9 or 16 in the following manner.
• Name of station being called, spoken three times.
• The words “THIS IS”, spoken once.
• Name of your vessel and call sign (if you have a station license) or boat registration number, spoken once.
• The word “OVER”.
• Then you wait for the station being called to answer. Their answer should be in the same manner as your call.
• Once answered you should suggest going to a working channel to carry on your conversation.
• Wait for reply or confirmation from the station being called, switch to the working channel and repeat the process.

An example might be:

Calling Station: “Sailfish Marina, Sailfish Marina, Sailfish Marina, THIS IS the motor vessel Magical Lady, WAI4093, OVER” (WAI should be spoken Whiskey, Alpha, India, fow er, zero, nin er, tree) If you think this sounds cool and very official you can view and or print out the phonetic alphabet here .

Responding Station: “Magical Lady, Magical Lady, Magical Lady, THIS IS Sailfish Marina, WBC5678, OVER” (WBC should be spoken Whiskey, Bravo, Charlie, fife, six, seven, ait)

Calling Station: “Please switch and listen channel 68, OVER.”

Responding Station: “Switching channel 68, OVER.”

You would then switch to channel 68 and call Sailfish Marina using the same procedure and conduct your business. All conversations whether on a hailing channel or a working channel should be kept short and to the point.

When operating a VHF radio, when should the term MAYDAY be used?

You may only have seconds to send a distress call. Here’s what you do. Transmit, in this order:

• If you have an HF radiotelephone tuned to 2182 kHz, send the radiotelephone alarm signal if one is available. If you have a VHF marine radio, tune it to channel 16. Unless you know you are outside VHF range of shore and ships, call on channel 16 first.
• Distress signal “MAYDAY”, spoken three times.
• Name of vessel in distress (spoken three times) and call sign or boat registration number, spoken once.
• Repeat “MAYDAY” and name of vessel, spoken once.
• Give position of vessel by latitude or longitude or by bearing (true or magnetic, state which) and distance to a well-know landmark such as a navigational aid or small island, or in any terms which will assist a responding station in locating the vessel in distress. Include any information on vessel movement such as course, speed and destination.
• Nature of distress (sinking, fire etc.).
• Kind of assistance desired.
• Number of persons onboard.
• Any other information which might facilitate rescue, such as length or tonnage of vessel, number of persons needing medical attention, color hull, cabin, masks, etc.
• The word “OVER”

Stay by the radio if possible. Even after the message has been received, the Coast Guard can find you more quickly if you can transmit a signal on which a rescue boat or aircraft can home in.

An example of a Mayday call:

MAYDAY-MAYDAY-MAYDAY THIS IS BLUE DUCK-BLUE DUCK-BLUE DUCK WA1234 CAPE HENRY LIGHT BEARS 185 DEGREES MAGNETIC-DISTANCE 2 MILES STRUCK SUBMERGED OBJECT NEED PUMPS-MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AND TOW THREE ADULTS, TWO CHILDREN ONBOARD ONE PERSON COMPOUND FRACTURE OF ARM ESTIMATE CAN REMAIN AFLOAT TWO HOURS BLUE DUCK IS THIRTY TWO FOOT CABIN CRUISER-WHITE HULL-BLUE DECK HOUSE OVER

Repeat at intervals until an answer is received.

If you hear a distress message from a vessel and it is not answered, then you must answer. If you are reasonably sure that the distressed vessel is not in your vicinity, you should wait a short time for others to acknowledge.

What do you do if you are out of range of other vessels, and no one responds to your distress call?

Tune your HF radiotelephone to an HF channel guarded by the Coast Guard, and repeat your mayday call. Activate your EPIRB.

Why is the height of a VHF antenna important?

The higher you can install you VHF antenna, the further you will be able to communicate. The height of a VHF antenna directly affects the range of your transmissions.

How do I know if there are Storm Warnings?

The Coast Guard announces storm warnings and other urgent marine information broadcasts on VHF channel 16 and 2182 kHz before making the broadcasts on VHF channel 22A and 2670 kHz respectively. The Coast Guard announces urgent marine information broadcasts and storm warnings on channel 9 in the First Coast Guard District only (waters off the coast of northern New Jersey, New York, and New England).

The Coast Guard First District (New England, south to northern New Jersey) is now answering radio checks on VHF maritime channel 16, operations permitting. Radio checks will not be answered when CG radio operators are handling distress communications.

The purpose of this policy change is to help reduce hoax MAYDAY calls. Radio checks with the Coast Guard are not permitted in any other location.

You should limit your radio checks to working channels.

A growing number of boaters unsuccessful in getting a radio check on VHF channel 16 are calling MAYDAY to get a response. Every hoax, including MAYDAY radio checks, is subject to prosecution as a Class D felony under Title 14, Section 85 of the U.S. Code, liable for a $5000 fine plus all costs the Coast Guard incurs as a result of the individual’s action. Since hoaxes can lead to loss of life, the Coast Guard and Federal Communications Commission will work closely together, using, when necessary, FCC equipment capable of identifying the electronic signature of the offending radio.

Updates : Within the past few years channel 9 was also designated to be used as a hailing frequency in addition to channel 16 (which is both hailing and distress). However, in the First Coast Guard District only (waters off the coast of northern New Jersey, New York, and New England), the Coast Guard announces urgent marine information broadcasts and storm warnings on channel 9.

As of July 1, 2000, the Ninth Coast Guard District (Great Lakes Region) mandated that US recreational boaters use channel 9 only as a hailing frequency and they are not to hail on channel 16. This is due to the increase in radio traffic on channel 16. Emergencies, however, are still reported on channel 16.

About Chris

Outdoors, I’m in my element, especially in the water. I know the importance of being geared up for anything. I do the deep digital dive, researching gear, boats and knowhow and love keeping my readership at the helm of their passions.

Categories : Boats

Ray Webb on July 15, 2020

The Standard Horizon HX870 has been a big disappointment for me. I purchased one in 2019 before heading Offshore and after a few months it would not charge. Looking inside I could see that the charging terminals had overheated the plastic on both sides of the case, I had to repair this the best I could in Fiji as when I contacted Standard Horizon with pictures showing the problem they just told me to take it back to New Zealand. The Mic port has just fallen off as well. It seems to me that they are made of a very cheap grade of plastic. This is the last Standard Horizon product I will purchase.

Tom7020 on November 5, 2020

I bought a Uniden UM385. I put it in and we were in the harbor in ventura talking to san pedro…I couldn’t believe a tiny radio like this did so well

Robert Clark on July 20, 2022

I bought this because I wanted a transportable VHF on my sailing catamaran after I was near our marina. I do not like having to run into the cockpit to control the built-in radio while taking my hands off the wheel. With this handheld, I can safely handle the rudder and every one radio calls. No problems to this point and I am very proud of the acquisition.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

More in Boats

What Is A Gunwale?

131 of the Best Hawaiian Boat Names

167 Patriotic Boat Names

The 138 Best Boat Names for Dog Lovers

The People’s Poncho Review and Ratings 

Oru Lake Kayak Review

About Boatsafe

Established in 1998, BoatSafe is your independent guide into the world of boating, fishing, and watersports. We provide expert insights and detailed guides to help you find products tailored to your needs and budget.

Contact Boatsafe

• Address: 4021 West Walnut Street. Rogers, AR 72756
• Phone:  (479)339-4795
• Email: [email protected]

Site Navigation

• How We Test
• Corrections Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Editorial Policy
• Affiliate Disclosure

Our Reviews

All content is © Copyright 2024. All rights reserved.

What is the Future of Crew Radio Communications?

While we have seen some impressive advances in satellite and cellular communications over recent years, crew UHF radio communications have not enjoyed the same leaps forward. On board a superyacht you will find some of the most advanced technology available in the world, which can aid in reducing isolation by allowing international phone calls or streaming TV shows at your fingertips. So why do so many vessels have issues talking between the bridge and ECR or crew ashore?

Why do we need radios?

The primary regulation involving crew communications can be found in the SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 10.10.4. This lays out the minimum safety standards for the fire team and states: “For ships constructed on or after 1 July 2014, a minimum of two two-way portable radiotelephone apparatus for each fire party for fire-fighters' communication shall be carried on board. Those two two-way radiotelephone apparatuses shall be of an explosion-proof type or intrinsically safe. Ships constructed before 1 July 2014 shall comply with the requirements of this paragraph not later than the first survey after 1 July 2018.”

The need to have an explosion-proof (ATEX) or intrinsically safe radio is a must. The decision on whether the fire team radios need to be ATEX or intrinsically safe is dictated by the vessel's flag state. It would make logical sense that the fire team radios also need to communicate with other crew or areas i.e. the incident commander, bridge, or engine room for coordination purposes. As a fire can occur in any area on board including confined spaces, the fire team must be able to operate with unimpeded communications.

How has radio evolved?

Radios on board previously used analogue technology which allowed communications to be heard by others not on board. Another common issue was the limited eight available frequencies as defined by the ITU for UHF onboard communications. This often caused interference in busy marinas. For larger vessels, repeaters or “boosters” are connected to an onboard antenna system providing vessel-wide communications. Each repeater would provide one single channel that could be used with the antenna system. To allow for multiple channels multiple repeaters had to be installed which required a lot of space within the AVIT racks.

As technology has advanced, digital mobile radio (DMR) and Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) became commonplace on board. The advantages of these systems meant a reduction in rack equipment and an increase in features.

What are the key features of these systems?

Double the voice channels per repeater vs. analogue repeaters.

Increased features such as text messages or private calling between radios.

Upgraded security to stop unwanted listeners.

Over-the-air programming is possible via RF and Wi-Fi.

DMR is a cost effective solution.

TETRA has superb audio quality, making it a great choice for safety onboard.

Full-duplex calls are possible between radios and via a PABX, which means that you don't need to carry mobile phones or DECT phones.

1 TETRA carrier provides 3 voice channels reducing rack space.

TETRA has data integration and location tracking, which can be integrated with peripheral equipment via data terminals.

What is the future of crew radio communications?

As the demand for data heavy features increases, crew communications systems will utilise the advancements seen in cellular and satellite communications. Hybrid TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio) and cellular devices represent the future of communication solutions in various industries, including maritime settings. These hybrid devices combine the strengths of both TETRA and cellular technologies to create a versatile and resilient communication system that addresses the specific needs and challenges of modern communication requirements. Some benefits include:

Enhanced Coverage and Connectivity : One of the main advantages of hybrid TETRA and cellular/IP devices is their ability to switch between TETRA and data networks based on signal strength and availability. This ensures that users have seamless connectivity even in areas with weak or fluctuating signals. While TETRA networks offer robust coverage in remote or challenging environments, cellular networks provide broader coverage closer to land. Hybrid devices allow for communication beyond the line of sight without an increase in infrastructure this is ideal for tender operations or a run ashore.

Redundancy and Reliability: The hybrid approach enhances redundancy in communication. If one network experiences downtime or disruption, the device can automatically switch to the alternate network, minimising communication gaps. Why not create your own network with a Wi-Fi access point connected to a Starlink terminal on a tender to create a beyond-line-of-sight network?

Integration with Data Services : Hybrid devices can also incorporate data services, allowing users to access information beyond voice communication. This is especially valuable for maritime operations that require real-time access to data, weather updates, navigational information, and more. Integrating data services with hybrid devices enhances operational efficiency and situational awareness.

What are data services?

Data services have transformed radios into more than just tools for voice conversations. Through the integration of powerful software applications such as VesselWatch , a seamless interconnection of all onboard systems has become a reality. Consequently, crew members can now receive the right alarms instantaneously, eliminating the need to navigate the vessel to access a control panel. This system not only enhances the guest experience by directly integrating with AV systems such as Crestron or WiFi buttons but also enhances onboard safety by enabling AMCS, fire, or navigation alarms to be relayed directly to key personnel.

The inclusion of hybrid devices expands the utility of data beyond onboard systems. Utilising GPS tracking, these devices offer the capability of providing early warnings for guest returns or facilitating Tender or toy tracking. Moreover, the convenience of carrying a single device provides access to vital information such as system schematics, emails, or remote support from suppliers to troubleshoot onboard equipment.

An example would be if a tender has a fault, this can relay the information directly to the engineering team to allow a quick first line fix. In addition, hybrid devices grant designated individuals ashore (DPA) access to verify safety drills being conducted from any location worldwide. Hybrid devices can also allow vessels operating as a fleet, to communicate between the motherships and support vessels without a UHF line of sight.

Envisioning the future of crew radio communications , a transformative evolution is underway. The maritime industry, bound by regulations and the imperative of reliable communication, is experiencing a gradual shift towards innovative solutions that embrace both tradition and technology. The journey from analogue to digital technologies, as witnessed with the advent of DMR and TETRA systems, has already paved the way for enhanced features, improved security, and streamlined operations.

As we gaze ahead, the path leads to the convergence of cutting-edge cellular and satellite communications with established radio technologies. The emergence of hybrid TETRA and cellular devices offers a glimpse into the promising landscape of crew communication systems. This hybrid approach harnesses the strengths of both worlds, ensuring seamless connectivity even in challenging environments, and safeguarding against disruptions through automatic network switching. Beyond voice communication, the integration of data services elevates radios to multifunctional tools, enhancing situational awareness, operational efficiency, and onboard safety.

The marriage of data services and hybrid devices transcends the confines of the vessel, enabling real-time access to vital information and fostering collaboration among fleet operations. GPS tracking empowers early warnings and seamless coordination, while shoreside personnel can remotely support and verify safety procedures. The expanding horizons of communication echo a future where crew members are not only connected across the ship but also with a global network of support and resources.

In this dynamic landscape, where tradition and innovation intersect, the evolution of crew radio communications is an ongoing saga of adaptability and progress. As maritime technology continues to chart new courses, the voice of the crew, once confined to UHF frequencies, resonates far beyond, shaping the maritime industry's communication destiny.

Post your comment

You cannot post comments until you have logged in.

No one has commented on this page yet.

RSS feed for comments on this page | RSS feed for all comments

Search articles with keywords

Marine Expert

9 Best Marine Stereos – (Reviews & Unbiased Guide 2022) 

The best marine stereo is just the right thing to set the mood when you’re out there, sailing away. The wind in your hair, the water splashing the sides of your boat, and a great tune – there are few things as pleasant as that.

Investing in a reliable stereo system for your vessel will make sailing so much more pleasant, and you will have a great time each time you get on your boat. We have checked what some of the available models on the market are, and showcased our favorite picks in the marine stereo reviews section. And if you’re not sure what to look out for – check out our buying guide too!

See The Quick Comparison Chart

Benefits of Having a Good Marine Stereo System

Once you start looking for sound pieces of equipment for your boat, you will start learning why you should go for specifically designed devices for this type of environment, instead of the regular models. It is the same with marine stereos. Let’s look at some of the benefits offered by such a unit.

1. UV Protection

Since the unit may constantly be in direct sunlight, electronic devices can suffer from it. Therefore, you need a unit that can withstand the damaging effects of the UV rays.

A reliable marine stereo has the controls, faceplate, as well as the display with UV resistant qualities that also provide the unit durability over many years.

2. Water Resistance

Needless to say, the marine environment is wet. Water is bound to get inside your boat and into your electronic units. Marine stereos are water-resistant, so you do not have to worry about this part.

3. Anti-Corrosion Protection

This type of device has anti-corrosion sealed components that help reduce the quantity of water that can enter the electrical area of the vessel. This will increase the durability of your device and it will keep it functioning properly.

4. Marine Weather Radio

Many models on the market have this feature included. You might not care about the weather conditions in your everyday life, but when you are in the water, this is valuable information. Having a weather radio at hand can be very useful.

5. Music Streaming

Using the built-in Bluetooth function on your audio receiver, you can easily listen to music from your smartphone. You can select only your favorite tunes or you may already have a song collection that you use for fishing, for instance.

6. Better Materials

A car stereo may be cheaper, but it certainly is worth throwing in a few extra bucks to get a marine stereo that is made for the marine environment. You will get what you pay for because the materials included in the unit’s construction are of higher-quality.

Best Marine Stereos Comparison Chart

Best Marine Stereos Reviews

1. pyle marine plmrb29b bluetooth stereo.

Moreover, the built-in microphone from the front panel of the receiver offers you hands-free talking ability. This means that you can easily answer or even reject calls safely so that you can focus better on your navigation. The unit has a power of 12 volts and a single DIN universal standard-size design. The black color adds up for a sleek look.

This model can easily replace single DIN size radios. Also, it is compatible with all of your favorite Bluetooth devices, which is extremely convenient. You will also appreciate the 300 Watt peak power output of this unit that allows you to play your favorite tunes as loud as you want while you stay afloat.

• This stereo comes with a convenient and easy-to-use remote control
• The maximum USB/SD memory support is 32 GB which is more than enough to store your favorite music
• The illuminated front panel controls are very convenient to use when you are afloat at night
• Since the stereo does not come with speakers, you will have to get these separately

2. Sony DSX-M55BT Bluetooth Marine Digital Media Stereo Receiver with SiriusXM

With this unit, you can enjoy a lot of smart as well as innovative technology. The device includes bot only Bluetooth but also one-touch technology which means you can stream music using the NFC of your smart device.

The front USB slot and the microphone offers you Siri control so that you can use it hands-free also. Thanks to the advanced sound technology, this stereo will sound amazing in any condition. What is more, you will also get a wireless remote control that allows you to access your music wherever you may be on your boat.

• All the stereo’s vital components are humidity and UV-resistant to last you for many years
• This unit works with Pandora from iOS, Android, and Blackberry smartphones
• The Mega Bass modifies boost frequency and gain according to the volume’s position
• Unlike other Sony models, this one does not offer the possibility to control it from your mobile device

3. JVC KD-X35MBS SiriusXM Bluetooth Marine Stereo Receiver

Also, it has a lot of connections for many types of digital devices. Therefore, you have plenty of entertainment options for your boating adventures. Another feature that you will probably like is the reverse display that cuts through the glare.

This feature makes the stereo ideal for various open-top vehicles. As you might have guessed, this unit can be used in your car as well. Furthermore, this model comes with three sets of 4V preamp outputs for front, rear, and subwoofer. The power output of this unit is 50 Watts for four channels.

• With this stereo, you can play your music as loud as you want
• The face plate is removable so you can take it off when you are not using it
• The price of this unit is extremely affordable
• You won’t be able to use the stereo with and Android phone as it is compatible with iOS operating systems

4. Pyle Marine Receiver & Speaker Kit

The Pyle Marine Receiver & Speaker Kit allows you to play your music files using the built-in Bluetooth technology which is compatible with all devices that use this technology. Thanks to the SD slot, you can easily store your favorite playlists.

The stereo also has an AUX port as well as a USB flash input connector that you can use to charge your phone. This unit is compact and extremely easy to install and use. You probably won’t even need to read the manual to figure out how it works.

• The stereo is equipped with a built-in microphone that allows you to take calls hands-fee
• The LCD digital display is very easy to see even in the dark
• You will also receive a remote control so that you can access your music
• You will need to get an external antenna if you want to listen to more radio stations

5. BOSS Audio Systems MCKGB350B.6 Marine Gauge Receiver

The BOSS Audio Systems MCKGB350B.6 Marine Gauge Receiver allows you to connect your smartphone and MP3 player using the auxiliary input, plug into the UBS port for more tunes, and to turn on the weather band, AM, and FM radio. As you can see, a lot of possibilities! The Bluetooth technology that is present allows you to stream music apps.

What is more, this unit has an IPX6 rating because it is built with high-quality weatherproofing materials as well as UV coatings. Therefore, you can be sure your stereo will be kept safe from the elements. Moreover, thanks to the built-in Preset EQ, you can select from the preset EQ curves for a wide variety of music styles.

• You can use the front or the rear subwoofer outputs to connect your speakers and subwoofers
• If you purchase through Amazon, you are covered by a three-year platinum online dealer warranty
• The unit features a built-in amplifier
• There is no CD mechanism included in this audio system

6. Fusion Entertainment MS-RA70N Marine Entertainment System

Thanks to the 4 x50 W class-A amplifier, you will enjoy enough power to blast your tunes. Since it has built-in Bluetooth, a rear USB connection, as well as an AUX, you have options for any type of connection. Moreover, the stereo has a bright and clear display, with full Android and Apple interface so that you can easily see the song that is playing.

This stereo is water-resistant and it can easily be installed because it fits standard-style car stereo holes, so it can be a perfect replacement for your old unit. It can also be integrated into a glass helm with a flush surface mount for a high-end installation.

• This stereo comes with an optically bonded glass display
• The front is IPX6 rated meaning it has a high resistance to water and humidity
• You can remotely control the unit using your smartphone
• You should know that the face plate is not removable
• This model is quite expensive compared to other products on our list

7. Pyle PLRMR27BTB Bluetooth Marine Receiver Stereo

It is your basic in-dash DIN stereo, with Bluetooth audio streaming and AM and FM radio. Moreover, the unit comes with a built-in microphone that allows you to take calls hands-free. This is very useful when you are too busy having fun on your boat to pick up the phone.

Thanks to the auxiliary cable input, this stereo is compatible with smartphones, tablets, as well as MP3 players. This model also comes with ports for Micro SD cards and USBs. The LCD screen has an ID-3 tag readout which allows you to easily identify the tune it’s playing by song title and artist.

• This stereo has a maximum power output of 4 x 75 watts, allowing you to enjoy your music in noisy environments.
• The remote control is a convenient way to control the stereo even if you are on the other side of the boat.
• It is compatible with various types of vehicles.
• The audio settings are poor, and there isn’t much to choose from.

8. Garmin Fusion MS-RA70 Stereo

When it comes to installation, you have the option to mount the device with a conventional flush finish or to integrate it flat into a glass helm. The Garmin Fusion MS-RA70 Stereo features the A2DP Bluetooth wireless technology that offers the Fusion-Link app remote control. This unit allows you to stream your favorite tunes from any device that is compatible.

You can easily download the Fusion-Link application from your mobile store. It is free and available for both Apple and Android smartphones. The optically bonded glass display and the IPX6 rated front ensures that no water can get inside your stereo. Since it is built with high-quality materials, you will be able to enjoy this unit for a very long time.

• The functions of this unit are extremely easy to use.
• This unit provides an amazing sound, even in noisy environments.
• You have a lot of choices when it comes to the audio settings.
• The device is rather expensive and you will have to get the speakers separately.

9. Aquatic AV AQ-MP-5BT Bluetooth Waterproof Marine Stereo

The USB port is universal, which means that it can be used with most types of smartphones. You will also like that it provides 30 presets range for FM and AM frequencies making sure that your on-water experiences are never going to become boring. You can also enjoy wired connections with the 3.5 mm Stereo Jack as well as the RCA inputs.

The device also features a knob control rotary that is very easy to use. What is more, the face plate comes with a built-in 288 amplifier that can be connected to a maximum of eight speakers.

• The large LCD screen is extremely visible and easy to read
• Since the face plate is removable, you can take it off when the stereo is not in use
• The functions are very easy to use
• This model does not come with wireless support

What Are Marine Stereos?

Marine stereos, on the other hand, need to have a sturdy construction, or they would not last in this environment. Saltwater is extremely conductive to electrical charges and it is almost impossible for it not to enter your stereo at some point. For this reason, marine stereos have a particular construction with special materials included in their build.

Marine Stereos vs. Marine Radios

1. Marine Stereos

These units are mainly used for music playback purposes. There are models available on the market that can be used as speakerphones, provided they have Bluetooth connectivity and offer microphone support.

2. Marine Radios

These are devices that can transmit and receive messages which are used to communicate on a set of international frequencies which are called channels. The models in our VHF marine radio reviews allow you to call for help from the emergency support services, speak with captains of other vessels, or even contact bridge tenders to request an opening.

It can also be used to listen to sea and weather reports. Under U.S. regulation, you are not required to have a radio onboard a recreational boat, but it is a smart thing to keep one, just in case.

3. Main Differences

Now that we’ve seen what these devices are, let us look at the main differences. Marine radios usually have an antenna that catches the channels on AM and FM waves . In terms of weather reports and communication, marine stereos are less practical.

However, you will be able to find radio stations to listen to music. Both devices can receive a radio signal, but it is only a marine radio that can also send a radio message.

The functionality to play music is one of the biggest differences between these two types of devices. Marine radios allow you to listen to the music that is broadcast through radio stations, and that is it. Marine stereos, on the other hand, provide many levels of functionality and are most appealing for people who really enjoy listening to music.

When it comes to appearance, these two devices are quite different as well. Most marine stereos available could be placed into a car. However, marine radios are much bulkier and are designed to be used only on boats.

As a conclusion, if you love music, and want to be able to play your favorite tunes loud and clear, you should definitely go for a marine stereo. Still, it would not be a bad idea to have a radio on board, in case of an emergency.

Marine Stereo Buying Guide

1. What to Look For

First, there are certain features any good marine stereo should have without which, you should not even waste your time looking at. Let’s see what they are.

1.1 Water, IPX Rate and UV Resistance

Since your new stereo is for a boat that is intended to be in the open, susceptible to all mother nature throws at it, clearly it will also have to deal with the sun and occasional contact with water. For this reason, it is paramount that the unit is waterproof against possible contact with water.

The IPX rate is what guarantees that the item has been tested for water penetration so it is safe to use on marine environments. You should look for this when you get your device. This is usually the part that separates standard stereos from marine units.

UV protection is just as important because the rays of the sun can cause a lot of damage to your stereo. Equipped with UV protection, your device will last longer even after dealing with harsh environmental conditions.

If you think that these features are not that important, you should know that you might get away without UV protection, for a while. However, if your stereo is not waterproof, you are going to end up with a device that is damaged beyond repair because contact with water is inevitable on a boat.

1.2 Anti-corrosion Protection

When it comes to units you are going to use on a boat, water resistance and UV protection is not enough. A good marine stereo should also be resistant to corrosion.

Since water can get in certain areas of the device, this feature will not allow these parts to rust. A stereo that is water and corrosion resistant is a solid investment because it will last you a very long time.

The marine environment is loud due to the water hitting your boat combined with the hum of the engine, and let’s not forget about the wind. Therefore, if you want to be able to enjoy your music, the speaker needs to be loud as well. Still, it is not only about hearing your tunes loud, but it is important to hear them clearly.

For this, you will need a marine speaker that has serious power. If you also have a four-way marine amplifier, it will help you increase the sound and hear it clearly. You should know that there are two standard power ratings given to stereos.

These are the maximum power output and the RMS power output. The maximum power output refers to the power that can be generated over a short period, while the RMS power output is a measure of what can be delivered continuously.

In case your boat will usually be in a noisy environment, the stereo you choose should have a high power-rating as it will help you hear the music you play clearly. However, if you are usually boating on calm waters, this aspect is not that important.

Before deciding on a specific model, you need to think about where you are going to place it, and where you are going to put the speakers in your boat. In case you are replacing a stereo, you will probably need to fill a gap with specific dimensions.

Therefore, you need to select a model that is the same size as your old one, otherwise, it will not fit. It will also make the installation easier. However, if your heart is set on a certain stereo, you can also widen or shorten the existing space so that it will fit.

The important thing for you to remember is that before you choose a new stereo, you should plan ahead how you want it to look on your boat and make the necessary measurements. If not, you may end up with issues you have not even thought of.

1.5 Ease of Use and Installation

No matter how many useful features and extras your stereo has, they are worthless if they are too complicated. If you are new to these devices, you are going to be extremely frustrated by not knowing how to use yours.

Since not all of us are extremely knowledgeable using sound systems, you can also make your life easier by choosing a stereo that is fairly easy to install and use, with a user-friendly interface and controls.

2. Functionality and Features

2.1 Bluetooth Connectivity

Most marine radio receivers can transmit and receive a Bluetooth signal, which makes them very convenient for streaming music from your smart devices. That means that it is enough to have your smartphone with you, packed with music, and stream your favorite tunes on your stereo.

There are, however, some models that only support certain types of software. Therefore, before you decide on a specific model, make sure that it is Bluetooth compatible.

2.2 Smartphone Compatibility

Having the possibility to link up your phone with the stereo makes things a lot easier when it comes to managing your music. It means you have to use fewer items and perform fewer operations as well.

A connection between these two devices means linking to your applications, taking phone calls, using voice recognition, as well as being able to charge the phone. All these features extremely useful, and they will make everything much easier for you.

2.3 USB Ports

A USB port allows you to connect your stereo with your MP3 player or smartphone, and you can stream music files such as MP3s or WMA. You can connect a flash drive for this purpose as well.

Some models support memory sticks of up to a certain memory. The great thing about USB ports on marine stereos is that USB charging is an option for your cell phone or any other devices compatible with the port, which is extremely useful.

2.4 Expandability

In case you want to increase the sound of your stereo, you have the possibility to expand your system into devices such as the models in our marine subwoofer reviews and marine amplifier reviews . If you plan on doing that, you need to make sure that the unit you select has all the necessary connections available. That is, of course, if you have the required space for them into your boat. There are plenty of marine stereos with this ability available on the market, so you have where to choose from.

2.5 Remote Control

This is not one of the most important features your stereo might have, but it certainly is convenient, especially for bigger vessels. Just imagine having the possibility of control your stereo from the other side of your boat. Wouldn’t that make things nicer?

You should also know that there are two types of remote controls for marine stereos. Wireless remotes do not work through infrared light. Instead, they use radio frequencies. Therefore, their signal is much more powerful, as they can emit through any obstacles such as doors, walls, and other objects.

The second option is represented by wired remotes that can be installed anywhere on the vessel. These are also extremely convenient to use and more than one can be installed, depending on your needs.

2.6 Audio Equipment Included

It is important for you to know that some marine stereos are sold just like that, but there are also options that come with the whole audio system including speakers and wires. In case you are just replacing an old stereo, you will probably want a simple stereo.

However, if you are interested in more music equipment, you should know about this option, as you might even pay less if you get the entire package, compared to buying the components separately. Also, you will be sure that they are a perfect match.

Depending on your needs, and what you already have on your boat, it is a great thing that you have various options to choose from.

How To Install/Wire a Marine Stereo System?

First, make sure that the designated hole on the dashboard of your boat fits. It is best for the unit to fit perfectly. If it is a little smaller, you risk it to bounce around when sailing, and it can easily get damaged. In case the available space is smaller or bigger, you should make the necessary adjustments. You can also purchase mounting or adaptor plates.

Once you managed to fit the device into the designated area, you can connect the cables for the receiver, but before installing it. You should secure the device and set the hardware provided for the installation.

Afterward, you can place the face panel and then turn on the device for testing. The last step would be to connect your smartphone to your new stereo and enjoy your favorite music.

FAQ About Marine Stereos

1. are marine stereos waterproof.

Marine stereos are usually waterproof or, at least, water-resistant. Unlike car stereos, these devices are constantly under a lot of pressure from the environment, and the marine environment is wet. It is impossible water not to get at your stereo at some point.

Therefore, marine dedicated stereos need to have this feature. However, since there are so many models available on the market, you should check this information before you decide on a specific unit, just to be sure.

2. How To Maintain a Marine Stereo System?

Even though marine stereos are built to withstand harsh conditions, they still need some care and attention from the owner’s part. One of the most important things you should do is keep your device away from water as much as possible. Since your boat is out on the water, this seems a bit difficult.

However, you can place the unit somewhere on the boat where it is at least covered and where less water can enter. Another very important aspect is to install the stereo properly. If you do not, water may enter the inner workings of the device. In case you are not sure about how to mount the stereo, you should ask a specialist to do it for you.

Moving on, while many marine stereos are UV-resistant, it still is best to keep the device away from the sun as well. When the boat is not in use, make sure you provide it with some shade. You can use a boat cover for that, and some models even offer UV protection also. This will protect not only your stereo but your vessel as well.

Furthermore, since a stereo is nothing without speakers, it is essential to also take care of them. They will probably be even more exposed than your stereo because they are spread around the boat. Therefore, if your speakers are exposed, you should look for waterproof options. If you pay attention to these aspects, you will be able to enjoy your stereo for a long time.

3. What Is The Difference Between Marine Stereos and Regular Stereos?

Even if you think that a normal stereo is cheaper and easier to use than a marine stereo, it is not a good option for your boat. Marine stereos are designed specifically for this purpose, and they are built to withstand the tough environmental conditions.

A regular stereo is not made the same way and, evidently, it cannot support such situations. In case you want to use a car stereo on your boat, it will not last. The weather elements which include splash water, salty air, humidity, and rain will damage the device very fast. Marine stereos are made with circuit boards that are dipped in plastic or liquid resin.

This feature seals everything, from water to air. Moreover, marine stereos are also UV-protected because they are usually in direct sunlight. A normal stereo does not have this issue, therefore its design does not need to include UV-resistant components.

As a general conclusion, marine stereos are specifically designed for the marine environment while regular stereos are not. A normal model may be cheaper, but it will not last you. In the end, you would be spending more than getting a stereo that was built for boating purposes.

4. Can You Use a Car Stereo in Your Boat?

The answer to this question is yes, you can. However, you should not. Car stereos do not have the same features as marine stereos such as water resistance or UV protection. On a boat, the device faces numerous harsh conditions such as water splashes, rain, humidity, and even salty air.

All of these are extremely damaging to the circuits. If you put a car stereo in your boat, it would probably last less than a year. Therefore, although it is physically possible to use a car stereo on your vessel, you should use a marine stereo instead.

5. What Antenna Type is Good For Marine Stereos?

Marine stereos usually come with antennas that are able to pick up signals when you reach areas where these signals are available. There are marine stereos that have a global radio tuner that can support AM and FM radio frequencies from all over the world, no matter where your current location is.

In case you want to catch a wider range of radio signals, you can also get an additional antenna. However, you need to make sure that the AUX port of your stereo is a match for the antenna’s cable connector.

After reading this guide, we strongly believe that you now understand the importance of getting the best marine stereo . As you know, the marine environment is a hard place for electronic devices. There are many elements that can cause a lot of damage. Therefore, the devices you are going to use on your boat need to be specifically designed for these kinds of conditions.

Even if you are new to boating, we hope that we have provided you with enough information so that you can get a unit that meets all of your needs. Our marine stereo reviews should also give you a good idea about the products in this line that are popular with boat owners. Now that you are all set, it is time to set sail and enjoy some good-quality music!

See also: marine speaker reviews

About Peter Richardson

Peter Richardson decided that he needs to balance out the sedentary lifestyle of a software developer by getting out there more. He found passion in none other than – boats. This website represents everything he learned along the way. Finding the right equipment for your boat is no easy task, and that is what Peter’s articles aim to help you with.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Best handheld VHF marine radio: 8 feature-rich options for your boat

• June 4, 2024

Marine Communications specialist, Fox Morgan takes a hands-on look at some of the best handheld VHF marine radios on the market.

Significant improvements in a number of areas in recent years have seen the best handheld VHF marine radio move from being purely portable communications devices to something altogether more useful. If you want to know more about handheld VHF marine radios, I’ve written a handy guide to answer some of the most commonly asked questions: what to look for in the best handheld VHF marine radios

As technology has shrunk, battery life improved and screens become clearer, handheld VHFs can now offer many of the safety features that used to be available only on fixed marine radios . Features now often include frequency scanning; weather reports; GPS integration; and an ability to automatically send distress signals.

Don’t forget: if you don’t have one already, you’ll need to obtain a license to operate a VHF radio in the UK and USA and various other territories.

At a glance  

Best handheld VHF marine radio – hands-on test

Standard Horizon HX890E VHF handheld marine radio

Best handheld vhf on test.

Specifications • Battery life: 27 hours on standby monitoring VTS ch12 • Waterproofing: IPX8 • Floating: Yes • Weight: 310g • DSC: Yes – Class D • GPS: Yes

Reasons to buy: The easy-to-read screen and fully waterproof design make this marine radio a top choice. It also has a high-capacity battery with a rapid charger, DSC and GPS functionality.

Reasons to avoid:  The higher price and the bulkier/heavier design than a basic model could be a drawback for some.

Standard Horizon HX890 handheld VHF marine radio review

Always ensure you can connect ship-to-ship or ship-to-shore with the Standard Horizon’s HX890. With features like a large screen, built-in GPS receiver and DSC capability, it’s easy to see why it would be a front-runner. The handheld radio floats with a highly visible strobe light activated when in the water and is fully waterproof with an IPX8 rating.

It comes with an additional battery tray, which can use 5 x AAA standard disposable or rechargeable batteries, in addition to the set’s main rechargeable battery.

Icom IC-M25Euro handheld marine radio

Best value handheld vhf marine radio.

Specifications • Battery life: 29 hours on standby monitoring VTS CH12 • Waterproofing: IPX7 • Floating: Yes • Weight: 225g • DSC: No • GPS: No

Reasons to buy:   This radio has an impressive battery life and USB connector. Plus, it’s good value for money.

Reason to avoid: It isn’t fully waterproof and unlike others on this list, it doesn’t have a GPS feature.

Icom M25 Handheld VHF Marine Radio Review

If you’re searching for a lightweight low-spec VHF Handheld radio that you can store in your pocket, this is the one for you. Despite not being fully waterproof, the float and flash system works well that if you do drop it in the water it’ll carry on functioning with the bonus that you’ll be able to retrieve it easily.

My favourite feature has to be the convenient USB charging port.

With each product is a ‘Buy it now’ link. If you click on this then we may receive a small amount of money from the retailer when you purchase the item. This doesn’t affect the amount you pay.

Icom m37e handheld vhf radio, best joint overall handheld vhf marine radio.

Specifications • Battery life: well over 48 hours (on standby monitoring busy VTS channel) • Extra battery tray/number and type of batts. Yes/3 x AAA • Waterproofing: IPX7 • Floating: Yes • Weight: 299g • DSC: No • GPS: No

Reasons to buy: Another VHF marine radio with an easy-to-read screen and impressive battery life. It also has robust, no-nonsense casing and versatile charging options.

Reasons to avoid:  Not a DSC/GPS-equipped model.

You can read our hands-on test review: Icom IC37 Handheld VHF Marine Radio Review

This handheld VHF unit is a real workhorse. It is designed for both leisure and the commercial market, so you know that the features will stand up against other models.

The Icom M37E handheld VHF comes as standard with an additional battery tray which takes 3 AAA batteries.

Charging is versatile and whilst it uses a drop-in cradle, the cradle cable is USB, so you can plug this into any power supply, 12v, 240v or portable power bank.

It has the now familiar Icom Float’n’Flash system which means it is buoyant, floating on its back and the screen automatically flashes when dunked so it’s easy to find should you drop it in the water.

Whilst it might not have all the bells and whistles of some higher spec’d models, what it does do, is perform exceptionally well at the essential core functions.

Cobra MR HH500 FLT BT Handheld Floating VHF Radio

Best vhf marine radio for bluetooth mobile phone connectivity.

Specifications • Battery life: 10 hours • Waterproofing: IPX7 • Floating: Yes • Weight: 272g • DSC: No • GPS: No

Reasons to buy: As well as being waterproof, you can also pair it with your phone via Bluetooth.

Reasons to avoid: Some other VHFs offer better battery life.

I have been using the Conra HH500 VHF Handheld Marine Radio for the past six years. As Tech Editor here at Yachting World, I’ve tried a VHF marine radio or two, but what I like about the Cobra is that the Bluetooth connectivity with a mobile phone allows waterproof mobile phone calls.

A great feature on this handheld VHF, seen top right on the unit keypad is the rewind-say-again button, which allows you to quickly re-listen to the previous transmission as the unit records the last 20 seconds.

It charges via a drop-in holster/cradle, which has two cable options, one for 12v and the other for 240v charging. The Cobra HH500 also comes with an additional battery tray that takes 5 x AA batteries.

ICOM IC-M94DE handheld marine radio

First ever handheld VHF with built in AIS

Specifications • Battery life: 16 hours (on standby monitoring busy VTS channel) • Waterproofing: IPX7 • Floating: Yes • Weight: 367g • DSC: Yes • GPS: Yes • AIS: yes

Reasons to buy: Along with built-in AIS, it has a DSC/GPS and features an easy-to-read screen.

Reasons to avoid: The masses of functions result in a shorter battery life. It is noticeably heavier than lower specified models, and it doesn’t come with 12v cable as standard.

You can read our hands-on test review: Icom M94DE VHF Marine Radio review

The Icom IC-M94DE is the flagship model from Icom and is chock-full of features – two of those key features are its DSC and AIS functions. It is the first handheld VHF radio to offer AIS functionality too so this is a rare beast indeed at the moment.

The VHF is buoyant and when it detects water, it automatically flashes the screen light on and off.

The AIS function is easy to access and switching between alternative screens is quick and effortless.

The M94D features a waterproof rating of IPX7 (1 meter for 30 mins) and it offers a battery life on standby of 16 hours (charging in 3 hours). Also of note is the sizeable screen, making it easier to read than some smaller units.

Standard Horizon HX210

Specifications • Battery life: 29 hours (on standby monitoring busy VTS channel) • Waterproofing: IPX7 • Floating: Yes • Weight: 278g • DSC: No • GPS: No • FM radio: yes

Reasons to buy: The easy-to-navigate buttons and menu, neat form factor, and clear display make the Standard Horizon Hx210 a good option.

Reasons to avoid: It unfortunately isn’t a DSC/GPS-equipped model and it’s not the loudest or clearest on test.

The Standard Horizons rival to the Icom 25E offers a great alternative handheld radio at a good price vs weight vs battery life vs function basic level.

You can read our hands-on test review: Standard Horizon HX210 handheld VHF marine radio reviewed

The HX210 is charged via a cradle and uses the conventional two different cables for 12v or 240v power supply.

A useful feature is the FM radio tuner. The waterproof to IPX7 and floats faceup with a small strobe light activated on immersion is also a nice touch.

Cobra HH600 DSC handheld marine radio

Best handheld vhf marine radio for phone connectivity .

Specifications • Battery life: 10 hours • Waterproofing: IPX8 • Floating: Yes • Weight: 329g • DSC: Yes • GPS: Yes

Reasons to buy: We like that you can pair and use smartphone through it. It’s also fully waterproof and has great safety features.

Reasons to avoid: Some other VHFs offer better battery life and charge options.

The Cobra MR-HH600 is a floating handheld VHF radio with built-in GPS, allowing you to view exact coordinates, and also transmit your location. A great built-in function is the ability to pair your smartphone via Bluetooth and make phone calls, all while keeping your device safe and dry in a locker.

Along with others on the market, this radio features a flashlight with emergency strobe function.

The HH660 is able to float and features a waterproofing standard of IPX8. The radio unit is a DSC-equipped VHF allowing you to transmit identity and location details and has the ability to automatically record the last 20 seconds of VHF calls so you can always play back what you missed.

It is GPS-equipped and can show your coordinates, and is also equipped with a MOB button to allow marking and tracking of a casualty’s position in the water.

Standard Horizon HX40E Ultra Compact handheld marine radio

Popular handheld vhf radio with sea kayakers and paddlesports.

Specifications • Battery life: 20 hours • Waterproofing: IPX7 • Floating: No • Weight: 230g • DSC: No • GPS: No

Reasons to buy: The built-in FM Radio, easy to read menu and battery save function make this a great small form handheld VHF marine radio.

Reasons to avoid: Despite having waterproofing, it’s not fully waterproof. There is also no GPS.

Do you struggle to store your handheld VHF marine radio? The VHF from Standard Horizon is small – 5.2cm x 9.5cm x 3.3cm (2.05in x 3.74in x 1.3in) – and weighing only 230g without the antenna it’s about the size of a standard pack of cards. What that means is it will effortlessly slip into your pocket.

It has an easy-to-navigate menu and can save 10 channels as presets, as well as having CH16 available at the press of a button.

While it’s waterproof, the radio doesn’t float unless you opt for the SHC-29 floating case, which enlarges it.

The radio has a battery-save function to give the most from its 7.4v lithium polymer battery, while the less battery-cautious owner can take advantage of the built-in FM radio.

Frequently asked question:

How do I get an MMSI for my portable VHF radio?

Every new piece of VHF radio equipment you buy or acquire should be registered with Ofcom i n the UK and with th e FCC i n USA. You should also have a licence to operate radio equipment. When you register your equipment you will be assigned a new MMSI for each new piece of equipment. You must not input a false number in your equipment as this is a criminal offence.

Glossary of VHF radio and associated tech terminology

Ais –  automatic identification system.

A system that transmits a vessel’s particulars by VHF signal to other receivers within VHF range. This includes the MMSI, vessel name, speed, course over ground and sometimes other info too. Units also give a CPA or closest point of approach which aids in navigation where there’s high traffic and collision avoidance.

Unique letter/number vessel identification number issued in the UK by OfCom.

Coastguard Yacht and Boat Safety Scheme form.

Digital Selective Calling, using VHF ch70 for automated distress alerts. Requires a unit to be GPS enabled.

A function allowing you to monitor CH16 and one other channel at the same time.

A function allowing you to monitor two self selected channels plus Ch16.

Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.

Global Positioning System.

Globally recognised universal Distress signal.

9-digit Maritime Mobile Service Identity provided in the UK by OfCom.

Press to transmit.

Search and Rescue.

Safety signal. Origin French – sécurité – safety.

Radio working that uses the same frequency for transmitting and receiving.

A radio control that suppresses background interference.

Radio messages.

Transmitting.

UK Coastguard.

Very High Frequency.

Vessel Traffic Services.

Handheld VHF radios solutions for superyachts

• Inspiration

Related News

Popular news this week, popular news this month, latest news.

• Yacht Charter & Superyacht News >

Written by Chelsea Smith

Handheld radios are a necessity onboard a superyacht, as communication between crew members is constantly required. Whatever the radio requirements, Standard Horizon is proud to announce full handheld communication solutions and options for any superyacht, culminating with the launch of the new HX851E, the first fully compatible GMDSS DSC hand portable VHF with GPS.

Handheld HX851E VHF radios solution for superyachts by Standard Horizon.

With its built in 12Ch GPS receiver and GMDSS DSC Class D modem this remarkably compact floating radio takes marine portable radio communications to a new level. The DSC functions include sending and receiving distress calls with selectable distress designation and GPS position information.

The HX851E has a tough die-cast chassis, which is protected by an ergonomically-shaped rubber armour surround with a luminescent glow-in-the-dark gasket, making it handy and resilient to the daily routines of superyacht crew life.  Should the radio accidentally fall in the water, it not only floats, but may be programmed to switch on a flashing strobe light on the front panel upon contact with the water.  The HX851E has an IPX-7 rating (submersible to 1 metre for 30 minutes) and Standard Horizon is so confident of the build quality of the radio that it is offered with a three-year waterproof guarantee. 

Valuable functions for onboard a superyacht include channel names that can be customised, and the programmable scan, priority scan and dual watch functions mean you are unlikely to miss an important call. A preset key allows the quick selection of the 10 most used channels.

Standard Horizon also offers some further great alternatives with the HX760E complete with Bluetooth® capability and BH-2 Bluetooth® hands-free headset.  This is perfect for delicate situations such as berthing a superyacht, where crew need both hands available for altering warps and lines. Or, the slim, lightweight and waterproof HX280E hand-held VHF radio is an affordable handheld with plenty of features, including dual watch and user programmable scanning functions. Finally, the HX751E is a great all-rounder radio, ideal for use on the boat, or in the grab bag, with programmable and priority scans, a dual-watch function, and a 9-hour battery life (5/5/90 duty cycle).

The HX851E, HX760E and the HX751E are all designed to float face up should they end up in the water. Furthermore, all the radios, including the HX280E, are waterproof and provided with a three year waterproof guarantee.

Specifications:

Model: Standard Horizon HX851E                                             Power output: 1/2/5/6/W @ 7.4V Frequency ranges: 156.025 MHz to 157.425 MHz                       Battery: 1150mAh Lithium-ion Size: 2.46” x 5.57” x 1.77” (62.5 x 141.5 x 45mm) w/o knob and antennae Weight: 11.8oz (335gm) w/FNB-V99Li, belt clip and antenna) 

* UK Users should be aware that the use of this device requires an individual Ship Portable Radio Licence with a MMSI number commencing ‘2359’ separate from any Ship Radio Licence which may already be held. A Ship Portable Radio Licence with MMSI number can be obtained online from OFCOM at www.ofcom.org.uk Other European Users should check with their local PTT for licensing information.

Model: Standard Horizon HX760E and BH-2 Bluetooth® Headset Power Output: 6/5/2/1W @ 7.4V Frequency ranges:        TX: 156.025 – 157.425 MHz RX: 156.050 – 163.275 MHz Battery: 1150mAH Lithium-ion Size: 62 x 141.5 x 41mm Weight: 310 grammes

Model: Standard Horizon HX280E Power Output: 5/1W @ 7.4V Frequency ranges:  TX: 156.025 – 157.425 MHz    RX: 156.050 – 163.275 MHz Battery: 1650mAH Lithium-ion   Size: 56 x 133 x 27.5mm   Weight: 310 grammes

Model: Standard Horizon HX751E Power Ouput: 1/2/5/6/W @ 7.4V Frequency ranges: 156.025 MHz to 157.425 MHz Battery: 1150mAH Lithium-ion Size: 2.46” x 5.57” x 1.77” (62.5 x 141.5 x 45mm) Weight: 11.8oz (335gm)

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "Handheld VHF radios solutions for superyachts".

• Charity & Fund Raising
• CharterWorld News
• Classic Yachts
• Coronavirus
• Cruise Ship
• Ecological Yachts
• Expedition Yachts
• Expert Broker Advice
• Feature Superyachts
• Interior Design
• Legal & VAT Yacht Issues
• Luxury Catamarans
• Luxury Gulet
• Luxury Phinisi
• Luxury Trimarans
• Luxury Yacht Design
• Luxury Yachts
• Marinas & Harbours
• Marine Ecology
• Marine Electronics
• Marine Equipment
• Mega Yachts
• Modern Yachts
• Motor Yachts
• New Launch Yachts
• New To Charter
• Open Style Sports Yachts
• Private Jets
• Sailing Yachts
• Social Media
• Sports Yachts
• Superyacht Crew
• Superyacht Photographers
• Superyacht Products & Supplies
• Superyacht Refits
• Superyacht Reviews
• Superyachts
• Uncategorized
• Yacht Builders
• Yacht Charter
• Yacht Charter Destinations
• Yacht Charter Picks
• Yacht Charter Specials
• Yacht Delivered to Owner
• Yacht Designers
• Yacht Events & Boat Shows
• Yacht Fashion
• Yacht Industry News
• Yacht Photos
• Yacht Racing
• Yacht Racing & Regattas
• Yacht Safety Equipment
• Yacht Support Vessels
• Yacht Tenders
• Yacht Videos
• Yachting Associations
• Yachting Awards
• Yachting Business
• Yachts For Charter
• Yachts For Sale

Quick Enquiry

Superyacht news:.

Email Your Yachting News to: news @ charterworld.com

KENTUCKY BELLE

CONTE ALBERTI

HRH Duke of Kent presents Queen’s Award to Halyard

Track24 Solo Launches Satellite-Based Tracking & 2-way Messaging Solution

Oyster Marine signs preferred supplier agreement with Raymarine for Oyster Yachts

The Micro Marine Stereo for Superyachts and Tenders

55m superyacht YN20555 is launched by Heesen Yachts and named superyacht SERENA

Van der Valk Shipyard announce 35m explorer yacht SAMBA

Abeking & Rasmussen’s 41-meter superyacht NURJA relaunched after refit

Aegean Yachts unveil 26m explorer yacht HEKATE

OCEA delivers 33m motor yacht ARAOK II to her new owner

39m sailing yacht LINNEA AURORA launched by SES Yachts

A luxury charter yacht is the perfect way to encounter New England’s fall foliage display

Charter yachts offering citizen science opportunities around the world

A first look at 55m superyacht PROJECT AGNETHA from Heesen Yachts

Late summer special offer on board 72m superyacht ARBEMA in the Western Mediterranean

44m superyacht ORION ONE reaches a construction milestone

44m charter yacht JEMS offers 9 days for the price of 7 in August in Italy

• Work & Careers
• Life & Arts

Bayesian maker says crew should have had time to rescue passengers

• Bayesian maker says crew should have had time to rescue passengers on x (opens in a new window)
• Bayesian maker says crew should have had time to rescue passengers on facebook (opens in a new window)
• Bayesian maker says crew should have had time to rescue passengers on linkedin (opens in a new window)
• Bayesian maker says crew should have had time to rescue passengers on whatsapp (opens in a new window)

Marianna Giusti in Porticello

Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.

The manufacturer of the superyacht that sank off Sicily, causing the deaths of UK tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and at least five others, has said the boat was “absolutely safe” and the crew should have had time to evacuate the passengers.

Giovanni Costantino, chief executive of The Italian Sea Group, which owns several boat brands including the yacht’s builder, Perini Navi, told the Financial Times that the Bayesian “was designed to be absolutely stable and carry . . . the world’s second-tallest mast”.

“The boat sank because it took on water,” Costantino said, suggesting that proper procedures were not followed.

He suggested the large opening just above the waterline on the stern, which pivots down to make a bathing platform and launching point for small boats, may have been open and become flooded, and the same might have been true for another waterline opening on the side.

Italian and UK authorities, which are investigating the circumstances of the incident , have not said when the boat started filling with water, whether vulnerable hatches were open, or whether the crew started the engine and tried to manoeuvre out of danger.

Video description

CCTV footage of the Bayesian sinking during a violent storm

The Italian coastguard has said divers had found no breaches in the hull and the mast was intact. The vessel — a 540-tonne, British-registered yacht designed by Ron Holland and built in 2008 — was resting on the seabed on its starboard side.

James Cutfield, the Bayesian’s skipper, did not immediately respond to the FT’s request for comment. His brother told the New Zealand Herald that Cutfield was “a very good sailor” and “very well respected” in the Mediterranean.

Costantino said it took 16 minutes from the time the boat was caught by the wind and started dragging its anchor near Porticello before it finally sank , which should have given the crew time to secure the vessel and save the passengers. 

“The torture lasted 16 minutes. It went down, not in one minute as some scientists have said. It went down in 16 minutes,” Costantino said. “You can see it from the charts, from the [Automatic Identification System] tracking chart.”

The FT has verified that AIS data is consistent with Costantino’s timings, but it is not possible at this stage to confirm his belief about what may have happened during that period.

“The captain should have prepared the boat and put it in a state of alert and of safety, just like the boat [Sir Robert Baden Powell] anchored 350 metres away, which was built in 1957 and handled the [weather] event brilliantly,” said Costantino.

Karsten Borner, the skipper of that boat, described to reporters in Sicily how he turned on his engine and manoeuvred to control his vessel and avoid a collision with the Bayesian. He saw the Bayesian heel over and then lost sight of it, before spotting a red flare from the Bayesian’s life raft. He rescued the 15 survivors. 

Costantino said Cutfield, a 50-year-old New Zealander, “should have locked everything up. He should have gathered all passengers in the safe point. This is protocol. No one should have been in their cabin. [You should] turn on the engine, weigh [raise] anchor, [point the] bow to the wind and lower the keel. This would have added stability, safety and comfort.”  

It has not been confirmed by divers whether the Bayesian’s long retractable keel was in the safer, lowered position or raised to allow entry to shallow water.

According to ISG, when the boat’s keel is raised, the Bayesian can withstand an inclination of up to 73 degrees; when the keel is lowered, she can tilt by up to 88 degrees — a nearly flat position with the mast on the water — without capsizing.

But Costantino does not believe the position of the keel was the issue. He said that once it was clear the boat was taking on water — CCTV footage from the shore showed the lights going out, presumably when water reached the generators or the electrical panels, he said — there should have been time to get everyone off the boat and into the life rafts.

“Jesus Christ! The hull is intact. The water came in from [hatchways] left open. There is no other possible explanation. If manoeuvred properly, the boat would have comfortably handled the weather — comfortably,” he said.

Promoted Content

Follow the topics in this article.

• Maritime accidents and safety Add to myFT
• Michael Lynch Add to myFT
• Sicily Add to myFT
• Marianna Giusti Add to myFT

Comments have not been enabled for this article.

Superyacht sinks latest: Investigators reveal where bodies were found as probe looks at 'crew's responsibility'

Italian officials revealed at a news conference there could be "a question of manslaughter" as they opened a shipwreck investigation and said the probe is also looking at the "crew's responsibility".

Saturday 24 August 2024 18:33, UK

• Superyacht sinking

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

• Prosecutor: There 'could be a question of manslaughter'
• Probe 'concentrating' on crew's responsibility
• Seven bodies recovered after five-day search of superyacht wreckage off Sicily
• Saturday's papers pay tribute to youngest victim Hannah Lynch
• Hannah's sister pays tribute to 'my little angel'
• Explained: Inside the superyacht | What challenges have faced divers?
• Eyewitness: Sombre scenes greet rescue teams as final body is brought ashore
• Live reporting by Niamh Lynch

We're ending our live coverage for this evening but here is a recap of what we know:

• Prosecutors have opened a manslaughter investigation into the Bayesian sinking;
• Officials have revealed more details on their investigation and the difficult five-day rescue mission;
• The six bodies found during the search in recent days were all in cabins on the left-hand - and highest - side of the ship. Five were found in the first cabin and the sixth was found in the third;
• Prosecutors said the six passengers were most likely asleep when the boat sank;
• The probe is now focusing on the crew and their responsibilities, with the captain set to undergo more questioning.

Monday 19 August

The Bayesian yacht, flying a British flag, sinks at around 5am local time when the area was hit by a tornado.

Fifteen people are rescued from the 56 metre vessel - including a mother and baby - but another seven remain missing.

One body, later confirmed to be the yacht's chef Recaldo Thomas, is found near the wreck.

It emerges that British technology tycoon Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah are among six people that remain missing.

Tuesday 20 August

The search continues for the six tourists missing.

It is reported that among those missing are Morgan Stanley International chairman Jonathan Bloomer; his wife, Judy Bloomer; Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo; and his wife, Neda Morvillo.

Police divers try to reach the hull of the ship, resting at a depth of 50 metres.

Italy's fire brigade Vigili del Fuoco say early inspections of the wreck were "unsuccessful" because of limited access to the bridge and furniture obstructing passages.

The operation is later described as "complex", with divers limited to 12-minute underwater shifts.

Tributes pour in for Mr Thomas, with his friend Gareth Williams saying: "I can talk for everyone that knew him when I say he was a well-loved, kind human being with a calm spirit."

Wednesday 21 August

The search for the six people unaccounted for enters a third day, with crews carrying out inspections of the yacht's internal hull.

A team of four British inspectors from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) arrive in Porticello to look at the site of the sinking.

A helicopter is drafted in to help with the search effort and remotely controlled underwater vehicles are being used, with naval units and cave divers also taking part in the search.

Five bodies are found inside the yacht on Wednesday afternoon. Only four of them are brought to shore.

Body bags are seen being taken to Porticello in the afternoon where dozens of emergency services staff wait.

Searches finish for the day just before 7.30pm.

Thursday 22 August

The search resumes for the remaining missing person.

The body of the fifth missing person, found but not recovered the previous day, is brought to shore.

A fire service boat with flashing blue lights returns with a blue body bag to the port of Porticello just after 8.45am local time on Thursday.

Tributes pour in for Mr Lynch and Mr and Mrs Bloomer after they are identified as having died.

The search is called off at around 8pm in Sicily, with divers expected to begin again at 6.30am on Friday.

Friday 23  August

The search continues for the final person missing from the wreck of the Bayesian, Hannah Lynch.

Vincenzo Zagarola, of the Italian Coastguard, says the search for Hannah has not been "easy or quick", comparing the sunken yacht to an "18-storey building full of water".

The coastguard confirms in the late morning that her body has been found.

A green body bag is brought to the port of Porticello from the site of the sinking.

A spokesperson announces on behalf of the Lynch family that they are "devastated" and "in shock" after the deaths of Mike and Hannah.

Hannah's sister Esme pays tribute to her "little angel".

Saturday 24 August

A press conference is held in the court of an Italian town, Termini Imerese.

Public prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio tells reporters that his office has opened an initial investigation against unknown persons into manslaughter and negligent shipwreck.

As the focus now turns to the manslaughter investigation, here's another reminder of the seven victims of the sinking and the 15 people who survived. 

A close friend of the Lynch family has added to the chorus of tributes for British tech tycoon Mike Lynch, who died in Monday's superyacht sinking.

Susannah Gurdun, who lives in Suffolk, recalled being "daunted" when she first met Mr Lynch at a dinner party, before discovering he was "so much more than the corporate cliche".

"He was riveting.  He was funny, and kind, and endlessly interesting; capable of talking about anything and everything," she said.

Ms Gardun said the businessman also had a "thrilling ability" to make complicated subjects "accessible to those of us less blessed with a science acumen".

"In particular, he was wonderful with children.  I will never forget hearing him explain to a group of them - including our ten year old son - the physics of why the sky went pink at sunset," she said.

She went on describe Mr Lynch as a "true genius" and "phenomenal creative".

Ms Gardun said his daughter Hannah was also showing "serious literary promise", and added that it was "beyond tragic that we will never know where her own particular brilliance might have led".

"I still feel blessed to have shared that time with them in Spain.  Not just because I witnessed Mike’s incredible storytelling; but because I was given a chance of understanding what that moment said about all four of them as a united vibrant loving family," she said.

"He was an extraordinary human being and it was - truly - a privilege to have known him."

A yacht crew member who survived the sinking has paid tribute to Hannah Lynch, calling her a "diamond in a sea of stars".

Sasha Murray, chief stewardess of the Bayesian, has released a statement after divers recovered the final missing body from the wreckage, which is believed to be 18-year-old Hannah.

"Those who knew her will know that Hannah was a diamond in a sea of stars," she said.

"Bright, beautiful and always shining. What most people may not have seen was the extraordinarily strong, deep and loving relationship she shared with her parents, whom she adored more than anything. 

"While swimming with them she often said, if anything ever happened she would save them. 

"I have no doubt that the Irish, Latina fire that burns in her soul kept that spirited determination alive."

Ms Murray's statement comes as a new image of Hannah Lynch and her father Mike Lynch is released:

Prosecutors announced in this morning's news conference that they have opened a manslaughter and negligent shipwreck investigation.

Officials were unable to answer several queries from the media, saying they needed time to establish the facts, but what are the key questions facing prosecutors? 

Why weren't passengers who remained on board the vessel warned about escaping from the yacht?

The prosecutor in charge of the case, Raffaele Cammarano, suggested that some passengers may have been asleep when others were awake.

Asked why they were not woken up or alerted, he said that is something investigators are trying to work out from the statements of the survivors.

He called it an "essential" part of the inquiry.

Why were several of the passengers in one cabin?

The press conference heard several bodies onboard the sunken yacht were found in a single cabin which was not theirs.

Mr Cammarano said investigators currently do not know the reason for them being discovered in the same cabin.

The chief of the Palermo fire service, Bentivoglio Fiandra, said the yacht pinned to the right and suggested people tried to go on the other side, taking refuge in cabins in the higher part of the wreck.

Why did the boat sink?

The vessel had been deemed "unsinkable" by its manufacturer - Italian shipyard Perini Navi.

The Bayesian was hit by a downburst, according to Mr Cammarano, which are powerful winds that descend from a thunderstorm and spread out quickly once they hit the ground.

Officials will look into the safety equipment on the sunken vessel.

Mr Cammarano was asked about whether there is a black box and if the hatches were left open.

He said investigators do not have exact information about the black box and that the first phase of the inquiry will look into it.

Why were nearby vessels not similarly affected?

Another yacht, the Sir Robert BP, was about 150 to 200 metres from the Bayesian when extreme weather hit.

Its crew helped to rescue 15 people from the stricken vessel.

Italian officials said they would be looking at how the downburst could affect one vehicle and not other nearby vessels.

What weather warnings was the Bayesian alerted to?

Maritime director of western Sicily, Rear Admiral Raffaele Macauda, said the weather at the time of the yacht's sinking was abnormal and there was nothing to suggest such an extreme situation would arise.

He said there were forecasts of winds and a storm alert, but there was no warning of a tornado.

"Given that the conditions were such, there wasn't anything to suggest there could be an extreme situation arising," he said.

"There are vessels that can monitor, after all, these events and one would have thought that the captain had taken precautions."

How long will it take to recover the sailing vessel?

Mr Macauda could not confirm how long it would take to retrieve the shipwreck of the sunken yacht.

"Everything depends on the availability of the owners and the timeframe of the retrieval of the wreck and of course all that has to be submitted to the port authorities and in parallel of course there will be the inquiry results and it's only really then that we will be able to authorise the operation," he said.

"I can't say, like some experts who have already spoken on the subject, [said] that it will be eight weeks."

He made clear that the owners will bear the full cost of retrieval, although he could not estimate the figure.

Italian authorities detailed the challenging and meticulous rescue operation to recover the six missing people from the Bayesian wreck (see 9.18am post).

But why was the five-day search so difficult? 

Read more below...

More on this morning's press conference. 

One of the main updates from prosecutors was that they have opened manslaughter and shipwreck investigations after the deaths of seven people in the Bayesian sinking. 

Watch the announcement below...

Prosecutors have given a lengthy news conference this morning on their investigation into the sinking of the Bayesian. 

Read the full report on the prosecutors' probe below...

Marine investigator James Wilkes has been speaking to Sky News after this morning's press conference.

"Naturally, there are more questions than there are substantive answers at the moment - that's the nature of investigative work.

"Something forced that yacht to roll beyond its nominal stability limits, such that it wasn't able to right itself with the ingress of a certain amount of seawater that was coming into the yacht. 

"So the investigators are going to ask themselves one initial question - what must the conditions have been for this to happen? 

"Then they are going to look at the contributing factors to the yacht, sinking, and, and the unfortunate loss of life." 

Prosecutors said this morning that the future of the investigation is reliant on recovering the wreck. 

Mr Wilkes said the yacht is a "major piece of physical evidence in and of itself." 

"It's lying at 50 metres, which is a recoverable depth. 

"If it was significantly deeper, then I'm not sure they'd be considering salvage at this stage or certainly, the salvage question would be a lot more complicated to answer. 

"But if there was the ability to raise that yacht in one piece safely, then it gives the investigators physically more to look at."

Mr Wilkes said he was unsure if the yacht would have a "black box" - called a voyage data recorder in shipping. 

"It would record things like GPS position, heading speed, engine telemetry, whether the radars were on, what they were recording, alarms, communications from the yacht itself, any audio on the bridge.

"But more often than not, these are on merchant ships. The yacht was a commercial yacht in the sense that it could be chartered out so it's quite possible it has a voyage data recorder on, but I'm not sure that it does. I don't know that as a matter of fact," he said.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

'Indescribable' Crew Errors Led to Sicily Shipwreck, Yacht Maker Says

'Indescribable' Crew Errors Led to Sicily Shipwreck, Yacht Maker Says

Rescue personnel work at the scene where a luxury yacht sank, off the coast of Porticello, near the Sicilian city of Palermo, Italy, August 22, 2024. REUTERS/Louiza Vradi

By Matteo Negri

MILAN (Reuters) - A series of "indescribable, unreasonable errors" by the crew led to the shipwreck in which British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and six others died earlier this week, the yacht manufacturer's CEO told Reuters on Thursday.

The British-flagged Bayesian, a 56-metre-long (184-foot) superyacht with 22 people aboard - 12 passengers and 10 crew - capsized and sank on Monday within minutes of being hit by a pre-dawn storm while anchored off the coast of northern Sicily.

"The boat suffered a series of indescribable, unreasonable errors, the impossible happened on that boat ... but it went down because it took on water. From where, the investigators will tell," Giovanni Costantino said in an interview.

Costantino helms The Italian Sea Group, which includes Perini Navi, the Italian high-end yacht maker that built the Bayesian in 2008. The vessel has been refitted twice, last in 2020, but not by Perini.

The CEO ruled out any design or construction errors, which he called unlikely after 16 years of trouble-free navigation, including in more severe weather than on Monday.

He blamed the Bayesian's crew for the "incredible mistake" of not being prepared for the storm, which had been announced in shipping forecasts. "This is the mistake that cries out for vengeance," he said.

Costantino said passengers should have been summoned out of their cabins and assembled at a point of safety while the boat was being prepared for the storm by pulling up the anchor, closing doors and hatches, lowering the keel to increase stability and other measures.

Six out of 12 passengers died in the shipwreck, and five bodies were found inside the wreck. Emergency services are still trying to locate the body of the last missing person, Lynch's daughter Hannah.

Had correct procedures been followed, all passengers would have gone back to sleep after one hour "and the next morning they would have happily resumed their wonderful cruise," Costantino said.

Another yacht anchored near the Bayesian escaped unharmed. The captain of the sunken yacht and other crew members have not commented publicly on the disaster, while Italian prosecutors investigating it are due to hold a press conference on Saturday.

(Reporting by Matteo Negri; Writing by Alvise Armellini; Editing by Richard Chang)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

Photos You Should See - July 2024

Join the Conversation

Tags: Canada , Italy , United Kingdom , Europe

America 2024

U.S. News Decision Points

Your trusted source for the latest news delivered weekdays from the team at U.S. News and World Report.

Sign in to manage your newsletters »

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

You May Also Like

The 10 worst presidents.

U.S. News Staff Feb. 23, 2024

The Best Cartoons on Donald Trump

Aug. 29, 2024, at 4:08 p.m.

Joe Biden Behind The Scenes

Aug. 20, 2024

Trump, Harris Dangle Tax Cuts on Trail

Tim Smart Aug. 29, 2024

Debate Offers Trump Hurdles, Openings

Cecelia Smith-Schoenwalder Aug. 29, 2024

What Trump, Harris Supporters Agree On

Alan Kronenberg Aug. 29, 2024

Harris on CNN: What to Know

Laura Mannweiler Aug. 29, 2024

Searches, Purge Spark Fear in Texas

Aneeta Mathur-Ashton Aug. 28, 2024

Trump’s Legal Woes, Explained

U.S. News Staff Aug. 28, 2024

The RFK Jr. Campaign's Weirdest Moments

Laura Mannweiler Aug. 28, 2024

Recommended

Paris hilton defends not putting life jacket on 1-year-old son phoenix while out at sea: ‘it’s a big boat’.

Paris Hilton hit back at mom-shamers who criticized her for allowing her 1-year-old son, Phoenix, to walk around on a boat without wearing a life jacket.

The “This Is Paris” star, 43, posted a sweet TikTok video Wednesday of her and husband Carter Reum ‘s little boy waddling around aboard a luxury Sunreef catamaran during the family’s summer vacation.

“Watching Phoenix explore the world has been so special to me! I am so grateful to be a #SlivingMom,” Hilton captioned the clip, which she set to Ed Sheeran’s 2014 hit “Photograph.”

While several fans flooded the comments section with supportive messages for the mom of two, who also shares 9-month-old daughter London with Reum, concerned netizens offered up some unsolicited advice.

“Momma, please have him wear a life jacket always on a boat!! Stuff happens. That’s why they’re called accidents. With love,” a social media user commented on the post.

“we are all here for the life vest advice right? Beautiful boat, beautiful life, still safer with the jacket,” a second person wrote.

“Please from one mom to another.. life jacket!” a third commented, with another adding, “My anxiety not seeing him in a life jacket! Can never be too safe on the water!”

Hilton replied to the trolls by explaining that the luxury vessel was very big and her son was nowhere near any danger.

“Hey Mamma’s [sic], thank you for the advice & always caring about my #CutesieCrew,” she wrote in the comments section of her post. “It’s a big boat & my husband and I are following him around everywhere & watching like hawks. My babies are my world.”

Several fans backed up Hilton’s assertion that her son was safe due to the size of the fancy catamaran.

“Guys this boat is way bigger than it seems in this video. A life jacket would be silly, and worst case scenario, they taught him to swim,” a social media user wrote.

“You do you xx pheonix is having a ball xx and 100% safe,” another supporter cheered.

“You are an amazing mama!! Your #cutsiecrew is lucky to have you in their corner,” one person gushed.

Sunreef Yachts is known for its opulent ships and grand boats that feature stylish designs and modern finishes for the wealthy.

While it is unclear which model Hilton and her family used, the company’s website describes its catamarans as being “constructed for enjoying yearlong transoceanic adventures in the deep blue sea.”

The site boasts that each electric vessel is “ultra-silent, vibration-free and fumeless” as well as “easily maneuverable [and] energy efficient … with immense living spaces for dining and lounging.”

The “Cooking with Paris” host and Reum, who tied the knot in November 2021, welcomed Phoenix and London via surrogate on Jan. 16, 2023, and Nov. 11, 2023 , respectively.

This isn’t the first time Hilton has sparked safety concerns for her kids. She was slammed for the way she positioned her kids’s car seats this past May, prompting her to admit that “no one is perfect.”

That same month, the “Stars Are Blind” singer was called out for allowing her son to swim in the water while wearing his life jacket backward and subsequently thanked her followers for informing her of her mistake .

Advertisement

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

Italian prosecutors open a manslaughter investigation into yacht sinking off Sicily

The Associated Press

Italian firefighter divers bring ashore the body of one of the victims of a shipwreck, in Porticello, Sicily, on Friday Aug. 23. Alberto Lo Bianco/LaPresse via AP hide caption

ROME — Prosecutors in Italy said Saturday they have opened an investigation into culpable shipwreck and multiple manslaughter after a superyacht capsized during a storm off the coast of Sicily, killing seven people onboard. They included British tech magnate Mike Lynch and his daughter.

Termini Imerese prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio confirmed the investigation has been launched, but said no suspect is currently identified.

“We are only in the initial phase of the investigation. We can’t exclude any sort of development at present,” he told reporters at a news conference.

Cartosio said his team will carefully consider each possible element of responsibility, including those of the ship's captain, the crew, individuals in charge of supervision, the ship-builder and others.

Everyone from the sunken yacht off Sicily has now been accounted for

“For me, it is probable that offences were committed, that it could be a case of manslaughter, but we can only establish that if you give us the time to investigate," he said.

The main question investigators are focusing on is how a sailing vessel deemed “unsinkable” by its manufacturer, Italian shipyard Perini Navi, sank while a nearby sailboat remained largely unscathed.

Prosecutors said the event was “extremely rapid” and information they gained seemed pointing to a “downburst,” a localised, powerful wind that descends from a thunderstorm and spreads out rapidly upon hitting the ground.

Initially, Civil protection officials said they believe the yacht, which featured a distinctive 75-meter (246-feet) aluminum mast, was struck by a tornado over the water, known as a waterspout.

Investigators were also asked why the crew was almost entirely saved, except for the chef, while six passengers remained trapped in the hull.

Local official confirmed that most of the bodies recovered were found in the same part of the ship — on the left side and closer to the surface — suggesting that passengers had sought safety in the cabins where the last air bubbles had formed.

Deputy Prosecutor Raffaele Cammarano said it was likely that the passengers were asleep, adding that one of the main focus of the investigation is to ascertain whether they were alerted by someone.

Who are Mike Lynch and the other people missing after a yacht sank in Sicily?

Cammarano confirmed that one person was on watch in the cockpit.

Rescuers on Friday brought ashore the last of seven bodies from the sinking of The Bayesian, a 56-meter (184-foot) British-flagged luxury yacht that went down in a storm near the Mediterranean island in southern Italy early Monday. The sailboat was carrying a crew of 10 people and 12 passengers.

The seventh victim was Hannah Lynch, 18, the daughter of Mike Lynch., whose body was recovered Thursday. He had been celebrating his recent acquittal on fraud charges with his family and the people who had defended him at trial in the United States. His wife, Angela Bacares, was among the 15 survivors.

Rescuers struggled for four days to find all the bodies, making only slow headway through the interior of the wreck lying on the seabed 50 meters (164 feet) below the surface.

The other five victims are Christopher Morvillo, one of Lynch’s U.S. lawyers, and his wife, Neda; Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of Morgan Stanley’s London-based investment banking subsidiary, and his wife, Judy; and Recaldo Thomas, the yacht’s chef.