3 Tips for Using a Marine VHF Radio [+What's MMSI & DSC?] | BoatUS

When you're on a boat, your VHF radio is your link to the outside world. Here are three helpful tips for ensuring your VHF performs when you need it. The first tip is to ensure your antenna is perfectly vertical to give you the best signal. Two is to hold the mic at 90 degrees from your face when speaking into it. And the third is to ensure that your DSC VHF is active. The last is probably the most important so that the US Coast Guard can find your exact location in the event of an emergency. It requires you to link your DSC VHF with your chartplotter, but it's an easy setup. Also, you need to register for an MMSI number, which is free for BoatUS Members. • To learn VHF basics, visit https://www.boatus.com/expert-advice/expert-advice-archive/2015/december/vhf-radio-protocol •To register for a free MMSI number, visit https://www.boatus.com/MMSI • Learn how to set up your VHF Radio with DSC at https://www.boatus.com/expert-advice/expert-advice-archive/2015/december/setting-up-a-vhf-radio-with-digital-selective-calling 🚩Enjoy this video? Become a BoatUS Member today to get 25+ valuable benefits! https://boat.us/e/sy-join 🚩Visit the BoatUS Magazine website: https://www.boatus.com/Expert-Advice. BoatUS is the nation’s largest association of recreational boaters with more than half a million Members. We provide a diverse offering of services including marine insurance, on-the-water towing provided by TowBoatUS, the nation’s largest fleet, plus boat financing, graphics and lettering, representation for boaters on Capitol Hill, the award-winning BoatUS Magazine and much more. For more than 50 years, BoatUS has made boating safer, more affordable and more accessible. 🚩Download the BoatUS App today to access NOAA marine weather, tides, exclusive Member discounts, and your BoatUS account. Assistance on the water has never been easier with TowBoatUS CONNECT in the BoatUS App — the fastest way to get a tow! https://boat.us/sy-app 🚩Connect with us: https://Facebook.com/BoatUS https://Twitter.com/BoatUS https://Instagram.com/BoatUS https://Pinterest.com/BoatUS https://linkedin.com/company/boatus #boatus #vhfradio #DSC #vhfwithdsc #boatcommunication #mmsi