Selecting a Handheld VHF Marine Radio | BoatUS

Looking for a new handheld VHF marine radio? Here are some common features you want to consider for when you're shopping for a handheld VHF radio to use for marine communication or to put in your ditch kit in case of emergency. There are generally three levels of VHF radio quality. BoatUS Magazine's Lenny Rudow shows you the features and benefits for a range of portable VHF marine radios from inexpensive to ones with all the bells and whistles. The more expensive handheld VHF radios generally come with a DSC, or digital selective calling — essentially a panic button that allows you to call for help with a single touch in an emergency. If you have registered your MMSI number (which BoatUS Members can request for free at https://www.boatus.com/mmsi), your location and vessel info will be automatically transmitted to the proper authorities. He also discusses the different IPX ratings and what they mean for the unit's waterproofness. And he touches on some of the other features you might want to have, such as noise-cancelling technology, which allows you to hear and be heard more clearly. Learn more about VHF radio basics at https://www.boatus.com/expert-advice/expert-advice-archive/2019/february/why-a-vhf-radio-is-best-for-an-emergency 🚩Enjoy this video? Become a BoatUS Member today to get 25+ valuable benefits including a subscription to award-winning BoatUS Magazine! 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 FREE 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 #VHFradio #handheldradio #boatus #handheldVHF #vhf #portablevhf #marinevhf