In most countries, a VHF radio is not legally required on recreational boats. It is strongly recommended. 

A VHF radio is your most reliable way to communicate on the water. It works where mobile phones often do not, especially offshore or away from populated areas. It also connects you directly to other vessels, marinas, and rescue services. 

With a VHF radio, you can: 

• Call for help quickly in an emergency on Channel 16 
• Receive weather alerts and safety broadcasts 
• Communicate with bridges, locks, and harbors 
• Stay in contact with nearby boats during a trip 
• Be heard by everyone in range, not just one person on a call 

Unlike a mobile phone, a VHF radio is designed for marine use. It provides instant, one-to-many communication and is monitored by coast guard and rescue organizations. Many modern sets also include Digital Selective Calling (DSC), which can send a distress alert with your vessel’s position at the push of a button when connected to GPS. 

For these reasons, a VHF radio is considered essential safety equipment on most boats. Even for short trips, it gives you a simple and dependable way to stay connected on the water. 

In many countries, yes. The radio and the operator may both need to be licensed. Requirements vary, so it’s worth checking local regulations. 

United States 
For most recreational boaters using VHF domestically, no license is required. 
A ship station license is only needed if you travel outside the U.S. or use certain equipment. An operator permit is rarely required for recreational use. 
Learn more from the FCC: Ship Radio Stations Licensing [fcc.gov] 

United Kingdom 
To legally transmit on a marine VHF radio in the UK, you need two distinct licenses 

1. Operator’s License: Also known as the Short Range Certificate (SRC). It proves you know how to operate the radio correctly and is obtained by taking a brief course and assessment. https://www.rya.org.uk/course-finder/marine-radio-src-course-and-exam/ 
    
2. Ship Radio License / Ship Portable License: Issued for free by Ofcom, this registers the radio equipment to your vessel and assigns you a call sign and MMSI number. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/spectrum/radio-equipment/ships-radio 

Europe 
Most countries follow similar rules and as per the United Kingdom, an operators licence (SRC) and Ships Radio Licence are required.  
Background on SRC standards: CEPT Short Range Certificate overview [docdb.cept.org] 

Europe Inland Waterways 

If you’re planning to navigate the inland waterways of mainland Europe, you need to ensure your vessel meets regional requirements with an ATIS-compliant VHF radio. The Automatic Transmitter Identification System (ATIS) automatically sends a unique Fast Frequency Shift Keying (FFSK) data signal at the end of each transmission, instantly broadcasting your ship's identity to locks, inland stations, and coast guards.  

All of Raymarine’s VHF Radios are ATIS compliant. 

Australia 
Yes. The operator must hold a marine radio qualification for VHF use. This is typically the Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (SROCP) or equivalent. 
Learn more from ACMA: Marine radio qualifications [acma.gov.au] 

A VHF (Very High Frequency) radio lets you send and receive voice communications over dedicated marine channels. It works like a two-way radio, but with greater range and coverage on the water. 

To transmit, press and hold the Push-To-Talk (PTT) button, speak clearly, then release it to listen. Only one person can transmit on a channel at a time, so clear, concise communication is important. 

Channel 16 is the international distress and calling channel. It is monitored by coast guards and other vessels, and boaters are expected to keep a listening watch on it when underway. 

A typical handheld VHF radio reaches about 5 to 7 miles. A fixed-mount radio can often reach 20 to 25 miles or more under the right conditions. 

Range depends on several factors. The most important is antenna height. The higher the antenna, the farther the signal can travel over the horizon. That’s why fixed radios, paired with a masthead or elevated antenna, have a clear advantage over handheld units. 

Antenna quality also matters. A well-built antenna, properly installed with good coaxial cable and secure connections, can make a noticeable difference in performance. Not all antennas are the same. 

Handheld radios are useful for short-range communication and as a backup. For primary communications, a fixed VHF radio with a properly installed antenna delivers greater range and more consistent performance. 

Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is a feature built into modern VHF radios that lets you send automated distress alerts and make direct calls to other vessels with the push of a button. 

In an emergency, DSC can transmit a distress alert instantly on Channel 70. When your radio is connected to a GPS or GNSS source, it includes your vessel’s position automatically. This gives rescue services and nearby boats critical information right away, even if you cannot make a voice call. 

To use DSC, your radio must be programmed with a unique Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI). This number identifies your vessel and links your radio to you. Without it, key DSC features will not work. 

DSC is also useful for everyday communication. You can: 

• Call another vessel directly using its MMSI, similar to dialling a phone number 
• Alert a specific station and then switch to a working channel 
• Send position requests or share your location with another boat 
• Quickly establish contact without tying up Channel 16 

DSC adds speed, accuracy, and convenience to your VHF radio. When set up correctly with an MMSI and GPS connection, it becomes a powerful safety tool and an easy way to communicate on the water. 

An MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) is a unique number assigned to your vessel for use with DSC-equipped radios. You must obtain one before using DSC features, and you should only enter it into your radio once. 

Where you get your MMSI depends on where your boat is registered and how you use it: 

United States 

• If your vessel has or requires an FCC ship station license, such as for international travel, your MMSI is issued by the FCC as part of that process. 
• For recreational boaters operating domestically, MMSI numbers are available at no cost from approved organizations such as BoatUS, the U.S. Power Squadrons, or Shine Micro. 

United Kingdom 
MMSI numbers are issued as part of your Ship Radio Licence through Ofcom. You can apply online, and there is no fee for a recreational license. 

Europe 
MMSI numbers are issued by the national telecommunications authority in the country where your vessel is registered. This is usually handled as part of the ship radio licensing process. 

Australia 
MMSI numbers are issued through the marine radio licensing and certification process managed by the appropriate national authorities. They are typically assigned as part of your vessel’s radio authorization. 

Once programmed into your radio, your MMSI enables DSC distress alerts, direct calling, and vessel identification. It is also used by AIS systems, allowing your vessel to be identified and tracked by other ships and navigation displays.