Communications and collision avoidance electronics define the difference between a comfortable offshore passage and a dangerous one. These guides cover every layer of the modern offshore communications stack — from the VHF radio that every vessel is required to monitor, to the satellite systems that let you receive weather and send messages from the middle of an ocean.
VHF Marine Radio: The Complete Guide
Channel 16, DSC distress calls, MMSI registration, channel assignments, antenna range reality, NOAA weather, and how to make a proper mayday call.
- Ch 16: monitor 24/7
- DSC auto-transmits your position
- VHF range 5–25nm depending on antenna
SSB Radio for Offshore Passages
Single Sideband HF radio for long-range communications — Pactor modems, SailMail, weather fax, cruiser nets, frequency selection, and the antenna installation reality.
- Range 500–5,000nm via sky wave
- SailMail $250/year for email
- Free NOAA weather fax
Satellite Communications Aboard
Iridium Go!, Garmin inReach, Starlink Maritime, EPIRB vs. PLB, satellite phones, and how to choose the right system for your offshore profile.
- Starlink: 100+ Mbps, $250/month
- inReach: two-way text + SOS
- EPIRB: the vessel-mounted standard
AIS and Radar for Collision Avoidance
Class B AIS transponders, CPA/TCPA alarms, radar basics, MARPA target tracking, the radar reflector debate, and what AIS misses that radar sees.
- AIS: position every 30 sec
- Radar sees what AIS misses
- MARPA tracks non-AIS targets
About These Guides
These are editorial resources for recreational sailors and cruisers, not official FCC, USCG, or ITU publications. Regulations, pricing, and equipment specifications change. Always verify current licensing requirements, MMSI registration procedures, and equipment certifications with the applicable authority before heading offshore. For marina resources, see the marina directory.