Suggestions for a Ship to Shore radio?

[John Boelte]

I'm in the market for a handheld ship to shore radio. Anybody have suggestions of manufacturer and model? I understand there are two types available, 2 mile and 5 mile range. Apparently the 5 mile requires an FCC license? Any idea what it takes to acquire a license?

 

[roscoe]

Re: Suggestions for a Ship to Shore radio?

Are you talking about the little pocket radios? Glorified walkie talkies?<br /><br />The ones that put out more power on a few ( or all) channels are ok, but you better have someone on shore listening to the other radio.<br />The license for these amounts to filling out a form that states you have it, and mailing it to the FCC. I know many people that have these, none of them have registered them.<br /><br />If you are talking a real radio, to contact harbor master, patrol boats, or yacht club tenders, then you are going to need a radio that operates on specific frequencies.

 

[John Boelte]

Re: Suggestions for a Ship to Shore radio?

What all is involved with option 3? Is that an HF radio? I think that for Indiana all I really need is something to use to call for help on the rivers or lakes when the cell phone is out of range.

 

[JB]

Re: Suggestions for a Ship to Shore radio?

VHF Marine Band radios are, I think, limited to vessel to vessel and vessel to Patrol and USCG station traffic. It is not legal to have a land-based station.<br /><br />CB radios are another matter, but are often clogged up with trash communications.<br /><br />How far do you intend to communicate? With whom? A cell phone or Sattellite phone might be a better answer.