MARINE VHF - AIS - COMMUNICATION

Marine VHF, AIS & Marine Communications

Who Are You, Where Are You, and How Can We Help?

Reliable marine communications are an essential part of operating a boat safely. Whether you're coordinating with a marina, communicating with bridges and commercial traffic, monitoring weather information, contacting another vessel, participating in a fishing tournament, or calling for assistance, a properly installed and functioning communication system can be critical when you're on the water.

A modern marine communications system may include VHF radios, AIS, EPIRBs, satellite communications, Starlink, satellite phones, antennas, GPS, NMEA 2000 networking, and other connected equipment. Maritec Marine can install, troubleshoot, repair, and integrate these systems so your communications equipment is reliable when you need it.

Marine VHF Radio

A VHF marine radio remains one of the most important communication devices aboard many recreational boats. VHF provides direct communication with other vessels, marinas, bridges, towing services, commercial traffic, and emergency services. It can also provide access to weather broadcasts and important marine safety information.

Certain VHF channels are designated for specific purposes, including distress and safety communications, commercial traffic, bridge operations, and other specialized uses. Operators should follow current FCC and Coast Guard requirements regarding channel use and radio operation.

VHF Range Depends on Much More Than Radio Wattage

A VHF radio's advertised transmission power is only one part of the equation. Actual communication range depends heavily on antenna height, antenna quality, cable type and length, connector quality, installation location, and the surrounding environment.

Poorly installed coaxial cable, excessive connectors, water intrusion, damaged antennas, or nearby sources of electrical interference can significantly reduce transmission performance. Sharing an antenna through inappropriate or poorly designed connections can also introduce substantial signal loss.

A radio may appear to be functioning normally because it can still receive transmissions even when its ability to transmit effectively has been compromised.

Marine VHF Radio Testing

A simple radio check does not necessarily tell you whether your VHF system is performing properly. The response you receive depends on the other station's distance, antenna height, radio power, antenna condition, and surrounding conditions.

Maritec Marine can perform more comprehensive testing of marine VHF systems using appropriate test equipment to evaluate radio and antenna performance. This can help identify problems that may otherwise remain hidden until the radio is needed in an emergency.

AIS — Automatic Identification System

AIS (Automatic Identification System) allows compatible vessels to exchange information such as vessel identity, position, course, speed, and other navigation information.

AIS equipment generally falls into two categories:

AIS receiver: Receives information transmitted by other AIS-equipped vessels and displays their information on compatible marine electronics.

AIS transceiver: Receives AIS information from other vessels and transmits your vessel's information to other AIS-equipped vessels and stations.

This distinction is important. If your boat has only an AIS receiver, you may be able to see other vessels while those vessels cannot see your boat through AIS.

AIS information can be displayed on chartplotters and multifunction displays, providing additional situational awareness and, on compatible systems, target information that can be integrated with radar and navigation systems.

AIS carriage requirements vary depending on vessel type, size, operation, and applicable regulations. Commercial and certain other vessels may have specific AIS requirements, so operators should verify the requirements that apply to their vessel.

AIS Antenna & Transmission Problems

AIS systems depend heavily on proper antenna installation and configuration. An AIS transceiver may continue to receive other vessels even when its transmission system has a problem.

Damaged coaxial cable, poor connectors, water intrusion, antenna problems, excessive signal loss, incorrect antenna installation, or equipment faults can affect AIS transmission without producing an obvious warning on the MFD.

Proper testing is therefore important when an AIS transceiver is suspected of having a transmission problem.

Integrating VHF & AIS With Your Marine Network

Modern VHF and AIS equipment can often communicate with the vessel's electronics through NMEA 2000, NMEA 0183, Ethernet, or manufacturer-specific networks.

Depending on the equipment, a VHF or AIS system may share GPS position, AIS targets, DSC information, vessel identification, and other data with multiple MFDs and navigation devices.

Proper integration requires appropriate network connections, configuration, GPS data, device compatibility, and correct setup of the equipment's communication settings.

MMSI Numbers & DSC

Many modern VHF radios and AIS systems use an MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) number to identify the vessel. MMSI information is particularly important for Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and AIS because it associates transmissions with a specific vessel.

MMSI programming should be performed carefully. When purchasing used equipment, the radio may still contain the previous owner's MMSI information and other programmed vessel data. Some radios allow the MMSI to be changed through the user interface, while others have restrictions and may require manufacturer service to reset or reprogram the unit.

Maritec Marine can help determine the appropriate procedure for supported equipment and assist with configuration when possible.

Offshore Communications & Emergency Equipment

Cellular service can be useful close to shore, but cell phone coverage is not a substitute for offshore marine communications. Cellular range is limited and can vary significantly with location and conditions. Cell boosters can improve coverage in some situations but cannot create cellular service where there is no network coverage.

For offshore operation, boaters should consider additional communications and emergency equipment appropriate for their vessel and operating area. Options can include:

EPIRBs (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons)
Personal locator beacons
Satellite phones
Satellite messaging devices
Starlink or other satellite internet systems
Emergency VHF equipment
Appropriate navigation and signaling equipment

An EPIRB can provide an important emergency alert and location capability when a vessel is in serious distress and conventional communications are unavailable.

Starlink & Satellite Internet

Satellite internet systems such as Starlink have dramatically changed offshore connectivity for many boaters. They can provide internet access for communications, navigation-related services, weather information, entertainment, work, and remote monitoring where suitable service is available.

However, satellite internet should not be considered a replacement for dedicated marine emergency communication equipment. Performance can also be affected by antenna visibility, power availability, vessel movement, service coverage, and severe weather conditions.

Complete Marine Communication System Installation

Maritec Marine can install and troubleshoot VHF radios, AIS receivers and transceivers, antennas and coaxial systems, NMEA 2000 communication networks, satellite communication equipment, Starlink systems, and related marine electronics.

We can also troubleshoot problems such as poor VHF range, intermittent communication, AIS transmission failures, missing GPS information, network communication problems, antenna issues, and incorrect equipment configuration.

Our technicians combine marine electrical knowledge, marine networking experience, manufacturer training, and hands-on electronics troubleshooting to make sure your communication equipment is properly installed and integrated.

Whether you're replacing an old VHF, adding AIS, upgrading your antenna system, integrating communications with multiple MFDs, or preparing a boat for offshore operation, Maritec Marine can help build a reliable marine communications system designed around your vessel and how you use it.

​ MARINE VHF - AIS - COMMUNICATION