VHF Radios: Everything You Need To Know

VHF Radio Course: Confident Communication and Safety on the Water Your VHF radio is more than just a microphone—it’s your lifeline, navigator, and weather forecaster. Whether you're coordinating with other boats, calling a marina, or making an emergency call, mastering this essential tool is critical for safety and effective communication on the water. VHF Radios: Everything You Need To Know is the ultimate VHF radio course, providing step-by-step guidance to unlock your radio’s full potential. You’ll learn how to:✔ Make clear and effective routine calls and hails✔ Use advanced features like AIS, weather alerts, and automated distress signals✔ Quickly get needed help in an emergency by using proper procedures Whether you’re a new boater or an experienced cruiser, this comprehensive course empowers you with the knowledge to stay safe and connected. Delivered entirely online, it’s designed for flexible learning at your own pace. What You’ll Learn • Confident Communication and Advanced Features ✔ Make clear and effective routine calls, even in busy or noisy conditions✔ Use high and low power appropriately to improve communication✔ Set up and make automated emergency calls using DSC (Digital Selective Calling)*✔ Understand AIS to see nearby boats and avoid close encounters*✔ Get precise marine weather forecasts for your exact location✔ Call drawbridges, locks, and boats you don’t know with confidence✔ Master the critical language and procedures for emergency calls *Requires a VHF radio with these capabilities What’s Included • 9 Comprehensive Modules Packed with Resources This course includes clear instructions, real-world examples, and multimedia tools to ensure you can confidently use your VHF radio: VHF Basics: Understand radio types, channels, range, and how to clearly communicate. Making Routine Calls: Step-by-step guides for calling known and unknown boats, hailing drawbridges and locks, and switching to working channels. Channel Guide: Learn which channels to use for specific purposes and which to avoid. Radio Lingo: Speak the language of the water with proper terms, spelling protocols, and radio etiquette. Emergency Calls: Differentiate between mayday, pan-pan, and sécurité calls, and know exactly what to say in a crisis. Advanced Features: Unlock the power of DSC, AIS, and dual watch to enhance safety and situational awareness. Cruiser’s Nets: Join and benefit from cruiser’s nets for local knowledge and community updates. Weather Radio: Get detailed, location-specific forecasts and stay ahead of changing conditions. Practical Tips and Tools: Includes audio clips, videos, printable guides, and quizzes to reinforce learning. Why It’s Different This course is tailored for real-world boating, focusing on practical, hands-on skills you’ll use every day: ✔ Real-World Scenarios: Practice with examples like hailing unknown boats and navigating congested airwaves.✔ Multimedia Tools: Audio clips and videos provide context and reinforce learning for every situation.✔ Advanced Features Made Simple: Step-by-step instructions to set up and use DSC, AIS, and more.✔ Printable Guides: Handy resources for quick reference at your radio.✔ Beginner-Friendly: Designed for boaters of all experience levels, with clear explanations of technical concepts. How It Works • On-Demand, Lifetime Access ✔ Immediate access: Login details appear on the purchase confirmation screen and are emailed to you.✔ Lifetime access: Revisit the course as often as you need, and receive all future updates at no extra cost.✔ Learn at your pace: No schedules, no pressure—complete the course when it works for you.✔ Practical for boaters: Entirely text- and photo-based with videos and audio, so you can learn even with limited internet connectivity. About the Instructor • John Herlig John Herlig has spent years mastering the VHF radio, both as a cruiser aboard his 1967 Rawson 30 and as a delivery captain. His extensive experience includes cruising the East Coast, Bahamas, and the Caribbean, where he learned the real-world challenges and benefits of using the VHF effectively. As an instructor at Cruisers University and a frequent writer for leading boating publications, John brings a practical, approachable teaching style that demystifies even the most advanced radio features. Whether you’re a new boater or an experienced cruiser, John’s expertise will empower you to use your VHF with confidence.