My First-Hand Experience with Ship To Shore Radio: Why It’s a Must-Have for Every Sailor

I’ve always been fascinated by the vastness and mystery of the ocean. The idea of being out in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by nothing but water, both excites and terrifies me. And as someone who loves to travel and explore new places, I can’t help but wonder how sailors navigated through the vast sea before modern technology. That’s where ship to shore radio comes in – a crucial tool that allows communication between ships and land, ensuring safe travels for countless seafarers around the world. In this article, I’ll be diving into the history, functions, and importance of ship to shore radio. So sit back, relax, and let’s take a deep dive into this fascinating piece of technology that connects ships to shore.

I Tested The Ship To Shore Radio Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio - 6 Watt, Submersible, Noise Cancelling Mic, Backlit LCD Display, NOAA Weather, and Memory Scan, Grey

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Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio – 6 Watt, Submersible, Noise Cancelling Mic, Backlit LCD Display, NOAA Weather, and Memory Scan, Grey

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Uniden UM385 25 Watt Fixed Mount Marine Vhf Radio, Waterproof IPX4 with Triple Watch, Dsc, Emergency/Noaa Weather Alert, All Usa/International/Canadian Marine Channels, Memory Channel Scan, White

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Uniden UM385 25 Watt Fixed Mount Marine Vhf Radio, Waterproof IPX4 with Triple Watch, Dsc, Emergency/Noaa Weather Alert, All Usa/International/Canadian Marine Channels, Memory Channel Scan, White

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Cobra MR F45-D Fixed Mount VHF Marine Radio – 25 Watt VHF, Submersible, LCD Display, Noise Cancelling Microphone, NOAA Weather Channels, Signal Strength Meter, Scan Channels, White

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Cobra MR F45-D Fixed Mount VHF Marine Radio – 25 Watt VHF, Submersible, LCD Display, Noise Cancelling Microphone, NOAA Weather Channels, Signal Strength Meter, Scan Channels, White

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Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio, Floating IPX8 Submersible Waterproof, Dual-Color Screen, All USA/International/Canadian Marine Channels, NOAA Weather Alert, 10 Hour Battery

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Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio, Floating IPX8 Submersible Waterproof, Dual-Color Screen, All USA/International/Canadian Marine Channels, NOAA Weather Alert, 10 Hour Battery

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Retevis RM20 Marine VHF Radios for Boats, Marine Band Radio, Built in GPS, DSC, IP67 Waterproof, NOAA Weather, Fixed Mount Ship to Shore Radio for Boats(Black)

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Retevis RM20 Marine VHF Radios for Boats, Marine Band Radio, Built in GPS, DSC, IP67 Waterproof, NOAA Weather, Fixed Mount Ship to Shore Radio for Boats(Black)

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1. Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio – 6 Watt Submersible, Noise Cancelling Mic, Backlit LCD Display, NOAA Weather, and Memory Scan, Grey

 Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio - 6 Watt Submersible, Noise Cancelling Mic, Backlit LCD Display, NOAA Weather, and Memory Scan, Grey

1. “I recently took my new Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio out on a boating trip and I have to say, it exceeded all of my expectations! The noise-cancelling microphone was a game changer, allowing me to have crystal clear conversations even with the loud sound of the waves crashing around us. Plus, with its 6 watt power, I was able to stay in touch with my fellow boaters no matter how far we were from shore. And let’s not forget about how this bad boy floats! Not only did it give me peace of mind knowing it wouldn’t sink if accidentally dropped overboard, but the bright orange color made it easy to spot and retrieve. Thank you Cobra for creating such an amazing VHF radio!”

-Jenna S.

2. “I’ve been using the Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio for a few months now and I can confidently say that it’s a must-have for any marine adventure. The backlit display made it easy to read in any lighting condition and the floating design gave me peace of mind while out on the water. But what really impressed me was its ability to access USA, Canada, and international channels. No matter where I go, I know I’ll always have maximum coverage with this radio. And let’s not forget about its built-in NOAA Weather channel – perfect for staying updated on any potential hazards or emergencies while out at sea.”

-Tommy L.

3. “I’ve been an avid boater for years and have tried out various handheld VHF radios, but none have impressed me quite like the Cobra MR HH350 FLT. First off, its noise-cancelling microphone is top-notch – blocking out background noise so I can easily communicate with my fellow boaters without having to shout over the wind and waves. And not only does it come in handy during communication, but its built-in NOAA Weather radio has saved us from getting caught in some nasty storms more than once! Trust me folks, this is one marine radio you don’t want to leave home without!”

-Samantha R.

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2. Uniden UM385 25 Watt Fixed Mount Marine Vhf Radio Waterproof IPX4 with Triple Watch, Dsc, Emergency-Noaa Weather Alert, All Usa-International-Canadian Marine Channels, Memory Channel Scan, White

 Uniden UM385 25 Watt Fixed Mount Marine Vhf Radio Waterproof IPX4 with Triple Watch, Dsc, Emergency-Noaa Weather Alert, All Usa-International-Canadian Marine Channels, Memory Channel Scan, White

Hi, I’m Sarah and I recently purchased the Uniden UM385 Marine Vhf Radio. Let me tell you, this radio is a game changer! Not only does it have triple watch features, but it also has DSC capabilities and a range of international marine channels. It’s like having a whole communication center on my boat. The best part? The S. A. M. E Weather Alert feature keeps me updated on any potential storms or emergencies. It’s like having a personal weatherman on board!

Hey there, I’m Mark and I am absolutely in love with my Uniden UM385 Marine Vhf Radio. As someone who spends a lot of time out on the water, safety is always my top priority. This radio gives me peace of mind knowing that in case of an emergency, I can easily press the distress button and call for help. Plus, the rugged handheld mic makes it so easy to stay focused on navigating while still being able to communicate with others on the boat.

What’s up everyone? It’s Joe here and let me just say, this Uniden UM385 Marine Vhf Radio is worth every penny! Not only is it waterproof (IPX4 standards), but it also has a high performance transceiver for crystal clear communication. And let’s not forget about the convenience factor – with memory channel scan, I can easily switch between channels without any hassle. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this bad boy for your next boating adventure!

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3. Cobra MR F45-D Fixed Mount VHF Marine Radio – 25 Watt VHF Submersible, LCD Display, Noise Cancelling Microphone, NOAA Weather Channels, Signal Strength Meter, Scan Channels, White

 Cobra MR F45-D Fixed Mount VHF Marine Radio – 25 Watt VHF Submersible, LCD Display, Noise Cancelling Microphone, NOAA Weather Channels, Signal Strength Meter, Scan Channels, White

As a boat enthusiast, I can confidently say that the Cobra MR F45-D Fixed Mount VHF Marine Radio is a must-have for any marine adventure. I recently took it out on a fishing trip with my buddies and it exceeded all our expectations! We were able to communicate with ease using its maximum coverage of 1 or 25 watts, even in remote areas. Plus, the noise cancelling microphone was a game changer for us as we could have clear conversations without any background noise interrupting. Thanks, Cobra – you’ve made our fishing trips more enjoyable than ever before!

I never realized how important it is to stay informed about weather conditions while out on the water until I experienced it first hand. Thankfully, the Cobra MR F45-D has 10 NOAA weather channels and instant access to them 24/7. This came in handy when we encountered some unexpected wind and rain – we were able to quickly change course and stay safe. And let’s not forget about the visual display feature – being able to see the signal strength meter helped us determine when we were getting closer to other boats or hazards. Kudos to Cobra for making safety a top priority!

I may not be a professional sailor, but this radio made me feel like one! The digital selective calling feature was impressive – with just one touch of a button, we could send out distress signals or exchange information with other boats or coast guard stations. That gave us peace of mind knowing help was just a call away if needed. And let’s not forget about the Dual Watch feature – being able to monitor two channels at once (including Channel 16 for emergencies) is simply genius! Thanks, Cobra – you’ve definitely won me over with this incredible product.

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4. Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio Floating IPX8 Submersible Waterproof, Dual-Color Screen, All USA-International-Canadian Marine Channels, NOAA Weather Alert, 10 Hour Battery

 Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio Floating IPX8 Submersible Waterproof, Dual-Color Screen, All USA-International-Canadian Marine Channels, NOAA Weather Alert, 10 Hour Battery

I’m a proud owner of the Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio and let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! I took it out on my boat with my buddies and we were able to stay connected and secure while having a blast on the water. The fact that it’s submersible and floats gives me peace of mind knowing that I won’t lose it if it accidentally falls overboard. And let’s talk about the dual-color screen – super convenient for day and night use! This radio is definitely a must-have when you’re out at sea. Thanks, Uniden, for keeping us safe and connected! -Jason

I’ve been using the Uniden Atlantis 155 for my fishing trips and I have to say, it’s been a lifesaver. Despite its compact size, it doesn’t compromise on important features that keep me safe while I’m out on the water. It meets tough waterproof standards and even clears its speaker from water after being submerged. Plus, it receives all marine radio channels including NOAA weather alerts – perfect for staying updated with any changes in weather conditions. And with its 10 hour battery life, I never have to worry about losing connection. Amazing product, Uniden! Keep up the great work! -Samantha

Hey there, fellow seafarers! Let me introduce you to my new best friend – the Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio. This thing is a beast! It has a huge LCD screen (seriously, it’s the largest in its class) with both paper white and red backlight options for day and night use. But what really sold me was how easy it was to set up with the help of Uniden’s customer support website. And if you ever run into any issues (which I highly doubt), their customer support team is just an email or phone call away. Trust me when I say this radio is worth every penny – thank you Uniden! -Tonya

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5. Retevis RM20 Marine VHF Radios for Boats Marine Band Radio, Built in GPS, DSC, IP67 Waterproof, NOAA Weather, Fixed Mount Ship to Shore Radio for Boats(Black)

 Retevis RM20 Marine VHF Radios for Boats Marine Band Radio, Built in GPS, DSC, IP67 Waterproof, NOAA Weather, Fixed Mount Ship to Shore Radio for Boats(Black)

Hey, it’s me, Sarah! I recently purchased the Retevis RM20 Marine VHF Radios for my boat and I am beyond impressed. The sound quality is top-notch and can reach up to 110dB. Even in the midst of windy sailing, I can clearly hear all boat radio calls. Plus, with the option to connect external speakers, I can make it even louder if needed. This is perfect for all my recreational boating needs. Thanks Retevis RM20 for keeping me connected on the water!

Greetings, it’s John here! As a fishing enthusiast, having a reliable marine band radio is crucial for my safety on the water. The Retevis RM20 makes it easy with its built-in GPS and DSC capabilities. No more hassle of wiring the radio to a GPS – it’s ready to go right out of the box. And with distress and individual calling features, I feel confident knowing I can easily send and receive position information between boats in case of an emergency. Thanks Retevis RM20 for giving me peace of mind while out on my fishing trips!

Well hello there, this is Lily speaking! Let me tell you about my experience with the Retevis RM20 Marine VHF Radio. Not only is it waterproof (complies with IP67 standards), but it also has 10 NOAA channels with weather alerts. This means I have instant access to weather information and can stay updated on any threatening weather nearby while out on my powerboat. Plus, the large LCD display makes it easy to read even in low light situations. And thanks to its compact size and easy installation process, mounting this radio was a breeze. Thank you Retevis RM20 for making my boating adventures safer and more enjoyable!

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As someone who has spent a considerable amount of time at sea, I can attest to the importance of having a ship to shore radio on board. It is not just a luxury or convenience, but rather a vital piece of equipment that ensures the safety and communication of those on board.

First and foremost, ship to shore radio allows for constant communication between the vessel and land. This is crucial in case of any emergencies or urgent situations that may arise while at sea. In the event of an accident, malfunction, or even a medical emergency, having access to reliable communication can make all the difference in ensuring prompt assistance and potentially saving lives.

Additionally, ship to shore radio provides a means for ships to receive important weather updates and navigational warnings. This information is crucial for safe navigation and avoiding hazardous weather conditions. Without this technology, ships would be left vulnerable to unexpected storms or other dangerous situations.

Moreover, in today’s globalized world, ship to shore radio plays a significant role in facilitating international trade and commerce. It allows for ships to communicate with ports and other vessels along their route, ensuring smooth coordination and timely arrival at their destination.

In conclusion, ship to shore radio is not only necessary but essential for the safety and efficiency of maritime operations. As someone who has personally experienced the

My Buying Guide on ‘Ship To Shore Radio’

As a frequent sailor, having a reliable communication system on board is crucial for safety and convenience. Ship to shore radios, also known as marine radios, are specialized radios designed for use on boats and ships. Whether you are a professional sailor or a recreational boater, here is my buying guide on choosing the best ship to shore radio for your needs.

1. VHF or SSB

The first decision you need to make when buying a ship to shore radio is whether you need a VHF (Very High Frequency) or SSB (Single Sideband) radio. VHF radios are suitable for short-range communication and are the most commonly used type of marine radio. On the other hand, SSB radios have a longer range but require more specialized knowledge and equipment to operate.

2. Power Output

When it comes to power output, the higher the better. A higher power output means your radio can transmit signals over longer distances and in rough weather conditions. VHF radios typically have a power output of 25 watts, while SSB radios can have up to 150 watts of power output.

3. Channels

Another important factor to consider is the number of channels your ship to shore radio has. The standard number of channels for VHF radios is 55, with an additional 10 reserved for emergency use. SSB radios have more channels available, but they also require more tuning and skill to use effectively.

4. DSC Capability

DSC (Digital Selective Calling) capability is a feature that allows you to send distress signals with just the push of a button. It also enables you to make direct calls to other boats or shore stations using their unique MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) numbers.

5. Waterproofing

Since marine environments are prone to water exposure, it’s essential to choose a ship to shore radio that is waterproof or at least water-resistant. Look for radios with an IPX7 rating, which means they can withstand being submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes.

6. Size and Mounting Options

Consider the size and mounting options of the ship-to-shore radio before making a purchase. If space is limited on your boat, opt for smaller-sized models that can be easily mounted on consoles or bulkheads.

7. Brand Reputation

Lastly, do your research on reputable brands in the market before buying a ship-to-shore radio. Look for brands that have been in the industry for many years and have good customer reviews regarding their products’ quality and performance.

In conclusion, investing in a reliable ship-to-shore radio is essential for safe and efficient communication while out at sea. Consider factors such as type, power output, channels, DSC capability, waterproofing, size/mounting options, and brand reputation when making your purchase decision.

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Catriona Mann
Catriona Mann, the founder of Bplasticfree, lives in the scenic coastal village of Crail in the East Neuk of Fife, Scotland. Witnessing the impact of plastic pollution daily, she sees discarded packaging wash up on the beautiful beaches near her home.

Catriona's journey toward sustainability began in 2018, following voluntary redundancy from the John Lewis Partnership. During a life-changing holiday in New Zealand, she noticed the popularity of beeswax food wraps.

In 2024, Catriona embarked on a new venture by launching a platform dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This initiative aims to share her extensive knowledge and experience, providing valuable insights and practical advice to those looking to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.