VHF (Very High Frequency) radios provide two-way communication and have a range of 5 to 25 miles. They are arguably, the most important safety item on board a boat. In coastal or inland waters, a VHF radios is generally the fastest link to rescuing agencies like the Coast Guard, a towing service, or the harbormaster. Other uses for VHF radios include conversing with other boaters, listening to weather information, calling the race committee or communicating with a harbormaster or a lock or a bridge operator.

Some handheld models also feature DSC (Digital Selective Calling) which is the marine equivalent of a 911 call to the USCG in the case of an emergency. If a hand held unit is the only VHF radio that you will have on your boat, you may want to consider one equipped with DSC so you are covered in an emergency.