Aquapacs for VHF radio - a number of people have found that using an Aquapac (or similar) waterproof case for a VHF, even a waterproof one, will kill the set very quickly. See this discussion, and similar comment in this broader discussion on VHFs.

Batteries - VHF etc - general advice in this discussion. Problems with the charging terminals on some Icom batteries (in the IC-M31, IC-M33, IC-M35 and also the earlier Euro MIV) are discussed here. If replacing a standard battery with a battery tray to take AA's or similar, be aware that on some radios the transmission power drops drastically - see this comment.

Caring for electronic gear in a "wet" environment - discussion

Choosing a marine VHF - This document compares the specs of a number of different marine VHF sets - see also this discussion. Useful discussion on choosing a radio, also this one and this one. This discussion provides an update on handheld DSC radio (August 2010). This discussion deals with an annoying feature of Icom VHF's where the "lock function" can be over-riden. This discussion on the Standard Horizon HX851E also includes reference to EPIRB as an alternative to DSC.

Coastguard Operating Areas for Search & Rescue. This link takes you to a list of the CG Operating Area. Contact details for the relevant areas. Map showing the Operating Areas. The UKSKGB "Easy Reference Sheets" also have this information.

DSC radio - Currently (2011) there are few DSC handhelds available in UK, the Standard Horizon HX851E being one such. Some concerns are being voiced over battery life though.

Easy Reference Sheets - Scotland - Western England & Wales - Eastern England - Summary sheets with paddling speed calculators, wind speed chart, CG contact & MSI Broadcast Times, Marine VHF channels - (.PDF)

EPIRB - discussion. This discussion references EPIRB / PLB's with GPS. This discussion on VHF also references EPIRBs. EPIRB v PLB - disussion.

Icom Marine VHF - downloads of Product Manuals.

Icom IC M71 review.

Licences for VHF radio - in UK you need two licences. You need a licence for the radio, called a Ship Portable Radio Licence. That's obtainable (free) from Ofcom on-line once you've registered. To get started, click here. Basically you first need to Register - they send you your Log-in details and then you can apply on-line. That licence is valid for your lifetime, but does have to be revalidated every 10 years. To operate the VHF legally you also need a Marine Radio Short Range Certificate - which requires you to pass a short test to get one. That is valid for your lifetime. The link takes you to the RYA which has details of centres where you can get training. (Look for "Marine Radio Short Range Certificate Course"). It's also worth asking your local CG for details of courses in your area - see the Coastguard Operating Areas above. Annoyingly, quite a lot of the course will be devoted to the DSC aspect, but it is nevertheless an excellent (essential) course to learn to use the set properly. Currently (2011) there are few DSC handhelds available in UK, the Standard Horizon HX851E being one such. Some concerns are being voiced over battery life though.

Marine Safety Information (MSI) broadcast schedules - from the UK Coastguard - Inshore & Area Forecasts on marine VHF. Marine Safety Information (MSI) - Scotland - Broadcast schedules - Inshore & Area Forecast times on marine VHF - includes map with locations of CG aerial locations in Scotland. (.PDF)

Marine VHF channels to use. Includes a list of the general "working channels". Note that specific high traffic areas will often have designated channels for different purposes.

Mayday / Pan pan / phonetic alphabet. Summary of protocols and procedures for emergency calls, and the phonetic alphabet.

Standard Horizon HX851E - discussion that also references other Standard Horizon sets.

"VHF Radio (Including GMDSS)" - described as 'the complete marine VHF radio syllabus explained', this is a very useful publication from the RYA covering everything needed for the licencing course, and a helpful "instruction manual" for the correct use of VHf. Essential reading. ISBN: 0-901501-84-0 . Available from the RYA Shop, most chandlers and decent bookshops for about £6.50.

VHF or Mobile Phone? - discussion. CG recommend carrying a suitable marine VHF and knowing how to use it.