Batteries - VHF etc - general advice in this discussion. Problems with some Icom batteries are discussed here.

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

Choosing a marine VHF - useful discussion here that includes views on Garmin, ICOM, Uniden Mystic, Silva etc, and an interesting comment on battery life and charging batteries. Additional discussions here, here, here, here and here that include discussion on DSC. Also here and here. This discussion is about the cheap Midland VHF set. This document compares the specs of a number of different marine VHF sets - see also this discussion. This discussion provides an update (March 09) on handheld DSC VHF. This discussion deals with an annoying feature of Icom VHF's where the "lock function" can be over-riden.

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.

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)

Icom Marine VHF - downloads of Product Manuals

Icom IC M71 review.

Licences for VHF radio - in UK you need two licences. The radio itself needs a licence and that's obtainable (free) from Ofcom on-line. To get started, have a look here. Basically you first need to Register - they send you your Log-in details and then you can apply on-line using their on-line process. You also need a Marine Radio Short Range Certificate to transmit with a marine VHF - the link takes you to the RYA which has details of centres where you can get training. (Look for "Marine Radio Short Range Certificate Courrse). Also ask your local CG for details of courses - see the Coastguard Operating Areas above.

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 "working channels".

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

"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 £5.00.

VHF or Mobile Phone? - discussion.