A Specialized Tool for Preparedness and Disasters

Marine communications—primarily VHF marine radio—are designed for one thing above all else: safety of life on navigable waters. These systems are highly standardized, widely monitored, and extremely effective in their intended environment. Because of that reliability, preppers often ask whether marine radios belong in a broader preparedness communications plan.

The short answer: yes, but with strict limitations and clear rules of use.

Marine radios can be a powerful asset during disasters in coastal, riverine, and maritime-adjacent areas, especially when other infrastructure fails. Used incorrectly, however, they can create legal problems and interfere with real emergencies.

What Marine Radio Is (and Is Not)

Marine radios operate primarily in the VHF band (156–162 MHz) and are regulated for use on navigable waters. They are not general-purpose radios like FRS, GMRS, or Amateur (Ham) radio.

Marine VHF is:

A safety and coordination system for vessels
Continuously monitored by the United States Coast Guard
Designed for short- to medium-range, line-of-sight communication
Optimized for distress, navigation, and operational traffic on water

Marine VHF is NOT:

A general land-based preparedness radio
A replacement for GMRS or Ham radio
Legal for routine on-land communications

Why Marine Communications Matter in Disasters

In disasters involving hurricanes, floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, or coastal infrastructure collapse, marine radio often remains functional when other systems fail.

Key reasons:

No reliance on cell towers or internet
Simple, robust hardware
Standardized emergency procedures
Continuous monitoring of distress channels

During large-scale emergencies, marine VHF has been used for:

Flood rescues and evacuations
Coordinating private boats assisting responders
Reporting hazards and survivors
Calling for immediate life-saving assistance

In many coastal disasters, marine radio becomes the first functioning communications system, not the last.

Core Marine VHF Channels (Preparedness-Relevant)

Channel 16 (156.800 MHz) – Distress, Safety, and Calling
- Monitored 24/7 by the Coast Guard and most commercial vessels
- Used for MAYDAY, PAN-PAN, and SECURITÉ calls
Channel 9 – Alternate calling channel
Working channels (68, 69, 71, 72) – Ship-to-ship coordination

Improper use of Channel 16 is taken seriously, especially during emergencies.

Rules of Use (This Matters)

Marine radios in the U.S. are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission. While licensing requirements are minimal for recreational boaters, usage restrictions are strict.

Legal Use

You MAY use a marine radio:

On board a vessel on navigable waters
For vessel safety, navigation, or operational needs
To report emergencies involving immediate danger to life or property
During a true emergency, from land, if no other communication method is available

Illegal or Improper Use

You may NOT:

Use marine radio as a routine land-based communications system
Use it for preparedness “practice” off-water
Use marine channels for tactical, neighborhood, or group comms
Jam, interfere with, or casually chat on emergency channels

Bottom line: Marine radio is emergency privilege-based, not convenience-based.

Where Marine Radio Fits in a Preparedness Plan

Marine communications should be viewed as a situational capability, not a core everyday system.

Best fit scenarios:

Coastal or river communities
Flood-prone regions
Boaters, marinas, and waterfront properties
Evacuation by water
Mutual aid using private vessels

Not a replacement for:

GMRS for families and MAGs
Amateur radio for regional coordination
HF radio for long-distance land-based comms

In layered preparedness planning, marine radio sits alongside satellite and HF systems—used when conditions justify it, not by default.

Equipment Considerations

Handheld waterproof VHF radios are ideal for go-bags and evacuation by water
Fixed-mount VHF radios offer higher power and better antennas on vessels
DSC (Digital Selective Calling) radios can transmit distress alerts with GPS position when properly configured

Programming and basic procedural training are essential—marine radio is simple, but mistakes under stress are common.

Preparedness Reality Check

Marine communications are exceptionally resilient in the right environment, but misuse undermines both safety and legality. The goal is not to “get around the rules,” but to understand when marine radio becomes a lifeline—and when it should stay silent.

Used correctly, marine VHF can save lives during disasters. Used casually, it becomes noise when clarity matters most.