Handheld VHF

[LFB531]

It's about time I became a responsible boat user and bought a VHF unit.

My water activities are generally based around the Isle of Wight, open sportsboat and involve general messing around towing ungrateful children on assorted skis and inflatables.

So I'm not crossing the Channel or venturing far from the coastline, I might cross the Solent now and again but that'll be the limit.

I'm thinking handheld for convenience and brands such as Icom and Standard Horizon seem to be popular. Do I really need DSC at my adventure level?

Any top tips gratefully received (and yes I do know I need to take a course!).

Thanks in advance.

[s2kjock]

The ability to send out a GPS position when in distress that a DSC set can offer is why I have one (as well as a fixed set).

I rarely use the VHF for "calling" anyone up and if I do it is not using DSC, although I sail in relatively quiet waters so there isn't much need other than to ask permission to cross a torpedo testing range (my father found out the hard way what happens when you don't).

I would be interested to know how effective the push button distress facility is in practice though.

[markmullen]

Standard Horizon just brought out a new DSC model with an enormous display, there might be some deals on their previous model, the HX851E

[zoomy]

My personal opinion is for the sake of £200 get one with DSC.
For hand held I am sure you can register them without a license or you could a couple of years ago.
It is worth taking the course though as you are supposed to use certain vocab and it will give you confidence and most likely show you how the dsc works.
If you get into trouble the coast suddenly looks much further away.
With or without VHF course in dire straights a VHF will be worth every penny.
Your mobile will be fine and have a signal in the Solent until you boat sinks and then your phone drowns your VHF will float and work.
The DSC once activated will keep calling for you whilst you may have more important issues to deal with.
If your bobbing around in a life jacket somewhere between Cowes and Portsmouth with no boats about then you will glad of the satnav position as any boats within earshot can put the co-ordinates in and arrive exactly where you were or are this will save minutes.
All in my opinion

[scubadude]

DSC all the way, especially around the solent, with so much traffic your location will be invaluable if you are calling for help- it also allows you to offer others nearby help easier.

We have a GPS linked DSC set on the dive RIB, we have picked up sailors in distress twice already, the DSC pings, coastguard requests assistance, you just press the button and follow the GPS while the radio does the work for you, job done and free beers with tea :-)