The ship radio is capable of voice communication over great distances. NauticExpo offers different ship radio systems classed by frequency range, including VHF, HF, MF and UHF.
The ship radio allows radiotelephony between distant stations on a set frequency, or channel. It constitutes a practical means of ship-to-ship or ship-to-shore communication.
A ship radio has at least one semi-duplex channel (a predetermined frequency) on which the user can transmit and receive, though not simultaneously. Some radios can send and receive at the same time. Some are capable of digital selective calling (DSC).
Choice of radio will depend on the radio's range and the vessel's zone of operation. The IMO and government agencies establish minimum requirements for radio communications equipment in different zones. For example, ships sailing in zone A1 must have at least a VHF radio capable of transmitting a DSC message on channel 70.