The handheld ultrahigh frequency (UHF) radio for ships is a walkie-talkie type radiotelephone using frequencies in the 300MHz to3GHz range.
Handheld UHF radios resemble walkie-talkies and can be used for communications between two or more fixed or portable terminals. They are commonly used by vessel crew during routine work, maneuvers, rescue operations, etc.
When transmitting, the UHF radio diffuses electromagnetic waves via an emitter through which an electric current passes at a certain frequency. The receiving unit transforms the waves into sound via a loudspeaker. It uses line-of-sight communication, with range limited to the horizon.
UHF communication suffers from signal attenuation as frequency is increased. On the other hand, UHF waves pass through walls and partitions more easily than lower frequencies.
