Handheld vhf radios, the floating type.....

**Caveman_nige** · 27th May 2011, 20:23

Does anybody on here know anything about these... I need to buy a new one, one that floats this time.. Is there anybody on here with any knowledge or experience of these...

**BigWilko** · 27th May 2011, 22:15

Two way radio or Radio microphone?

**Caveman_nige** · 28th May 2011, 14:18

the two way radio.. I use them when out at sea fishing on my kayak.. till now i have borrowed them or one of the other guys would have one but it seems its time i should get my own but am unsure of the various makes and model.. there are plenty out there but i would not know what is a good value for money one over which ones has lots of flashing lights but is actually complete pants to use..

**Al 22 dti** · 28th May 2011, 14:29

on marine band or just uhf/vhf?

you can actually get a zip up type plastic bag that fits the radio and makes it waterproof.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/WATERPROOF-CAS...#ht_1024wt_907

plus the waterproof radio's dont usually float unless you go for mil spec at a vast expence.

al.

**Caveman_nige** · 30th May 2011, 12:04

not interested in having it in a bag, its needs to be tidily clipped to my pfd vest or my crate and easily accessible. Each one i have seen that the owner has claimed will float has been demonstrated by being chucked in the sea, and floated.... I am going to take a look at some this afternoon, just going to have to take the shops word for it a good one though, was hoping to find one with gps so its easier to find me if there is and problem..

**Al 22 dti** · 30th May 2011, 12:10

officialy, im sure you have to use a marine radio and have a licence for it.

al.

**Whisky** · 30th May 2011, 12:22

If you're going that far out for sea fishing, you'll need a ship portable license which'll enable you to use them in the first place. You'll then be issued with a callsign that the coastguard or any other vessel will be able to identify you by, but you will also need a maritime radio operators licence (or take someone with you that has one).

You might want to check this out:

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/static/archi...info/ra364.htm

If you're looking for one with GPS, u need to make sure it satisfies the minimum GMDSS criteria also. Its a strange area and there are heavy fines involved too.