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Marine Guides Hub | Sonark Marine

Marine Communication & Safety Guides

VHF radio basics, VHF marine channels, emergency calls (Mayday / Pan-Pan / Securité), AIS basics, NOAA marine weather, and trip planning.

If you're looking for a VHF channel guide, how to call on VHF Channel 16, proper Mayday procedure, or a quick reference for marine weather forecasts (NOAA), you're in the right place. These guides are written for recreational boaters who want clear, usable info without fluff.

Core Radio & Distress Communication

VHF

VHF Marine Channels Guide

Working, calling, and safety channels — including Channel 16 basics and when to switch.

VHF Channel Reference

Distress

Mayday / Pan-Pan / Securité

Priority levels, exact wording, and what to say when you need help fast.

Emergency Calls Guide

Beacons

EPIRB & PLB Guide

Emergency beacon types, registration, activation basics, and when to use them.

Beacon Setup Guide

Setup

VHF Radio & Antenna Guide

Choosing a radio, antenna height/gain, install tips, and practical range expectations.

Antenna Install Tips

Protocol

Communication Best Practices

Clean radio etiquette, short transmissions, and pro habits that reduce confusion.

Radio Etiquette Guide

Terms

Emergency Keywords

Key phrases you'll hear and use during safety traffic, emergencies, and alerts.

Key Phrases List

Situational Awareness

AIS

AIS Basics

What AIS is, how it works, and how it helps you identify and track nearby vessels.

Learn AIS Basics

NOAA

Marine Weather & Forecasts

How to read NOAA marine forecasts, wind, wave period, and warning products.

Weather Forecast Guide

Planning & Preparation

Plan

Float Plan & Departure Checklist

Simple checklist to reduce risk: where you're going, when you'll return, who to contact.

Download Checklist

Resources

Official Marine Resources

NOAA, Coast Guard, and official sources worth bookmarking.

Official Links & Resources

Quick FAQ

What VHF channel is used for emergencies?

In the U.S., VHF Channel 16 is the primary distress, safety, and calling channel. Make the call on 16, then move to a working channel when directed.

What is the difference between Mayday and Pan-Pan?

Mayday is grave and imminent danger (life-threatening). Pan-Pan is urgent but not immediately life-threatening (mechanical failure, medical issue that's stable, etc.).

Does AIS replace radar?

No. AIS only shows vessels transmitting AIS. Radar can show land, weather, and vessels without AIS. AIS is a strong supplement, not a replacement.

Where do I get reliable marine weather?

NOAA marine forecasts are a baseline standard. Learn wind direction, gusts, wave height, and wave period — and always check warnings.

Getting Started

If you're new, start with these three:

Equipment

Common gear categories (link these to your collections if you want):

Fixed Mount VHF Marine Communication

Professional VHF fixed mount marine radios engineered for reliable vessel communication and emergency safety compliance. Our curated selection features USCG type-accepted VHF marine radios from industry-leading manufacturers including Uniden, Standard Horizon, and Garmin. Every fixed mount VHF radio meets strict U.S. Coast Guard regulations for marine communication equipment. Essential features include Digital Selective Calling (DSC) for automated distress signaling, built-in GPS capabilities for precise position reporting, and NOAA weather radio reception with emergency alerts for real-time marine forecasts.

USCG Type-Accepted

All radios meet strict U.S. Coast Guard safety compliance standards

DSC & GPS Ready

Digital Selective Calling with integrated GPS position reporting

NOAA Weather Alerts

Real-time marine weather forecasts and emergency broadcast alerts

Extended Range

25-watt transmit power for maximum communication distance

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Hand Held VHF Radios

Stay Connected

Professional VHF handheld marine radios designed for portable communication, emergency backup, and dinghy operations. Our selection features waterproof, floating handheld VHF radios from trusted manufacturers including Uniden, Icom, and Standard Horizon. Every handheld radio provides reliable vessel-to-vessel and ship-to-shore communication with NOAA weather alerts for real-time marine forecasts. Advanced models include built-in GPS for position reporting, Bluetooth wireless connectivity for hands-free operation, and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for extended use on the water.

Waterproof & Floating

IPX7 rated waterproof construction with buoyant design for safety

Emergency Backup

Essential backup communication for fixed mount radio failures

GPS & Bluetooth

Advanced models with GPS position tracking and wireless connectivity

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VHF Antennas

High-performance VHF marine antennas engineered for maximum communication range and signal reliability. Our antenna selection features marine-grade VHF antennas from industry leaders including Shakespeare, Glomex, and Digital Antenna. Available in multiple gain configurations from 3dB to 9dB for optimized performance based on vessel type and operating conditions. Marine VHF antennas are constructed with corrosion-resistant fiberglass and stainless steel hardware designed for harsh saltwater environments. Many models support dual VHF/AIS operation for integrated communication and vessel tracking systems.

Maximum Range

3dB to 9dB gain options for extended communication distance

Marine-Grade Construction

Fiberglass and stainless steel built for harsh saltwater environments

AIS Compatible

Many models support dual VHF/AIS operation

Weather Resistant

Built to withstand extreme marine weather conditions

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Antenna Mounts

Professional-grade VHF antenna mounting solutions and marine hardware for secure, reliable installation. Our selection features ratchet mounts, deck mounts, rail mounts, and specialty mounting hardware from Shakespeare and other trusted marine manufacturers. Constructed from corrosion-resistant stainless steel and UV-protected nylon for durability in harsh saltwater environments. Compatible with standard 1-inch diameter VHF antennas and includes all necessary mounting hardware for professional installation on rails, decks, or T-tops.

Multiple Mounting Options

Ratchet, deck, rail, and specialty mounts for any installation

Marine-Grade Materials

Stainless steel and UV-protected nylon for saltwater durability

Complete Hardware Kits

All mounting hardware included for professional installation

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Optics

Professional marine binoculars and optical equipment designed for navigation, safety, and marine observation. Our selection features waterproof, fog-proof marine binoculars from Hawke Optics with magnifications from 7x to 12x and objective lenses from 32mm to 80mm. Premium models include integrated compasses for bearing measurements and rangefinding reticles for distance calculation. Advanced ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) glass delivers superior color accuracy and image clarity. Nitrogen-purged construction with BAK-4 prisms ensures fog-free performance in all weather conditions.

Waterproof & Fog-Proof

Nitrogen-purged, O-ring sealed for all-weather marine use

Compass Models Available

Integrated illuminated compasses for navigation bearing measurements

ED Glass Optics

Extra-Low Dispersion glass with BAK-4 prisms for superior clarity

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Fish Finders and Sonar

Professional fish finders and marine sonar systems for serious anglers—from weekend boaters to tournament professionals. Our curated selection features advanced sonar technology including CHIRP, Side Imaging, and Down Imaging from industry leaders Garmin, Humminbird, and HawkEye. Crystal-clear high-resolution displays, integrated GPS chartplotting, and real-time depth mapping help you locate fish, identify structure, and navigate with precision on any body of water.