VHF RADIO

VHF means very high frequency and is an important component of marine mobile radio service which is used for sending a distress message by seamen. Marine VHF Radios are two-way communicators that transfer and receive messages to and from the responding station. It has a VHF antenna which transmits high-frequency waves, measured in MHz. VHF radio can range up to 30 nautical miles if the antenna is high enough.However, the most critical function of a Marine VHF Radio is that it is beneficial when sending distress signals across the channels to coast guards and other ships and boats in the periphery. Also, specific Marine VHF Radios can be used to make calls through a marine operator for a certain sum making it double up as a telephonic communicator.

Another vital aspect of Marine VHF Radios comes in two main
categories: portable and non-portable. Some also have an inbuilt GPS
receiver and an AIS receiver too. A handheld VHF radio has waterproof coverings and is battery-operated to facilitate power transmission. So even if they fall into the water, they can float and still function.

The fixed or the non-portable VHF marine Radios cover a lot of aerial
ground. Their power transmission and energy source are enormous
compared to their portable counterparts and are far more feasible
regarding their operational facilities.

To take maximum advantage of dsc radio, one should have a maritime
mobile service identity or mmsi number, which can help you to connect
with other vessels in the vicinity.

RADAR

A mandatory aid to navigation, the radar is used in identifying,
tracking (with integrated ARPA) and positioning of vessels (including
one’s own vessel) among other things in order to adhere to the COLREGs so as to safely navigate a ship from one point to another.

The marine radar is classified under the x-band (10 GHz) or S-band
(3GHz) frequencies. The x-band, being of higher frequency is used for a sharper image and better resolution whereas the S-band is used
especially when in rain or fog as well as for identification and tracking.

With the help of ship radar, accidents can be
prevented at sea with the use of the various inherent functionalities of the radar (determining the CPA and the TCPA, EBL, VRM etc).

The ship radar has a screen (referred to as the Plan Position Indicator) that displays all the targets that are present within the radar range. Since all the objects are clearly visible on the screen, navigating and monitoring the position of the ship becomes really feasible, hence the term ‘aid to navigation.’

GPS CHART PLOTTER

A chartplotter is a system which allows ships to know about their exact location and position in the waters. When it comes to navigating through the waters, in today’s times, a chartplotter is one of the many important and indispensable marine products and marine supplies, which are needed as a part of the ship’s electronic equipment catalogue.

A chartplotter incorporates the computer technology as a displaying device for showing the actually positioned points of a ship when it is in motion. Therefore it can be said that when compared to other marine products and marine supplies, a chartplotter is far more reliable and feasible as a locating and navigating indicator.

Thus it becomes very important and relevant to keep on observing the facilities provided by the chartplotter because if one continuously observes, then it would enable the researchers to refine and up grade the technology to be even more helpful for the consumers marine than what it is now. Only through proper observation, monitoring, research and refining will the technology of a chartplotter reach far and wide than what it has managed to reach and enhance the life of shipmen, seafarers, shipping companies and ship builders to provide better service – not just for themselves, their employers and employees respectively, but also to their clients as well.