Icom VHF Radio Tips: How to Make a Radio Check

A handheld VHF radio, like the Icom M94D used for example in this video, proves to be an essential bit of boating equipment. It is more convenient than a phone for calling a fuel dock or marina. And, when it comes to emergency use, a VHF has no equal: it allows communicating to other boats without needing to know a number and the Coast Guard, and other authorities are always monitoring it.

In this episode, Jim Hendricks, our West Coast and Electronics Editor, describes the proper procedure for making a, “ radio check,” call. Boaters use radio checks to, well, check that their VHF radios are working. But many do so, likely without knowing it, in a way that is improper. In this video, Hendricks describes the right way to make a radio check with a marine VHF radio.

[MichaelPaulik]

Sounds like a Boston whaler commercial

[LovingAtlanta]

😭At my marina when I check using any non 16 channel no one ever responds so to confirm that my radio is working I have to use channel 16. When I use 16 I get a reply. I just don’t feel comfortable heading out without confirmation that my radio is working. 😭

[dontaskmeforusername]

How to make a radio check, but first let me tell you about my life and family

[dellam]

the 1st 2 minutes of blah blah blah and the rest 30 seconds on how to...

[NewZealandAmerican]

Well the girl is cute and hot but yeah! If I don’t get a reply for a radio check on the usable channels I’m gonna ask for one on 16 or 9! I want to know my radio works properly before I head out!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇳🇿

[Trump]

Guess what you don’t need to make a radio check ever! You will know immediately if it develops an issue because someone will say something like can you repeat that your breaking up, or you won’t get a response. If this happens a couple times then you know you have an issue.