HANDHELD VHF

DSC (digital select calling) is the communications protocol that turned VHF radios into essential tools for automatically calling the US Coast Guard to the rescue. When registered by entering a unique MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) code number assigned by the Coast Guard to your boat, it can send long-range voice communications along with a visual display of your GPS position at the press of a button. Here are three to consider.

ICOM

IC M93D

The compact heft of the M93D sets it apart from competitors. One Icom exclusive feature, AquaQuake, employs a low-frequency signal to literally shake water from the speaker in an instant. Also handy is Float’n Flash, employing a water-activated switch to turn on a strobe should the radio be dropped. Its noise-canceling pair of microphones make communications possible from air to sea. Dual Tri-Watch allows you to select Channel 16 and two call channels, and it has a favorite channel button.

OUTPUT POWER: 5 watts (1 watt selectable) BATTERY: Li-ion BATTERY LIFE: Up to 9 hours

THE SQUAWK: AquaQuake speaker dry feature

THE SQUELCH: No optional AA battery case

PRICE: $249.99; westmarine.com

STANDARD HORIZON

HX890NB

Powerful output gives excellent range, and a 700-megawatt noisecanceling function clears transmissions and received signals. A day-night display mode saves night vision. It includes MOB functionality with GPS navigation capabilities and receives FM radio for entertainment. It also boasts a wateractivated strobe. Three programmable buttons allow you to put your most demanded features on the front of the device. The user manual is built into the system when needed.

OUTPUT POWER: 6 watts (2 or 1 watt selectable) BATTERY: Li-ion BATTERY LIFE: 11 hours

THE SQUAWK: 11-hour operating time

THE SQUELCH: Heaviest

PRICE: $199.99; thegpsstore.com

SIMRAD

HH36 VHF

Light and comfortable to carry, the dedicated Channel 16 and MOB buttons ease emergency response in stressful moments. Battery time at 5 watts transmission is up to eight hours, and at 1 watt up to 13. Its built-in chart-plotter window shows the relationship between your location and destination waypoint. An input/output jack allows use of an optional remote microphone. The Track Buddy feature lets you keep track of friends at sea, making rendezvous easy. It features both 16/9 and MOB priority keys.

OUTPUT POWER: 5 watts (1 watt selectable) BATTERY: Li-ion BATTERY LIFE: Up to 13 hours

THE SQUAWK: Lightest of the bunch

THE SQUELCH: No optional AA battery case

PRICE: $209.30; hodgesmarine.com