Marine VHF radio is a worldwide two-way radio transceiver system on board ships and boats used for two-way voice communication from ship to ship or ship to port (e.g. with port authorities), and in certain circumstances from ship to aircraft.

Marine VHF radio uses FM channels in the very high-frequency radio band (VHF) in the frequency range between 156 and 174 MHz, inclusive, which is designated by the International Telecommunication Union as the VHF maritime mobile band. In some countries, additional channels are used.

Marine VHF radio equipment is installed on all large and small seagoing vessels. A marine VHF radio is specifically designed for communications on the waterways. Today’s marine radios have other features such as National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather alert channels that would not be available on land mobile VHF radios. Use in lakes and rivers has different rules.

VHF Marine Radio is used for many purposes, including marine navigation and traffic control, calling rescue services, and communicating with the coast guard, ports, and marinas. The most important function of Marine VHF Radio is when it sends a distress signal across the channel to the coast guard, port authorities, and other ships and boats on the shores. Some Marine VHF Radios have a built-in GPS receiver as well as an Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver.