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Getting Started with Garmin VHF and AIS
Garmin VHF and AIS allows vessels to be able to communicate with each other. This helps vessels be able to send distress calls when in danger, communicate to other vessels while navigating and see other vessels moving around to help with safe navigation.
What is VHF?
VHF is is the name of the range of radio frequency radio waves used between 30 and 300 megahertz. VHF radio waves work mainly over line of sight. Things like mountains and and buildings can interfere with the signal sent out by VHF devices. VHF devices use the radio wavelengths for long range data communication with other VHF radios.
Garmin VHF radios can display data from other VHF devices on a Garmin chartplotter as well as communicate with other vessels equipped with VHF radios. VHF Radios require an antenna for efficient communication with other vessels.
What is AIS?
The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a digital radio-based VHF transponder system that can help prevent collisions and help protect the boat from other vessels on the water. AIS uses a combination of GPS, VHF and digital processing to automatically communicate between vessels with out any user interaction. The AIS system's range is similar to that of the VHF radio, also depending on the height of the antenna. With the longer wavelength of the AIS signal, it is possible to "view" targets around river bends or over islands, as long as the land masses around aren't too high. AIS signal is not degraded by rain-clutter.
What is DSC?
Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is a key component of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). DSC enables VHF radios to place and receive digital calls directly with other vessels and shore stations, including the USA and Canadian Coast Guards. Garmin radios include full Class-D DSC capabilities.
If the vessel a GPS device connected to the transceiver, latitude, longitude, and the current time are transmitted when sending a distress call or other type of DSC call. If entering the position information manually, latitude, longitude, and time of entry are transmitted with the call. Transmitting location automatically speeds help in an emergency situation.
Different VHF/AIS that Garmin Offers:
VHF 115 Marine Radio:
Fixed-mount radio with plug and play via the NMEA 2000® network
Standard Class D Digital Selective Calling (DSC) functionality (distress calling and direct calling with user-programmed MMSI)
In case of trouble, DSC may improve chances of a rapid rescue
25-watt transmit power with built-in GPS
Frequency bands include all U.S., Canadian and international marine channels plus 10 NOAA weather channels
VHF 215 Marine Radio:
Standard Class D Digital Selective Calling (DSC) functionality
25-watt transmit power with built-in GPS
Compatible with the GHS™ 11 second-station handset
Frequency bands include all U.S., Canadian and international marine channels plus 10 NOAA weather channels
Removable fist microphone handset can be relocated away from the radio
Easy plug-and-play installation to compatible chartplotters and MFDs via the NMEA 2000® network
VHF 315 Marine Radio:
Reliable 25-watt VHF Class D DSC marine radio
Includes GHS™ 11 handset and new active speaker to use as intercom between up to 3 stations
Built-in GPS receiver
NMEA 2000® connectivity for easy integration with compatible chartplotters and multifunction displays
Preprogrammed with U.S., Canadian and international marine channels plus 10 NOAA weather channels
VHF 215 Garmin AIS Marine Radio:
Displays Automatic Identification System (AIS) on the chartplotter
Standard Class D Digital Selective Calling (DSC) functionality (distress calling and direct calling with user-programmed MMSI)
In case of trouble, DSC may improve chances of a rapid rescue
25-watt transmit power with built-in GPS
Frequency bands include all U.S., Canadian and international marine channels plus 10 NOAA weather channels
Garmin AIS™ 800 Black Box Transceiver:
Easy-to-use, reliable communication transmits vessel information to other AIS receivers in the area while receiving AIS target data
5 watts of transmit power with Class B/SO provides faster positioning reporting than ever before (When cruising over 14 knots)
Built-in GPS with connector for optional external antenna
NMEA 2000® connectivity for easy integration with compatible chartplotters and multifunction displays
Internal VHF antenna splitter allows VHF and AIS to share a single antenna