The essentials in 30 seconds
- Fixed VHF mandatory: any sailboat venturing beyond sheltered waters (≥ 2 NM from shore) must have a fixed VHF with ASN/DSC + GPS + registered MMSI. This is the baseline requirement under French regulation Division 240.
- Handheld VHF as backup: not mandatory but essential offshore (backup + use in tender/raft). The ICOM IC-M94DE (374 €) with GPS + AIS-RX + DSC is the workshop standard.
- Class B AIS SOTDMA: premium upgrade vs Class B CSTDMA. 5 W output (vs 2 W), priority channel access, 5 s latency (vs 30 s). Visibility in racing and busy traffic zones.
- Essential 2026 combo: fixed VHF with Class B SOTDMA AIS + built-in GPS (B&G V60-B + GPS-500 = 1 154 € HT) + handheld AIS-RX VHF. More essential than an EPIRB for coastal cruising.
- Workshop verdict: for 80 % of 30-45 ft sailboats, the combo B&G V60-B + GPS-500 (1 154 €) + ICOM IC-M94DE handheld is our standard. Total budget ~ 1 530 € HT.
The marine VHF radio is the #1 communication tool. Ahead of satellite phones, ahead of coastal 4G, ahead of EPIRBs. It is the only channel that allows direct voice communication with another vessel, a coast guard station, or a CROSS, and triggers a coordinated response within the European SAR chain.
This article distinguishes the two forms (fixed vs handheld), explains AIS classes (A vs B vs B-SOTDMA), presents the brands stocked at Skysat, and gives a workshop verdict by program. For distress beacons (EPIRB / PLB / MOB), see EPIRB vs PLB vs AIS MOB — how to choose your distress beacon.
French legal framework — Division 240 and VHF requirements
French Division 240 requires, for sailboats ≤ 24 m:
- Sheltered waters (≤ 2 NM from shore): no VHF required (exceptionally rare).
- Coastal category (2-6 NM): fixed VHF with ASN (DSC) strongly recommended.
- Semi-offshore category (6-60 NM): fixed VHF with ASN mandatory + registered MMSI with ANFR.
- Offshore category (> 60 NM): fixed VHF with ASN + internal GPS + mandatory AIS-RX + 406 MHz EPIRB.
The MMSI number (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) is free via ANFR and takes 10 minutes to register online. Without a registered MMSI, ASN/DSC is useless — you can call, but no one knows who is calling.
Fixed VHF — functions and brands stocked
A modern 2026 fixed VHF integrates four standard functions: voice radio, ASN/DSC (Digital Selective Calling), AIS-RX (receiving AIS targets), and internal GPS (standalone). Premium versions add AIS-TX (AIS transmission = Class B transponder).
B&G V60 — basic AIS reception
The B&G V60 AIS-RX (723 €) is the entry-level fixed VHF with ASN, internal GPS, and AIS reception. You see nearby AIS-equipped vessels, but they do not see you. Suitable for standard coastal cruising.
B&G V60-B — integrated Class B AIS transponder
The B&G V60-B (1 049 €) adds Class B AIS transmission (CSTDMA, 2 W). You see and are seen. This is the right compromise for most 30-50 ft cruising sailboats venturing offshore.
B&G V60-B + GPS-500 — complete solution
The V60-B + GPS-500 pack (1 154 €) separates the GPS receiver from the VHF unit — useful if the VHF is below deck and requires an external GPS antenna at the cockpit for reliable reception. This is our workshop standard for sailboat refits 35+ ft.
Handheld VHF — backup and tender/raft use
A handheld VHF is not mandatory but becomes essential once you leave the dock. Three typical uses:
- Backup for fixed VHF: in case of electrical failure or abandonment where the fixed unit no longer works.
- Tender/raft communication: in the dinghy while anchored, or in the liferaft in case of abandonment.
- Crew-to-shore communication: harbor master, coast guard, other crew ashore.
ICOM IC-M94DE — the 2026 handheld reference
The ICOM IC-M94DE (374 €) is our workshop reference for handheld VHFs. It includes internal GPS, ASN/DSC, AIS-RX, and IPX8 waterproofing (floats). Practical battery life: 10-12 h standby + 1 h transmit. This is the handheld VHF we install on all our 2026 offshore refits.
AIS classes: A vs B vs B-SOTDMA
The AIS (Automatic Identification System) transmits on two dedicated VHF channels (161.975 and 162.025 MHz). Not all transponders are equal.
Class A — mandatory for commercial vessels
Mandatory for SOLAS commercial vessels. 12.5 W output, 2-10 s latency depending on speed. Not applicable to recreational vessels (unless you own a mega-yacht > 300 GT).
Class B CSTDMA — entry-level recreational standard
The historic recreational standard. 2 W output, 30 s latency in busy traffic zones (channel access competition with Class A vessels). Your vessel is seen, but its position updates slowly.
Class B SOTDMA — the 2026 premium upgrade
New standard since 2018, widely deployed since 2022. 5 W output, guaranteed 5 s latency, priority channel access. In busy traffic zones (English Channel, Bay of Biscay, Mediterranean in summer), this is a significant upgrade: your position updates 6× faster and you are seen 2× farther away.
Upgrade cost B → B SOTDMA: ~ 150-200 € HT for equivalent hardware. For most serious offshore racing and cruising sailboats in 2026, this is the right choice.
2026 model comparison chart
| Model | Type | AIS | Internal GPS | Waterproofing | Price HT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B&G V60 | Fixed | RX only | Yes | IPX7 | 723 € |
| B&G V60-B | Fixed | Class B CSTDMA RXTX | Yes | IPX7 | 1 049 € |
| B&G V60-B + GPS-500 | Fixed + external GPS antenna | Class B CSTDMA RXTX | Yes (separate) | IPX7 | 1 154 € |
| ICOM IC-M94DE | Handheld | RX only | Yes | IPX8 (floats) | 374 € |
Workshop verdict by program
Coastal cruising (≤ 6 NM)
Minimum regulatory: fixed VHF with ASN such as B&G V60 (723 €). AIS-TX not essential (you see others, but don’t need to be seen locally). Total: ~ 800 € HT installed.
Offshore cruising (6-60 NM)
Recommended: fixed VHF with Class B AIS = B&G V60-B (1 049 €) + handheld VHF ICOM IC-M94DE (374 €). You are seen by ferries, cargo ships, other sailboats. Total: ~ 1 530 € HT.
Transatlantic / oceanic (> 60 NM)
Fixed VHF with Class B AIS + external GPS = B&G V60-B + GPS-500 (1 154 €) + 2 handhelds ICOM (one per crew member + 1 in the liferaft). Total: ~ 2 000 € HT.
Offshore racing
Class B SOTDMA AIS mandatory (upgrade ~ 200 € if base model is CSTDMA). IPX8 waterproof handheld VHF per crew member (3-4 units). Total: ~ 2 500-3 000 € HT.
5 common installation errors
VHF errors — observed at Skysat workshop
- MMSI not registered. The VHF is installed, connected, configured — but the MMSI was never registered with ANFR. ASN/DSC works technically, but no SAR center can identify you. Error observed in 1 in 3 installations during check-ups. Registration is free, online, takes 10 minutes.
- VHF antenna poorly installed. A sailboat VHF antenna must be at masthead (maximum range). Installed on the stern rail or backstay, range drops from 20 NM to 5 NM. All VHF range calculations (formula 1.22 × √antenna height) assume masthead installation. See our sailboat VHF antenna guide.
- Undersized coaxial cable. On an 18 m mast, RG58 cable loses 6 dB (75 % of power), RG213 loses 2 dB (35 %). Always use RG213 or Belden 9913 on sailboats, never RG58. Watertight connectors mandatory.
- Disable internal GPS and use external GPS via NMEA 2000. It works on paper. In practice, if the NMEA 2000 network fails, the VHF loses GPS and cannot send a position in ASN. Always keep internal GPS active as backup.
- Fail to test ASN annually. The ASN test call (channel 70) must be performed at least once per year, ideally before each season. Without testing, you discover on the day that the function doesn’t work. Procedure: VHF menu → ASN test → select channel 70 → send. Expected response: visual confirmation + receipt from CROSS in some cases.
FAQ — VHF + AIS in practice
Is a license required to use a marine VHF?
Yes, the CRR (Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Certificate) is mandatory in France to transmit on a marine VHF. ANFR exam, 80 € HT, valid for life. For those who only listen (no transmission), no license is required. In practice, as soon as you transmit even a call to the harbor master, the CRR is mandatory.
Practical range of a sailboat VHF vs cargo ship?
VHF range follows the Norton formula: range NM ≈ 1.22 × (√h_tx_antenna + √h_rx_antenna). Sailboat 17 m mast (antenna at 17 m) → cargo 35 m (antenna at 35 m) → practical range 12 NM. Sailboat to sailboat (two 17 m) → 10 NM. Sailboat to coast guard station (antenna 80 m) → 16 NM. More than sufficient for most coastal situations.
AIS via smartphone Bluetooth — reliable?
For visualization, yes. Most modern AIS gateways (B&G V60-B, ICOM IC-M94DE) broadcast AIS via Bluetooth or WiFi to tablet/smartphone apps (Aquamap, Navionics, Weather4D, etc.). For critical safety (collision avoidance), always keep a dedicated multifunction display — the tablet may die, crash, or be left below in the cabin. Redundancy is mandatory.
Difference between channel 16 and channel 70 ASN?
Channel 16 (156.800 MHz) = international voice distress and calling channel. This is where you say "MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY" in an emergency. Channel 70 (156.525 MHz) = ASN/DSC digital channel. More effective in noisy zones because it doesn’t require voice monitoring by other vessels — the DSC receiver activates automatically upon receipt. In practice, send DSC on channel 70 AND voice call on channel 16 = double safety.
Do I need a Class D or Class A DSC VHF?
Class A DSC = SOLAS commercial vessels (cargo, ferry, cruise ship). Class D DSC = recreational and fishing vessels. All modern recreational fixed VHFs (B&G V60-B, ICOM IC-M93, Raymarine Ray73) are Class D DSC. This is the recreational standard; do not buy Class A for recreational use — it’s more expensive and complex without benefit.
Waterproof or submersible handheld VHF?
"Waterproof" can mean IPX4 (splash-resistant) up to IPX8 (submersible). For a sailboat VHF, aim for IPX7 minimum (30 min immersion at 1 m) and ideally IPX8 with floatation (e.g., ICOM IC-M94DE floats). A VHF that sinks without floatation costs 374 € to 800 €. The +50 € investment for floatation is negligible.
What antenna height maximizes range?
VHF range is close to line-of-sight. For a 10 m sailboat mast (antenna at 12 m), range to coast guard station (antenna 80 m) = ~ 15 NM. For a 15 m sailboat (17 m antenna), range to same station = ~ 17 NM. Doubling antenna height adds only ~ 15 % range. Better to have a 1 m quality antenna well installed at masthead than a 3 m antenna poorly installed on the stern rail.
Skysat is an authorized distributor for B&G, ICOM, Raymarine, and Navico. This article reflects our experience equipping VHFs on over 150 sailboats between 2020 and 2026, in cruising and racing. 2026 HT prices are indicative distributor prices, excluding MMSI registration (free via ANFR) and specific wiring.
