Handy VHF Reference
Handy VHF Reference
Quick, waterproof guide to VHF communication for emergencies, safety, and daily use
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Orders ship same day if placed by 2 PM ET (Mon–Fri, except holidays)
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90-day free, no-hassle returns
VHF Radio Cheat Sheet for Quick and Confident Communication
Your VHF radio is an essential tool for safety and communication on the water—but in high-pressure situations, remembering the right procedures and channels can be challenging. The Handy VHF Reference is a VHF radio cheat sheet that provides fast answers exactly when you need them, helping you communicate with confidence.
Designed for use during active radio calls, this marine VHF channel guide covers everything from distress call protocols to routine communication, simplifying the process for both new and experienced boaters.
✔ Waterproof and durable for real-world boating conditions
✔ Includes VHF radio emergency guides and channel references for distress calls
✔ Compact size, perfect for quick access
Quickly find answers to questions like:
- How do I call for help in an emergency?
- What VHF channel should I use?
- How do I phonetically spell a word?
- What’s squelch, and how should I set it?
- When should I switch to high or low power?
🎁 A great gift for any boater—perfect for holidays, birthdays, or as a thoughtful addition to their safety gear.
Clear sections cover the most common radio questions, including:
- Spelling alphabet (phonetics)
- Channel usage and emergency calls
- Safety calls and how to report a hazard
- Radio checks and weather radio info
- Squelch, power settings, and best practices for clear communication
- How to call a boat when you don’t know the name
With bright colors, clear headings, and large type, it’s easy to find exactly what you need, even in high-pressure situations.
Built for life aboard, this guide is tough enough to handle the demands of the cockpit or cabin:
- Waterproof, grease-proof material resists tearing, crumpling, and discoloration
- Special matte finish reduces glare, even in direct sunlight
- Compact tri-fold design fits easily next to the radio or in a pocket
- No tiny print—clear and easy to read at a glance
Keep it handy, and you’ll always be ready for clear, confident communication.
Designed in the USA; printed in the USA on American-made recyclable synthetic paper using environmentally-friendly soy-based inks at a facility that is completely wind-powered. Minimal packaging. Tough enough to last for years on board your boat.
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Getting Your Handy VHF Reference
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Weighs 0.2 pounds
Eligible for flat rate shipping if total weight of all shipped items is under 1 pound
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At The Boat Galley, we have one mission: to help you cruise with confidence.
As liveaboard cruisers, we understand the challenges and questions that come with boat life. That’s why we create practical products and courses designed to tackle the same issues we’ve faced ourselves—making your life on the water easier, safer, and more enjoyable.
Try our products and courses for yourself. If they don’t make your boat life better, use our 90-day FREE no-hassle return guarantee.
Raved About By Mary C. . . .
"Just what I need when calling a bridge, lock, commercial boat approaching!"
Verified Purchaser, Handy VHF Reference
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Meet The Boat Galley Team
At The Boat Galley, we’re all cruisers. We know the joys—and the challenges—of boat life. The steep learning curve, costly mistakes, and hours spent searching for answers can be overwhelming. We’ve been there. That’s why we’ve created practical tools, trusted resources, and real-world guides to help you skip the frustrations and focus on enjoying your cruising life.

- Founder of The Boat Galley
- 17 years liveaboard cruiser
- US, Mexico, Bahamas, Central America, Virgin Islands, Turkey
- Cruisers University instructor

- Cruising Guide creator
- 6 years living aboard and cruising
- US East Coast from Florida Keys to Maine and Bahamas
- Ex-Air Force; singlehander

- Provisioning guru; podcaster
- On & off living aboard since 1992
- Atlantic crossing; US, Caribbean, and Bahamas
- Years of cruising with kids

- VHF pro and frugal cruiser
- Cruiser and delivery captain
- US East Coast, Bahamas, Haiti, and Caribbean
- Cruisers University instructor

- Creator of Cruising With Your Dog
- 7 years cruising with Honey
- US East Coast and ICW
- Part of the Go Pet Friendly team
- 15+ years writing about dogs

- Graphics designer
- 8 years living aboard
- US East Coast to SE Caribbean
- Design and layout for all printed products

- Social media coordinator
- Pacific Ocean: Seattle, WA to New Zealand, incl. French Polynesia
- Complete newbie to sailing prior to her 11,000 nm voyage

- Boatshow booth "mom"
- Sabbatical and part-year cruiser
- US, Bahamas, Caribbean
- Family cruising New England to southern Caribbean
Curious about our story and what drives us? Learn more about us here.
Obviously They took time preparing information for this class. Very well done.
I picked up many things I’ll use in the future.
Helps with proper radio communication
Love it. I am going to make a VHF bag and leave the quick reference in there.
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