VHF radios are the standard equipment used for ship-to-ship communication in maritime environments. They operate on specific well-regulated frequencies that are established for marine communication. These radios allow ships to communicate directly with each other, providing a reliable means to exchange important information regarding navigation, safety, and operational matters.
VHF radios offer several advantages for maritime communication. They are designed for use in marine settings, are more resistant to interference from weather and other environmental factors compared to other types of communication devices, and provide clear audio quality over the distances typically encountered at sea.
While other options like cell phones and satellite phones can be used for communication, they are not specifically designed for ship-to-ship communication. Cell phones rely on terrestrial networks that may not be available at sea, and satellite phones can be expensive and are generally used for long-distance communication rather than direct ship-to-ship interaction. Walkie-talkies, while they serve as handheld communication devices, have limited range and are not suitable for the distances and conditions commonly found in maritime operations.