When you're on a boat, your VHF radio is your link to the outside world. Here are three helpful tips for ensuring your VHF performs when you need it. The first tip is to ensure your antenna is perfectly vertical to give you the best signal. Two is to hold the mic at 90 degrees from your face when speaking into it. And the third is to ensure that your DSC VHF is active. The last is probably the most important so that the US Coast Guard can find your exact location in the event of an emergency. It will require that you link your DSC VHF with your chartplotter, but it's an easy setup. Also, you need to register for an MMSI number, which members can do for free through BoatUS. • To learn VHF basics, visit https://www.boatus.com/magazine/2015/december/vhf-radio-protocol.asp •To register for a free MMSI number, visit https://www.boatus.com/MMSI • Learn how to set up your VHF Radio with DSC at https://www.boatus.com/magazine/2015/december/setting-up-a-vhf-radio-with-dsc.asp For more information, visit http://www.BoatUS.com/Magazine. BoatUS Magazine is the flagship publication of the Boat Owners Association of The United States. The award-winning publication is delivered bimonthly to more than half a million BoatUS members and focuses on boating news, boating lifestyle, destinations, how-to, maintenance, and more. Join BoatUS Today! https://www.boatus.com/BoatUSMembershipExpress/page0.aspx?programtype=MWSBUSJOIN&programtypecode=mwsjoin&promocode=HEWEBYT Connect with us: Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/BoatUS Twitter: https://twitter.com/BoatUS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boatus/ Google+: https://plus.google.com/+boatus/posts Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/boatus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boatus