SIMRAD Marine Communication

SIMRAD Marine Communication for Boating & Offshore Navigation

Stay connected on the water with SIMRAD marine communication equipment from West Marine. From marine VHF radios and AIS systems to antennas, handsets, and communication accessories, SIMRAD offers marine electronics designed to support communication and situational awareness aboard your boat. Whether you're fishing offshore, cruising the coast, sailing, or navigating busy waterways, find SIMRAD communication equipment for a more connected helm.

Explore SIMRAD Marine Communication Equipment

SIMRAD Marine VHF Radios

SIMRAD marine VHF radios provide an important communication link between your boat, other vessels, marinas, bridges, and marine authorities. Available in different configurations, SIMRAD VHF radios offer options for recreational boaters, anglers, cruisers, and offshore vessels looking to add dependable marine communication to the helm.

SIMRAD Fixed-Mount VHF Radios

A SIMRAD fixed-mount VHF radio provides convenient access to marine communication from the helm. Depending on the model and installation, compatible VHF systems may include Digital Selective Calling (DSC), GPS functionality, AIS capabilities, remote handsets, and integration with other onboard marine electronics.

SIMRAD AIS Systems

Improve awareness of vessel traffic with a SIMRAD AIS system. The Automatic Identification System, or AIS, exchanges vessel information between compatible equipped boats and stations. When integrated with compatible chartplotters and multifunction displays, AIS information can help boaters identify and monitor nearby vessel traffic.

SIMRAD AIS Transceivers & Receivers

SIMRAD AIS transceivers and receivers can add valuable vessel traffic information to a connected marine electronics system. AIS receivers collect compatible AIS transmissions from surrounding vessels, while AIS transceivers can both receive information and transmit your vessel's information when properly installed and configured.

SIMRAD VHF Handsets & Accessories

Expand access to your marine communication system with compatible SIMRAD VHF handsets and accessories. Remote handsets can provide additional communication points aboard larger boats, allowing compatible VHF functions to be accessed away from the primary helm station.

Marine Communication for Fishing, Cruising & Boating

SIMRAD Communication for Offshore Fishing

Reliable communication is an important part of an offshore electronics setup. SIMRAD VHF radios and AIS equipment can help offshore anglers communicate with other vessels and marine services while compatible AIS technology provides additional information about surrounding vessel traffic.

SIMRAD Communication for Coastal Cruising

For coastal cruising, a marine VHF provides communication with other vessels, marinas, bridges, and marine authorities. Adding compatible AIS can provide another source of information when navigating busy channels, harbors, and coastal waterways.

SIMRAD Communication for Recreational Boating

Whether you're heading out for a day of fishing, cruising to a waterfront destination, or exploring local waterways, SIMRAD marine communication equipment can become an important part of your onboard electronics. Choose equipment based on your boat, typical boating area, helm configuration, and communication needs.

Connect SIMRAD Communication to Your Marine Electronics

Connect AIS to a SIMRAD Chartplotter

Compatible SIMRAD AIS and chartplotter systems can work together to display vessel information alongside marine charts and navigation data. This integration can help boaters understand surrounding traffic while keeping important navigation information visible at the helm.

Build a Connected SIMRAD Helm

SIMRAD communication equipment can be integrated with compatible chartplotters, multifunction displays, radar, autopilot, instruments, and other marine electronics. Bringing communication, navigation, and vessel information together can create a more connected and organized helm.

How to Choose SIMRAD Marine Communication Equipment

Choose a Marine VHF Radio

When selecting a SIMRAD VHF radio, consider your boat size, helm configuration, typical boating environment, and desired features. Depending on the model, features may include DSC, integrated GPS, AIS functionality, remote handset support, and networking with compatible marine electronics.

Consider AIS for Vessel Awareness

AIS can be particularly useful when boating around commercial traffic, busy waterways, harbors, or offshore routes. Consider whether you need AIS receiving capabilities or a transceiver that can both receive and transmit compatible vessel information.

Check Networking & Compatibility

Before adding communication equipment to an existing SIMRAD electronics system, check compatibility with your chartplotter, multifunction display, antenna, GPS source, network, and other connected equipment. Proper integration can allow communication and vessel information to be shared across compatible devices.

Frequently Asked Questions About SIMRAD Marine Communication

What is a marine VHF radio used for?

A marine VHF radio is used for short-range communication between boats, marinas, bridges, marine authorities, and other stations using marine VHF frequencies. It is an important communication tool for recreational boating, fishing, cruising, and offshore travel.

What is AIS on a boat?

AIS stands for Automatic Identification System. Compatible AIS equipment exchanges vessel information that can help boaters identify and monitor surrounding AIS-equipped traffic. AIS information can also be displayed on compatible chartplotters and multifunction displays.

What is the difference between AIS and VHF?

VHF radio is primarily used for voice communication, while AIS exchanges digital vessel information between compatible equipment. The two technologies serve different purposes and can complement each other as part of a marine communication and navigation system.

Can SIMRAD VHF radios connect to a chartplotter?

Compatible SIMRAD VHF radios can integrate with other marine electronics, including SIMRAD chartplotters and multifunction displays. Available features and connectivity depend on the specific radio, display, and network configuration.

Can SIMRAD AIS display vessels on my chartplotter?

Compatible SIMRAD AIS equipment can provide vessel information to supported chartplotters and multifunction displays, allowing AIS-equipped traffic to be viewed alongside navigation information. Compatibility and available data vary by equipment and installation.

Do I need AIS on my boat?

Whether AIS is right for your boat depends on where and how you operate. Boaters who travel offshore, cruise at night, or navigate around busy harbors, shipping channels, and commercial vessel traffic may find AIS particularly useful for additional situational awareness.

What SIMRAD marine communication equipment do I need?

Your communication setup depends on your boat and boating environment. A fixed-mount VHF radio can provide primary marine communication, while compatible AIS equipment can add vessel traffic information. Larger boats may also benefit from remote handsets and additional communication accessories.

Shop SIMRAD Marine Communication at West Marine

Shop SIMRAD marine communication equipment at West Marine for fishing, cruising, offshore travel, and recreational boating. Find SIMRAD marine VHF radios, AIS systems, transceivers, receivers, handsets, and communication accessories. Whether you're upgrading your VHF or building a connected SIMRAD electronics system, find marine communication equipment for your boat at West Marine.