For decades, the VHF radio has been the backbone of marine communication. Every skipper knows where it sits at the helm, every crew member knows the hailing channel and most of us wouldn’t dream of leaving the dock without it powered on.

But somewhere along the way, VHF started doing a job it was never designed for: internal communication between crew on the same vessel.

If you are part of a crew, you have probably seen it: the skipper calling instructions from the helm while a crew member fumbles for the handheld VHF on the bow. Half the message gets drowned out by wind or engine noise, the reply comes back garbled and both sides are frustrated.

So why are we relying on a tool designed for ship-to-ship communication to manage helm-to-bow coordination? Is there a better alternative?

The Problem With Using VHF Internally

VHF was built for safety at sea, distress calls and coordination between vessels. Its design assumes a certain formality: push-to-talk buttons, hailing channels and etiquette that slows down quick, casual exchanges.

That’s why, when you’re docking in crosswind conditions, VHF can cause problems such as:

• Lag and friction – Having to grab the handheld, press to talk, and wait for a response is too slow when the moment calls for instant communication.
• Noise interference – Wind, waves and engines often drown out short-range chatter.
• Channel clutter – Internal comms can clog up radios that should be free for ship-to-ship or emergency use.
• Crew stress – Misunderstandings during anchoring or docking often lead to shouting, repeated instructions and rising tension.

The Right Tool for the Job: Intercoms

Internal marine communication needs a different solution: lightweight, hands-free, always-on intercom systems. Instead of forcing crew to juggle radios, intercoms allow natural, conversational speech all along the same vessel.

Think about it:

• No button-pressing
• No repeating instructions
• No stepping on VHF channels needed for actual safety

The result is smoother maneuvers, calmer crews and safer operations. In addition, the latest intercoms are equipped with Mesh Intercom technology, an advanced system that allows an unlimited number of people to simultaneously communicate over hundreds of meters, ensuring nobody misses a word.

A Cultural Shift in Communication

Some might cling to VHF out of habit. But the truth is, just like autopilot and chartplotters changed navigation forever, onboard communication is entering a new era.

It’s simple: we’ve been using the wrong tool for the wrong job. VHF works between ships, but between helm and bow, there’s a better way.

There are different types of intercoms for onboard communication, but they all have one thing in common – they’re rewriting the experience to be calmer, safer and more collaborative.

#SailConnected