marifoon

Marifoon is the term used in Dutch and some other languages for maritime VHF radio, the marine radio system used on ships and boats to communicate with other vessels, port facilities, and coastal authorities. It is a key component of maritime communications and safety, permitting voice and digital calls as well as coordination of navigational and operational activities. In modern vessels, marifoon is typically integrated with other safety systems and is part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).

The marifoon operates primarily in the VHF Maritime Mobile Service band, roughly from 156 to 162 MHz. Because the radio signals travel mainly by line of sight, coverage is strongest near coastlines and over short distances at sea. Standard channels include Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) for distress, safety, and hailing, and Channel 70 (156.525 MHz) for DSC, which enables digital selective calling of distress alerts and routine calls when paired with a ship’s MMSI. Other channels are used for working conversations between ships, or between ships and shore stations, with regional variations in channel use.

Regulation and licensing are managed by national communications authorities and the ITU. Shipping operators often require a radio operator certificate and a ship radio license. On larger or SOLAS-regulated vessels, marifoon equipment must meet technical standards and be capable of GMDSS functions, including DSC and integration with other communication modes such as satellite systems.

Historically, maritime radio evolved from early voice and Morse communications to the current mixed analog-digital VHF system. Today marifoon remains essential for safety, routine coordination, and emergency response at sea. See also Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, International Telecommunication Union, and SOLAS.