Fact or Fiction with Captain Kelly: Motor Yacht Captain Kelly Gordon Delves Into VHF Radio’s Line-of-Sight Challenges
Motor yacht captain Kelly Gordon explains the line-of-sight limitation of VHF radio, noting that terrain features like hills can block radio waves and prevent communication between vessels or with shore stations. This constraint is particularly significant in remote or obstructed areas where cell coverage is also unavailable. Understanding this limitation helps mariners plan for connectivity gaps before entering challenging waters.
This story was produced through MarketScale. See how Professional AV teams put it to work with Customer Stories & Case Studies.
Promoted content from Icom on MarketScale.
Key takeaways
VHF radio operates on a line-of-sight principle, meaning physical obstructions like hills can block transmission.
In areas without cell coverage, VHF radio is often the primary communication tool, making its limitations critical to understand.
Fixed-mount VHF radios on boats may be unable to receive signals if the transmitting party is on the other side of terrain obstacles.
How does the line-of-sight limitation of VHF radio impact communication in remote or obstructed areas? Award-winning motor yacht captain and social media influencer, Captain Kelly Gordon, delved into the importance of understanding VHF radio's line-of-sight constraints for effective communication, especially in areas without cell coverage.
If they're on the other side of the hill, it's gonna be tough to communicate because the radio wave…is gonna be blocked by the hill, and my fixed mount radio on the boat's not gonna be able to receive that, so it's gonna be really tough.
Part of this channel
Icom
Professional radio communication for land, sea, air, and public safety.
About the author
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn0hMUAFubbrX4EH7_ArYWg https://www.tiktok.com/@captain_kellyjgordon Captain Kelly J. Gordon, is an accomplished motor yacht captain whose start was far from the water as she grew up on a farm in small town Indiana. It was her drive to succeed, learn, and thirst for adventure that led her to a career in yachting. Her path into yachting was a unique one that started in Beaufort, North Carolina, where she now claims as home base, and has since allowed her to navigate many different seas. Kelly most certainly takes pride in her ability as a motor yacht captain, but also has a soft spot for the young adult and especially those that come with questions. As a former chemistry professor, Kelly loves to teach and it is certain that she will always find a moment, or many, to share what she knows with others and looks to encourage and inspire those that dream of a career in the yachting industry.
