For small boat owners, taking their VHF exam is where their radio knowledge begins and ends. But without regular practice many forget the radio procedures they have learned, and become inhibited, over lengthy, or unsure of the correct procedure. This book seeks to help first-time buyers as well as experienced users to choose, install and use a VHF radio. After giving the pros and cons of cellular telephones, the author outlines the calling procedures for the Coastguard, coast radio stations, port radio stations and marinas. He outlines how to send distress, medico and other messages, and shows when it is not necessary to "go by the book". The book concludes with the dos and don'ts of radio, a phonetic alphabet and a glossary of marine radio terms.