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Fact or Fiction with Captain Kelly: Motor Yacht Captain Kelly Gordon Delves Into VHF Radio’s Line-of-Sight Challenges

Understanding how geography limits radio communication helps mariners prepare for connectivity gaps in remote waters

By Kelly Gordon · March 4, 2024, 5:30 PM UTCCaptain Kelly GordonFact or Fiction With Captain KellyIcomVhf Radio Communication
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Key takeaways

01

VHF radio operates on a line-of-sight principle, meaning physical obstructions like hills can block transmission.

02

In areas without cell coverage, VHF radio is often the primary communication tool, making its limitations critical to understand.

03

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.

About the author

Kelly Gordon

<a style="color:#2D7CF6;font-weight:bold;"href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn0hMUAFubbrX4EH7_ArYWg">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn0hMUAFubbrX4EH7_ArYWg</a><br/> <a style="color:#2D7CF6;font-weight:bold;" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@captain_kellyjgordon">https://www.tiktok.com/@captain_kellyjgordon</a><br/><br/> 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.<br/><br/> 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.<br/><br/> 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.<br/><br/> 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.

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About the Expert

KG
Kelly Gordon

Motor Yacht Captain and Social Media Influencer

Captain Kelly Gordon is an award-winning motor yacht captain and social media influencer known for educating mariners on boating safety and marine communication. She creates content under the 'Fact or Fiction with Captain Kelly' series in partnership with Icom America. Her work focuses on practical seamanship topics including VHF radio use, navigation, and offshore preparedness.