# Fact or Fiction with Captain Kelly: UHF vs. VHF Radio Communication on Board

By Kelly Gordon · Published 2024-06-25 · Updated 2026-06-09 · Professional AV on MarketScale
Canonical: https://www.marketscale.com/industries/pro-av/uhf-vs-vhf
Creator hub: Icom

> Ship crews choose different radio frequencies depending on whether they're communicating internally or across open water

## Key points

- UHF radio waves penetrate vessel walls more effectively, making them better suited for internal ship communication.
- VHF radios are the preferred choice for long-range communication on the open ocean.
- Crew members typically use both radio types depending on whether they are communicating internally or externally.

Block Field

In the latest installment of [Fact or Fiction](https://marketscale.com/shows/icom/) with Captain [**Kelly Gordon**](https://www.captainkellyjgordon.com/), Gordon explains why her crew uses UHF radios for internal communication over VHF radios. UHF radios are preferred on board because their ultra high frequency waves penetrate vessel walls better than VHF waves. However, VHF radios are more effective for long-distance communication on the [open ocean](https://marketscale.com/industries/pro-av/icom-here-there-and-everywhere/).

> UHF radios are preferred on board because their ultra high frequency waves penetrate vessel walls better than VHF waves.

Tags: Captain Kelly Gordon, Fact or Fiction with Captain Kelly, UHF radio, UHF vs VHF, VHF radio

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