to Mr. Midshipman : The US Coast Guard Aircraft and Rotorcraft are equipped with VHF Marine channels, so No VHF aircraft frequencies are used between a vessel and Coast Guard Helos.
Do any come with Aircraft frequency, case the coast guard shows up with their rescue Helicopter? West Marine is the best. Just ordered a bunch of stuff. Still, Radio Shack, as in RADIO SHACK, has the best book on the subject, I advise all to read, "Now Your Talking". Stops a lot of bad blood flowing between us all that way. Cause my radio is right up there with the very best only by reading this book too. Unbelievable, isn't it?
I watched this video as well as Part 1, and I was wondering if it is possible to remove the antenna from the hand held HT's and connect the external antenna.
It will depend on the antenna plug type, but some manufacturers do offer adapters to allow a handheld VHF to use an external fixed mount antenna. Please call us at 1-800-BOATING (262-8464) or visit a West Marine store location to discuss your options.