ETSI EN 301 178 states the minimum technical characteristics and methods of measurement required for portable Very High Frequency (VHF) radiotelephones not providing maritime distress and safety communications functions (i.e. not forming part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)) operating in certain frequency bands allocated to the maritime mobile service using either 25 kHz or 25 kHz and 12,5 kHz channels.

The present document also specifies technical characteristics, methods of measurement and required test results.

The present document contains requirements to demonstrate that "... Radio equipment shall be so constructed that it both effectively uses and supports the efficient use of radio spectrum in order to avoid harmful interference" [i.2] and that "....radio equipment supports certain features ensuring access to emergency services" [i.2].