Two subsequent World Radiocommunication Conferences, held in 2015 and 2019, have concluded the frequency allocation in VHF bands for the two-way maritime VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) via terrestrial and satellite radio frequency links respectively. The modernization and digital evolution of maritime communications was initiated in 1990’s by adopting Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) for ship to shore, ship to ship and shore to ship communications for a variety of applications, targeting safety at sea. The frequency allocation for VDES has been a significant step forward towards achieving the same goal by facilitating solutions for enhanced navigation, broadcasting essential information and many other emerging applications.