First RF experiments for a newbye.

I'm looking for small projects of radio receivers because I'm fascinated by RF world and I would like to approach it in a practical way.

I would like for instance to receive naval ships communications because I live near the sea. I mean commercial, private ships or whatever. If that's legal of course.
Do they use an encrypted signal? And what kind of modulation/frequency is used?

Any suggestion, any project, any site where to begin is welcome.

Thanks,
Antonio Fischetti.

Hello,

here is a good link to get you started in RF

http://www.qrp.pops.net/default.htm

beware, rf field is very addictive and once you are in, there is no coming back, lol, well at least for me a dozen people I know.

good luck.

Thank you very much Donate :) !

Cheers.