August 12, 2006
A Functioning VHF Radio – A Definite Must Have
One of the best pieces of safety equipment any boater can have onboard is a marine VHF radio. Should an emergency happen, having a functioning marine radio onboard can make the crucial difference. There’s really no excuse these days not to have one when out on the water. Today’s VHFs are compact, reliable and relatively inexpensive (depending on the model). VHF radios provide boaters with instant access to the Coast Guard and local marine responders. Though you might not think it, they are far more reliable and effective on the water than your cell phone.
Plus, many of the new VHF radios come with a Digital Selective Calling (DSC) feature which is designed to get emergency help to the distressed vessel with pinpoint accuracy. In an emergency the DSC radio will send an automated digital distress alert consisting of your identification and exact position (provided the radio is connected to a GPS unit) to other DSC equipped vessels and rescue personnel.
At the end of the day, just make sure your boat has a working marine radio and that you test it regularly to make sure it works well.
Posted by ribcraftusa at August 12, 2006 05:27 PM
Comments
Great advice. I always carry two, the helm mounted unit as well as a handheld. Better safe than sorry.
Posted by: Andrew at August 16, 2006 04:07 PM
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