Why radios?

Communication at sea is vital and a marine radio is mandatory if travelling more than 4 nautical miles from shore. Mobile telephones, although useful as a backup communications system, cannot replace a marine radio.

 

Some reasons for this:

• A radio call is broadcast to all nearby stations and listening vessels nearby can often provide a quicker response than vessels called from the shore. You can't broadcast an emergency call on a mobile telephone.

• Marine radios can be tracked using direction finding equipment which rescue groups and Police generally have onboard.

• Marine radio provides better coverage offshore as they are not reliant on mobile phone towers.

• Many VHF radios now have the added advantage of Digital Selective Calling.

• Battery life on mobile phones are limited

 

 

 

 

 

 

Channel Selection

When on the water you should always listen on the emergency channel for your radio type. Most radios have a dual-watch feature whereby both the emergency channel and working channel can be monitored at the same time. Remember that as boaties we have a responsibility to render assistance to others in trouble, which would be impossible if calls for help go unheard.​