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Marine Safety - the VHF Radio

It always amazes me how few boaters have a fixed VHF radio aboard their vessel. In some cases a hand held radio is sufficient. If you only boat on local waters (very) near shore or your vessel does not lend itsef to a fixed VHF (jet ski) I can understand. Then I hear the arguement regarding cell phones in lieu of the VHF. Well, here are some of the issues with cell phones: Limited range, only one person hears your call, local 911 may not be capable of responding to a marine emergency, and loss of power. A call made on a VHF is heard by everyone within range (miles) on the channel you broadcast on (emergency channel 16). It is monitored by the Coast Guard and other angencies equipped to respond. All VHF radios today are equipped with DSC (digital selective calling) and with the push of that little red button an emergency broadcast is made to other vessels and Coast Guard. It gives them your location (LatLon) and other pertinent information. AND, anyone on board can be instructed on how to initiate the DSC. Most VHF radios are well within the budget of the average boater and it is money well spent.

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