The Best Onboard Communication Tools For Your Boat

Communication equipment is essential gear for boating safety. Being able to call for assistance in an emergency or request help is crucial. These tools come in a variety of types, prices, and sophistication. It is important to choose the right equipment for your boating needs. You will need different equipment for lake boating than you would for offshore cruising. For the purposes of this guide, we will be focusing on trailerable boats under 40 feet. We'll mention equipment that is more sophisticated further down. 

VHF Radios

VHF radios are the best way to communicate with boaters in distress. Some boat owners don't see the need to have a VHF Radio (very low frequency radio) in this day and age. They already have a cellphone onboard. But relying on a phone to make calls is not always safe. They aren't 100% reliable. Some waterways can have poor service, batteries may die, and calls might not go through.

VHF radios are available in either fixed-mount or portable versions. Fixed VHF radios are more powerful and have greater features. They can also transmit signals farther (approximately 25 km), especially if they have a high-powered remote antenna. The antenna height and height of the receiver is crucial to increasing range. It's common for a Coast Guard station to have an antenna that reaches far into the sky, and a boat with an antenna 20 or 15 feet above the water can contact it. However, the exact range depends on other factors such as atmospheric conditions.

The majority of handhelds can reach between 3 and 8 miles if they are used at least 5 to 10 feet above waterline. You can expect a battery life between 8 and 20 hours, depending on how you use it. The advantage of handhelds is that they are independent from your boat's electric system so you don't lose power. They can also be used in the dinghy while visiting or exploring other vessels. Technically, you will need a license to use them ashore. However, their limited range means that having a fixed-mount aboard can be a smart move. Mariners who are serious usually have one and the other.

Both handheld and fixed models provide boater-specific functionality, which phones don't offer. A VHF radio is essential for safety, but they also offer a variety of key benefits that are specific to boating communications. These are seven benefits of a VHF radio for cellphone communication. They can help you keep in touch with your loved ones or save your life.

1. Connectivity
2. Digital Selective Calling
3. Automatic Identification System, (AIS)
4. Weather Alerts & Forecasts
5. Weatherproofing
6. Affordability
7. Warranty

Connectivity

Channel 16 is dedicated for distress and hailing calls. If you get into trouble, you can automatically connect to maritime assistance agencies such as the Coast Guard or a Marine Towing Service. Because they can hear the conversation, you can stay connected with boating friends and others in the area that may be able help. You can also share fishing tips and ask anyone if they have seen your children running with the dinghy. Remember that radio conversations are not private. Also, other people cannot listen to your channel. This isn't just for idle chatter about last night's match.

Digital Selective Calling

DSC is an electronic function that alerts all VHF models, including VHF models built in 1999, to your distress call. It can be pushed a button and will notify the Coast Guard and all other boats in your vicinity. The DSC call, which is GPS-enabled allows others to locate your location even if it's not possible to verbally communicate. It transmits vital data to the Coast Guard, such as the type and size of the boat you are on.

Automatic Identification System (AIS).

AIS (Aviation Traffic Service) is a VTS that monitors marine traffic, much in the same manner as airport air traffic control monitors planes. The AIS transponder transmits ship information over VHF frequencies, including its name, port of origin and size as well as speed, heading, speed, heading, and other details. This information is constantly updated and can be viewed by all other vessels, bridges, marinas, and mobile devices that have an AIS unit. AIS is the most effective collision avoidance system available on the water. Some VHF radios with AIS capability can track these boats, which is useful in low visibility conditions such as fog or nighttime.

Weather Alerts and Forecasts

Real-time NOAA/SAME alerts can be received for weather updates and general forecasts. These are usually available on VHF channels 1, 2, and 3. Some radios can have as many as 10 weather channels. A good forecast can help you decide whether or not to fish if you are out of range of your cell phone.

Weatherproofing

Cellphones are not fond of water and won't float. VHF radios can withstand rain, splashes, and, in some cases, even a dunk. Fixed mount radios can be waterproofed to IPX 6 (splashproof), IPX 7 (1 meter diving) and IPX 8 (full immersion in water for more than one meter). They are ideal for mounting under a T top or on a center console dash. Some handhelds can even float so that if you lose your grip, you can circle back to pick it up.

Affordability

VHFs today (fixed mount and handheld) are sleeker and don't take up much space in the pocket or purse. Fixed mount models start at $130-$800, while handhelds with value are below $100.

Warranty

The majority of radios have a standard 3-year warranty. Apple offers this warranty.

Cell phones

We all have them, and we spend way too much time staring at them everyday. The best argument for using a cellphone as your onboard communication device is the fact that almost everyone has one. You have the best chance to get help if you are out wakesurfing, and there is an emergency. It won't be helpful to you to have a radio if the surrounding boats don't have VHFs.

You can also use your cell phone to do many things. You can use your cell phone to check the weather, tides, currents, or fish and navigate by using boating apps . You can also check in, take photos, and make reservations at marinas or dockside restaurants. You may lose your luck if you are out of reach.

Because cellphones can be so tempting to use for other purposes, it is important to have extra batteries and chargers in order to ensure you have enough juice to get the job done. Modern boats come with USB ports for charging, but older boats may have 12V sockets. You can also bring an adapter for your car.

Satellite Messengers

satellite messages can be used for voyaging and remote trips where there are not many boaters or cell coverage. Units such as the Iridium GO, inReach and Iridium GO! SPOT and inReach can send SOS messages, and most models have text-messaging capabilities. You can contact people back home to let them know you are okay and to relay a location via GPS. Or to tell them to not worry if they're late. You can also press the SOS button to alert authorities to your precise location via GPS.

They have been a huge hit in recent years for a variety of reasons. They are extremely compact and can be carried around in your boat bag. They are also ideal for kayaking and stepping out of your cruiser into the dinghy. The second is the ability to send and receive SMS messages, as well as an SOS, from your boat. This allows you to communicate with other boats or land-based vessels anywhere on the planet. Satellite messengers are now shockingly affordable, with a cost of $250-$400 to purchase a fully functioning unit.

Satellite messengers can be subscribed to for $10-$50, which is usually monthly. You'll pay a monthly, but recurring, cost. People also see the reporting system's potential disadvantages in comparison to other options. Your SOS message is sent to a third party before it is relayed to authorities. Although this can cause some delay in getting your message across, it has proven to be completely reliable in practice. Services like the International Emergency Response Coordination Center are available 24/7 and have been staffed 24 hours a day. This can actually be a good thing, as they can alert multiple agencies or different ones depending on where you are and what your activity is.

Satellite Phones (Sat Phones) & SSB Radios

Satellite communications are better suited for bluewater cruising and extended stays in remote areas. They can also handle voice and data transmissions.

Satellite phone

Satellite phones, also known as "Sat Phones", are reliable. Some can connect to your computer to send data like email. They are not cheap and can be very expensive. Calling for help will not be an activation of COSPASSSARSAT (the international satellite system for search & rescue (SAR) in the U.S.), but a point to point communication. They don't automatically connect to the Coast Guard so make sure you have that number on your speed dial.

Single Sideband radio (SSB).

Long-distance cruisers use SSB radios for both regular and emergency communications. The best thing about SSB radios for cruisers and fleets is the ability to participate in multiple users' nets, learn about weather conditions, good provisioning spots, and avoid problematic areas. SSB allows rescues to be launched from nearby vessels that are listening in, rather than being sent by the Coast Guard thousands miles away. Unlike HAM radio and SSB, SSB does not require a license. However, it may take some time to learn how it works.

EPIRBs and Personal Locator Beacons

We have also created safety and survival devices to be used for offshore work. The Personal Locator Beacons and Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons help to locate a boat or crew member in distress. The signal is transmitted to the nearest Earth Station, which contacts a local Rescue Coordination Center or SAR agency.

EPIRBs

EPIRBs work on 406 MHz and are waterproof, floatable, and some have a GPS built in, making them GEPIRBs. They are registered to the vessel. They send an automatic SOS and position data to authorities when they are activated. EPIRBS are highly reliable and have been credited with saving thousands. These devices are quite expensive, with an estimated cost of $500 to $1,000. They also require frequent maintenance and are limited to offshore and coastal use. An EPIRB has one major drawback: it does not allow for two-way communication.

PLBs

A Personal Locator Beacon is a small radio beacon which initiates a search-and-rescue effort when activated. They are registered to a person. You'll find brands such as ACR, Kannad and McMurdo on PLBs. They operate on a range of frequencies, including 121.5MHz DSC, AIS, and/or 406MHz. These units can be attached to clothing or your PFD and are waterproof. This is a good thing since accidents rarely happen as planned. When you are in water with your activated PLB, keep it high above the surface so that it points at the sky. To save battery life, don't turn your PLB off. This could interfere with SAR efforts. A PLB will cost you between $250 and $500. EPIRBS is similar, but they don't provide two-way communication.

The lithium battery in both EPIRBs as well as PLBs is long-lasting and can be used until it is activated. In colder environments, the battery will last for approximately 24 hours. However, they may last up to 6 hours in warmer climates.

The bottom line

A cellphone and VHF radio for safety and communication are sufficient for 90% of recreational boaters. Satellite messengers are a great choice for those who venture off the beaten track. There are many options available for those who venture out of their comfort zone.

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