When boating in the Bay, having a cell phone on board allows you to keep in touch with land-based contacts and businesses easily.
ARTICLE COURTESY OF BOATUS NEWS
Published: September, 2019
When boating in the Bay, having a cell phone on board allows you to keep in touch with land-based contacts and businesses easily. They are very convenient but in some situations they shouldn’t be used in place of a very high frequency (VHF) radio.
Here are some things to consider regarding cell phones:
• Cell phones are less reliable on the water. Many are not water-resistant, and their range is relatively short due to the proximity of land-based towers and repeaters.
• Range is further complicated by the fact that the majority of cell antennas and towers are placed and oriented with land-based use in mind, so the distance offshore that a vessel can remain in contact is frequently shorter.
• A cell phone won’t allow you to “broadcast” to several boaters at a time, which is important in a true emergency.
Why a VHF Radio is Preferred
VHF marine-band radios have been around for many years and remain the primary means of communication for vessels throughout the United States. VHF radios should be the go-to device in an emergency unless you are practically shouting distance from shore. The main uses of a VHF radio are:
• Distress calling and safety
• Ship-to-shore communications
• Navigation (vessels to bridges, etc.)
• Marine operator to place calls to shore
• NOAA Weather Broadcasts
For reliable on-the-water communications, either hand-held or fixed-mount VHF radios are recommended. If you experience engine failure, a storm disables you, or you find yourself in a true emergency, a VHF radio can be your lifeline to help. In Coast Guard jurisdictions, VHFs are monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For extra assurance, the Coast Guard or most towboats and vessel assist towers can locate your boat by tracking your VHF signal, but they can’t do that with a cell phone.
Most VHF radios on the market today have in excess of 25 usable channels. You won’t be using the vast majority of channels on your VHF, however. Channel 16 is probably the most important as it is designated as the national distress, safety and calling frequency. All vessels should monitor this channel while underway.
Remember, a VHF radio is not a telephone. When you use your VHF, everyone tuned to that station in the area can hear you. Watch your language, and try to keep your conversations short and to the point so that others may use the channel.
