Communications Tools Get More Effective

We used to navigate with just a chart and compass, and we had a VHF radio for line-of-sight communications. Much has changed for the better, as computer and satellite technology have revolutionized the way we navigate and vastly improved our ability to communicate with nearby vessels. This has improved our safety, especially when it involves coming to the aid of a boat in distress. Here are some of the tools currently at our disposal.

The indispensable VHF radio (an acronym for Very High Frequency) lets boaters communicate line-of-sight with nearby boats, marinas and bridge tenders on different channels. We have radios permanently installed at our boats’ helm stations, with connected antennas mounted high on the boats to maximize range. Every boat needs a VHF, and manufacturers also offer rechargeable handheld