Archive for November 24th, 2009
Just Who Needs a VHF Radio Anyway??
It is true that if your vessel is less than 20m (65.6 feet) in length, you are not required to have a VHF Radio on board. However, before you purchase anything in the line of equipment for your boat, make sure a VHF Marine Radio is on the top of your list!
If you plan to venture more than a few miles offshore, there are a few things that should be strongly considered. First would be an HF or mobile satellite telephone. Second, would be an emergency position indicating radio beacon, or EPIRB. And the third item should be a second VHF Radio (possibly a Hand Held VHF Radio) or cellular telephone as well. With this equipment, you will be able to receive high seas and weather warnings which may have to be reacted to quickly. Most satellite telephones are becoming more affordable and as a result are becoming more common on a lot of boats. Remember – your radio is a very large part of your life insurance policy.