When you are out on the water, whether you are by yourself or with others, it’s important to have at least TWO communication devices with you that will work if they get wet. Devices such as satellite phones, emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRB), VHF radios, satellite messengers, and personal locator beacons (PLB). Flares and filing a float plan are also important ways to communicate!
FlaresKeep flares on board as a good way of attracting attention to your vessel while you’re on the water. There are 2 types of flares that you must carry on open waters: orange smoke flares for day use and red hand flares for day or night use.
Float PlansA float plan is a document that details your trip's itinerary, including the vessel information, number of passengers, departure and return times, planned route, and contact information. A float plan should be left with a reliable person on land so the authorities can quickly begin a search if you do not return as expected; essentially acting as a safety measure to help locate missing boaters in case of an emergency.
VHF (Very High Frequency) Radio Having a working marine VHF (Very High Frequency) radio is crucial safety feature for communication with the Coast Guard, other boats, marinas and bridges. The VHF radio’s primary purpose is for emergency communication and distress calls. VHF radios may be installed in a boat or brought on board as a hand-held device. Some radios may include NOAA weather forecasts. Whereas most larger boats are typically equipped with them, not all boats come with factory installed radios. Make sure you have a working, and if necessary, charged, marine radio on board, and make sure you know how to make a distress call - hopefully you’ll never need to actually make one!
Apple iPhone 14 and 14 Pro (or later) When no cellular network is available, boaters can still use a satellite connection to text emergency services on Apple iPhones that have satellite communication capabilities. Before you set out on the water, set the features on your phone. You can even set up your information with your emergency contact(s) ahead of time. We suggest you make sure the phone is in a waterproof case. See the Apple Support page at Use Emergency SOS via satellite on your iPhone - Apple Support
EPIRB (Emergency position Indicating Radio Beacon)A EPIRB is a tracking device that transmits a signal on a specific band to alert search and rescue services. An EPIRB should only be activated at times of great danger or maritime emergency, such as a ship sinking or medical emergency onboard. It may also be referred to as a GPIRB which is an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) with a built-in GPS receiver. When activated, it sends a repeating SOS signal with its GPS location to satellites, and the satellites alert the search and rescue network to get boaters in distress the help they need. Users will need to register the beacon.
PLB (Personal Locator Beacon)A personal locator beacon is a small, portable electronic device that, when activated, sends a signal to satellites to alert rescue authorities that someone is in distress. Some are small enough to attach to your life jacket. The PLB is for on-way communication and cannot receive messages, and does not have the ability to send messages home or cancel an SOS alert. The PLB will also need to be registered.
Satellite MessengerWith the satellite messenger, users can send an SOS signal. The device may also offer two-way texting so users can communicate with the rescue team and allows you to cancel and SOS call if necessary. Some models let you send and received non-emergency messages to your contacts. A subscription plan is required.
Just like a 911 call, a distress signal should ONLY be sent when you're in imminent danger, a medical emergency, and when no means of self-rescue can get you to safety. Placing a frivolous rescue call in New Jersey is considered a crime.
Carrying a communication device on the water can save your life; it's only one part of safe boating. Learn about marine communication and more at our NASBLA certified NJ Boat Safety Course. See www.BoatSafeUS.com for a class near you. (A NJ boat safety certificate course and exam are required in NJ!)
Learn from Captain Bob about Communication devices for your water craft. Learn from the best, BoatSafe US.
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