Radios

The most important aspect of Marine radio communications equipment is maintaining the balance between radio technology and human interaction. Years of dedication have produced a range of Marine VHF radios, Marine HF radios and Marine UHF radios that are unsurpassed for quality, excellence and reliability. Technical superiority and quality workmanship are renowned Baofeng Radio hallmarks

YOU CAN USE A MARITIME VHF RADIO TO SIGNAL DISTRESS BY:

• Using maritime VHF Channel 16 and repeating ‘Pan Pan’­ three times to signal your need for assistance
• Using VHF Channel 16 and repeating ‘Mayday’ three times to signal imminent danger or a life-threatening situation

Note: Maritime VHF channel 16 is used for emergency purposes only. Once you contact another boat on channel 16, you should both switch to another working frequency to communicate

ONCE YOU’VE SIGNALLED YOUR NEED FOR ASSISTANCE, YOU MUST PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION OVER THE RADIO:

• The name of your boat
• Your position on the water
• The nature of the emergency
• The type of assistance you need
• Number of people onboard
• In order to use a VHF marine radio, you must obtain an Operator Certificate

THE LIMITATIONS OF MOBILE PHONES

If you have a mobile phone on board your boat you can report an emergency by calling 999, or calling 112 to reach safety

It’s important to remember however that a cellphone is not a good substitute for a marine radio. A maritime VHF radio is the best way to send a distress call, as it will alert other boaters to the emergency if they’re nearby. These other boat operators may be the first to render assistance

ADDITIONALLY, MOBILE PHONES MAY RESULT IN THE FOLLOWING LIMITATIONS:

• Mobile phones can easily lose reception, or become wet and damaged
• Some mobile phones can’t be tracked to your location by rescuers