Emergency Radios

Looking in deja, this has been flame war fodder in the past, so I'm a little reluctant to bring it up, however, I am interested in a VHF portable waterproof emergency radio for use on the Atlantic (Portland Maine area) coastline for both sea-kayaking and windsurfing. If you have any personal experience with the different models I would love to hear it. There is not much in Deja since 2000 or so. Thanks.

I am going to ammend this the following in hopes to keep the thread on track: 1) I always self rescue and know how to do it under any conditions. 2) I always sail with some one else. 3) I always wear a PFD. 4) I always wear a helmet. 5) I cary water, line, flairs and a whislte. 6) I look both ways when crossing the street.

I carry an ICOM IC-M1 whenever I am sailing alone or in a situation where self rescue is limited. It carries in a waterproof cell phone bag that snaps to my harness. It is also waterproof for around $200. Bob

7) I always call the Coast Guard if I ditch my rig. 8) I don't sail on a hollow board...

I carry a handheld VHF and a cell phone on my boat...

Safety Tip: Do a radio check on Channel 16, or another monitored channel, to verify operational transmission status, before heading out on your own.

WARDOG

I've called in a couple rescues (including for a pair of jetskiis on the Bay on a 4.7 day) on the Apelco 102, now the Raytheon 102. See: http://www.raymarine.com/raymarine/ProductDetail.asp? site=1&section=2... 6&product_id=590

It's got 5 watt transmit power. Several other folks have the Icom M1. It's got favorable reviews and it's very compact. The M2 looks like a nice model as well. See: http://www.icomamerica.com/marine/index2.html

I think you can get both from West Marine. http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/commerce/command/ CategoryDisplay?cgm... 1&cgrfnbr=138&outlet= and it'll automatically get the benefit of West Marine's warranty. The M2's on sale for $179 right now.

Carry the radio in a drainable fanny pack, keep it charged and check the contacts for corrosion fairly regularly. I also keep mine in a waterproof bag which I tie on my harness in case the fanny pack get's detached somehow. Also, learn proper marine radio etiquette so people will talk to you: http://www.boatingsafety.com/vhf1.htm http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/boater.htm

Good luck. It's a good investment.

-Ed

I got a Standard (Horizon) HX 260, fully submersible hand held VHF for windsurfing a couple of years ago. I'm totally pleased with it and, thankfully, haven't had to use it on the water. I do, however, use it daily for the weather radio feature, which is useful.

BTW, I carry it in my fanny pack, wrapped in a couple of ziplock bags.

This is slightly off-topic, since the poster specifically asked for VHF radios...

But, assuming you sail where cell phone / GSM coverage is good, you could just carry a cheap, used cell phone with you. Make sure the battery is OK.

At least in Europe, calling the 112 emergency number can be done without a SIM card, so you only need the phone: you don't have to pay any monthly fees and you don't have to carry your ordinary SIM card.

I know it doesn't work for all the locations, but I think the whole coastline here is pretty much covered. Since you don't have a SIM card, the phone will use any available operator for the emergency phone call. The cells you are in can be used to pinpoint your location for rescue.

wrote on 5/6/02 12:01 PM:

Good idea and some folks do, but coverage in the US is sparce in many areas, like the coastal areas of California and Oregon. While 911 will work in the US without phone activation, emergency response is usually handled from a central location for the entire state, at least in California, and your response may be delayed. Moreover, you will not be able to hail a passing vessel or talk directly with a rescuing boat or helicopter and help locate you if you're in a large body of water.

It's a good cheap alternative, but make sure you know it's gonna work where you sail.