Ted Blenkers-Use the radio on board or mobile phone?

Importance of radio equipment

Today, almost no one goes on a trip without their mobile phone. It has normalized to go sailing with him, whether to talk on whatsapp, make a call, consult the maritime prediction, obtain any type of information on the internet or take selfies and upload the photos to social networks. But have we considered the scope of these devices on board? What coverage do radio equipment have at sea?

Advantages of radio on board

The truth is that today we cannot ensure its scope. Whether we have coverage or not will depend fundamentally on the area in which we are and the services provided by our ground operator. What is certain is that radiotelephone equipment is on board for some reason. The main, guarantee our safety. And for that we have VHF equipment at first, whether portable or fixed installation.

Through VHF equipment we can establish communications with other vessels, with the Coastal Stations and with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centers. In addition, with a transmitter on board, we can receive and transmit information on maritime safety such as meteorology, notices to navigators and request assistance (be it a trailer, a medical advice, an emergency or in the worst case ask for help).

Radio on board or mobile phone?

Taking into account that VHF (radio on board) equipment is easier to handle than a mobile phone and its use is free. Why do we feel insecure when using them?
We just have to take into account some basic premises:

1. Handle it properly: it is as simple as listening before speaking and pressing the PTT to transmit and release it to receive, as if we were sending an audio in WhatsApp.

2. Know the use of channels: we must always be listening in ch16 even if we use other channels to communicate.

3. The Distress button is used only and exclusively for Selective Digital Distress Calls: It must be held for 3 to 5 seconds to send the call.

4. Test the equipment before going to sea.

5. The skipper or captain of the vessel is responsible for radiotelephony equipment.
So why don't we forget a little more about mobile phones and make good use of the on-board station when we need to contact other vessels or land for our safety and that of the people we carry on board?