The utility of a satellite phone is not limited to distress calls alone; it can be a vessel of peace of mind for you and your family, ensuring that you can stay in touch no matter how distant your travels take you. You won’t have a signal if you are more than 50 miles offshore…
Each channel on your marine radio has a designated function, with some set aside for distress calls, non-commercial communication, or port operations. For instance, knowing that channel 16 is the international distress frequency is the first part to memorize. 16, along with others like channels 9 for hailing other boats and 22A for maritime safety…
A registered radio means you’re assigned a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number, which is crucial for efficient communication and swift emergency response. All you have to do is complete an online application. Once completed, you will get an MMSI number, and your radio will be successfully registered. To register a VHF marine radio in…
Many misconceptions about life jackets contribute to the selection of inadequate types that fail to provide essential protection. This often leads to a reluctance to wear them because they may be uncomfortable, ill-fitting, bulky, or perceived as unattractive. The importance of utilizing appropriate safety equipment coupled with knowledge of legal requirements and standards like ISO…
When it comes to your child’s safety in the water, whether it be sailing, cruising, or chartering, you want the best gear on the market to keep them safe. As a professional yacht officer of 10 years, the boats I have worked on have had their fair share of child life jackets. These recommendations are…
Visual distress signals are those that can be seen by nearby boats, planes, or people. Unlike parachute flares fired into the air, hand-held distress flares are kept in a person’s hand while signaling for emergency assistance. Flares are to be ignited (according to accompanying instructions) facing away from face, body, and boat. Held downwind with…
Unless your hands are made of leather, then at some stage, you will want a pair of sailing gloves. But what makes the best gloves for sailing isn’t one size fits all (pardon the pun). So to help you navigate the ocean of buying choices, I’m going to use my 10-year career in yachting to…
If lifejackets are not taken care of, they can become dysfunctional, and their performance is affected. In addition, they can become unsafe to rely on as personal flotation devices should you end up in the water, creating a dangerous situation. Regular maintenance not only preserves the integrity of the lifejacket, but it is also a…
According to the United States Coast Guard (USCG) regarding the replacement of life jackets and PFDs, their guidelines are: 1️⃣ Serviceable Condition: PFDs must be in a serviceable condition to be effective in an emergency. This means they should not show signs of deterioration or loss of integrity. 2️⃣ Signs for Replacement: PFDs should be…
Yes. You can use a satellite phone at sea. In fact, with a few exceptions, most satellite phones can be used worldwide. The only factors that negatively affect the use of a satellite phone on the ocean are geographical or artificial features, political influences, and system issues relating to the placement of the satellite constellations….