VHF marine radios are crucial communication tools for boat owners and navigators, helping them stay connected with harbormasters, nearby vessels, rescue services, and more. Choosing the right VHF marine radio for your boat ensures better communication and safety at sea, be it for recreational sailing or professional maritime activities. There are a variety of VHF…
To use a VHF marine radio, one must acquire a valid operator certificate or, alternatively, be monitored by someone with the necessary certification. There is an exception to this requirement in the case of distress situations, where any crew member is allowed to put out a distress call. Whether you’re an experienced boater or a…
There are different types of marine radios, but one of the most common is the Very High Frequency (VHF) radio. These radios operate in a frequency range specifically allocated for marine communication and have become the standard for maritime communication due to their reliable short-range capabilities. VHF marine radios are designed for bidirectional communication, allowing…
The size of your sea anchor depends on your boat’s size and weight. For parachute anchors, diameters range from 6-20 feet. For series drogues, size is determined by the number of drogues. More drogues or larger diameters create more drag, helping maintain boat position in various sea conditions. There is one fundamental difference between sea…
Sea anchors come in many shapes and sizes, with many monikers such as parachute sea anchors, drift anchors, drift socks, parachute anchors, or boat brakes. Whatever you want to call them, they are vital components in overall boat safety equipment, and it’s essential to know how to use a sea anchor. The parachute sea anchor…
The best fire extinguisher for a boat is typically a marine-rated fire extinguisher, for example, by the US Coast Guard approved. In addition, the best type of extinguisher depends on what class of fires you could potentially expect to deal with on board. A boat fire is every mariner’s nightmare. The combination of different sources…
Satellite phones provide coverage over large swathes of the Earth and, as a result, are particularly useful to sailors. Depending on the satellite constellation placed in orbit by the system, they may provide complete or only partial coverage. Two of the most well-known networks are Globalstar and Iridium. This article is going to compare them…
Being able to communicate at sea is vital. If you find yourself in a sticky situation without the ability to call for help, then your chances of survival plummet. So, you have your VHF radio and cellular phone, but you need a satellite phone for your passage through remote areas. This brings us to the…
This article serves as a comprehensive guide to boat inspections, providing a detailed checklist to ensure you buy a vessel that is safe and seaworthy. Boat inspections can be daunting, with so many components to check and potential issues to uncover. This guide aims to alleviate that stress, offering a systematic approach to ensure nothing…
Many boat owners struggle with understanding the specific requirements for fire extinguishers on their vessels. Drawing from an extensive understanding of US Coast Guard regulations, as well as practical insights, this article provides a thorough guide to fire extinguisher requirements on boats. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a recreational boater, I’ll use clear, straightforward…