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An engine failure, a sudden change in weather, or someone feeling ill on board can quickly turn a fishing trip into an emergency. To stay in contact with emergency services and other boats, a portable VHF radio is a particularly useful piece of safety equipment. But is it required for all fishing trips? And in what situations should you bring one along?
VHF: A Reliable Means of Communication
VHF, or very high frequency radio, allows you to communicate with boats in the area, ports, signal stations, and emergency services. At sea, Channel 16 is used to contact the CROSS (Regional Operational Center for Surveillance and Rescue) in the event of an emergency.
Unlike a cell phone, a VHF radio does not rely on cell phone coverage. It also allows you to transmit a call to multiple users at the same time. This feature is invaluable when a boat is in distress, especially in an area far from the coast or frequented by other recreational boaters.
For a fisherman, the VHF radio can therefore be used to:
- report an engine failure or damage;
- request assistance or a tow;
- to warn of an accident on board;
- receive safety or navigation information;
- communicate with a crew member who is on another boat;
- Contact a harbor master's office or a lock, depending on the area you are visiting.
When should you bring a VHF radio on a boat trip?
In practice, it is advisable to bring a VHF radio whenever you?re out on a motorboat, even near the coast. The risk isn?t determined solely by the distance traveled: a breakdown, a leak, or a medical emergency can occur just a few hundred meters from shore.
VHF becomes particularly important when:
- The trip takes place several miles from shelter;
- Fishing takes place offshore or at a shipwreck;
- The return trip may take place at night;
- The weather is unpredictable;
- The crew consists of a single person;
- the boat is small or difficult to maneuver;
- The area experiences heavy maritime traffic.
For semi-offshore sailing?between 6 and 60 miles from a place of refuge?a fixed VHF radio is required equipment. Maritime regulations also require monitoring Channel 16 when a VHF radio is installed on board.
For a coastal outing, a waterproof portable VHF radio can be an excellent backup device. It?s best to carry it on your person, in a pouch or a suitable vest, rather than leaving it in an inaccessible storage compartment.
What about fishing in inland waters?
On a lake, river, or canal, a VHF radio can also be extremely useful. In particular, it allows you to communicate with other boats, lock operators, waterway managers, or emergency services when cell service is poor.
It is particularly useful for fishermen who are out on the water:
- on large lakes or isolated reservoirs;
- on rivers with a current;
- on heavily trafficked channels;
- in areas where cell service is spotty;
- with a boat equipped with an electric or internal combustion engine;
- in competition or in a group.
However, the rules are not exactly the same as those at sea. In French inland waters, the use of DSC (Digital Selective Calling) is prohibited. A portable VHF radio without DSC and limited to 6 watts may be used without any special certification. For other devices, a recreational boating license or a restricted radio operator?s certificate may be required, depending on the situation.
You should also consult the specific regulations for the waterway. Certain rivers, reservoirs, or natural areas impose restrictions on equipment and communications.
Portable VHF or fixed VHF?
Fixed VHF radios generally offer better range and higher power. They are suitable for boats with a permanent electrical system and for regular offshore voyages. They must be installed so that they are easily accessible from the helm.
A portable VHF radio is better suited for small fishing vessels. It is waterproof, rechargeable, and operates independently of the boat?s battery, so it continues to function in the event of a power outage. It can also be taken ashore, on a RIB, or in a boat without a fixed radio system.
For recreational fishing, the portable model should ideally be:
- waterproof and buoyant;
- equipped with a fully charged battery;
- equipped with a clear display;
- equipped with a keypad lock;
- paired with a wrist strap or a pouch;
- checked before each departure.
How do you use VHF in an emergency?
Before setting out, you should familiarize yourself with the main channels used in the navigation area and listen for any broadcasts. At sea, Channel 16 is reserved for distress, emergency, and safety calls: it must not be used for ordinary conversations.
In the event of a serious problem, the message should be brief and precise. You must include the name of the boat, its position, the nature of the emergency, the number of people on board, and the type of assistance needed. The GPS built into some VHF radios can make it easier to transmit coordinates, but it is no substitute for proper preparation before setting out.
Key Takeaways
Bringing a VHF radio on a fishing trip provides a reliable means of communication when a cell phone is no longer sufficient. It is essential for certain types of maritime navigation, particularly when more than 6 miles from shelter, and is strongly recommended for coastal trips, large lakes, and remote areas.
A waterproof portable VHF radio, kept within easy reach and checked regularly, can mean the difference between a minor mishap and a genuine emergency.
