Know your VHF radio’s limits

While a VHF radio is your best way to call for help in coastal waters where you can see the coast, it’s important to remember that coverage is limited in other areas, such as rivers and lakes. VHF radios are also better suited to some boating activities than others.

Where a beacon is best

Rivers and lakes

VHF radio has limited coverage on inland waterways and is not monitored by authorities in many places. The signal can be blocked by hills, cliffs, river-bends etc.

So when you’re out on a river or lake, we recommend taking a distress beacon (EPIRB or PLB) as your first choice of communication plus another device, such as a flare, air horn or torch. Cellphone coverage is also limited.

Offshore waters – too far away to see the coast

VHF works best in line-of-sight, so if you’re so far out to sea that you can’t see the coast, your VHF radio probably won’t reach the coast. Your cellphone won’t have coverage either. We recommend taking a distress beacon (EPIRB or PLB) as your first choice of communication plus another device, such as a flare, air horn or torch as your second.

It could also be worth getting expert advice about communication equipment like single sideband radio (SSB) or a satellite phone. Yachting New Zealand can provide this for all recreational vessels not only sailing yachts. Coastguard Boating Education also offers SBS training.

Check the VHF radio coverage map

 View coverage map

 

Making a call – the best communication device for your boating activity

Powered craft

  • Always have a hand-held, waterproof VHF radio on your person, preferably attached to your lifejacket.
  • Also carry a registered emergency locator beacon, particularly when venturing any significant distance off the coast. Locator beacons work both at sea and on inland waterways. An EPIRB is preferred, but a PLB is a useful alternative.
  • If you take a cellphone, keep it dry in a waterproof lanyard bag.
  • Flares (including electronic flares) and waterproof torches should be considered as part of any emergency communications kit.

Remember to check that marine VHF radio coverage is available in the area where you’re boating.

Non-powered craft

  • Always have a hand-held, waterproof VHF radio on your person, preferably attached to your lifejacket.
  • A cellphone is a useful backup, but make sure you keep it dry in a waterproof lanyard bag – and on your person for easy access. Also remember that cellphone coverage is not available in many recreational boating areas.
  • Small dinghies, kayaks, canoes, inflatables and paddle boarders may choose to carry a registered PLB, worn on their person.
  • Flares (including electronic flares) and waterproof torches should be considered as part of any emergency communications kit.

Remember to check that marine VHF radio coverage is available in the area where you’re boating.

Overseas voyaging