Marine radios can be a lifesaver, but which one should you buy? Investing In a very high frequency V-H-F- F-M radio is the smartest purchase. A V-H-F Radio has good quality, transmission, a strong signal, channels reserved for distress calls, and continuously monitored frequencies. Citizen band (C-B) radios are not recommended due to weak signals and overcrowded frequencies. In addition, the coast guard does not routinely monitor C-B channels. If you are in distress, repeat 'mayday, mayday, mayday' on the Radio. If your situation isn't that of distress, simply call 'coast guard, coast guard.' Channel 16 V-H-F is a dedicated distress and calling Frequency that is always monitored. If you don't have a radio, attempt to signal a fellow boater who can assist or call the coast guard for you. In distress situations, use flares or any other distress signaling device such as waving your arms or continually sounding a fog horn to catch the attention of another boater. When you do contact the coastguard, tell them your location or position. The exact nature of your problem, and what safety equipment you have on board.
