17 Mar The Small Vessel’s Lifeline: The Marine VHF Radio
Last summer, our marine search and rescue unit was called out for a night-long search for two missing kayakers. The two brothers had departed the Victoria area in a double kayak, heading for one of our local islands. It was a beautiful day, but Environment Canada’s marine weather forecast had warned of rising winds of 20-30 knots in the late afternoon.
The men, inexperienced at sea, were unaware of the forecasted change in conditions. When returning to Vancouver Island—facing a 3.5-kilometer crossing—they encountered the strengthening winds, which ultimately overturned their kayak, sending them into the frigid 9-degree waters. Tragically, they did not survive. Their bodies were later found on the shore of Henry Island, on the U.S. side of Haro Strait, approximately a mile apart. Their kayak was also recovered, but their gear—including a cell phone—was found tucked inside and never used.
This tragedy was avoidable and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of knowledge, preparation, and reliable communication when venturing onto the water.
Preparation Begins at Home
As I’ve emphasized in previous articles, preparation for any trip to sea starts before you even leave shore. Checking the marine weather forecast, tides, and currents is essential. This allows mariners in small vessels to establish a proper sail plan, assess risks, and make informed decisions about their journey.
A critical part of trip preparation is ensuring you have multiple ways to communicate in case of an emergency. While vessels are required by law to carry various signaling devices depending on their size, simply meeting the minimum requirements may not be enough when lives are on the line.
The Two Critical Factors in a Rescue
When a vessel is in distress, two things must happen before any rescue can begin:
- An alert must be sent—someone needs to know you are in trouble.
- Your location must be communicated—rescuers need to know where to find you.
Without these two factors, no one will come to your aid.
Many people assume that their cell phone will be enough in an emergency. It is not. Cell phone coverage along the coast is unreliable, and even if you do have a signal, calling a single person may not be the fastest or most effective way to get help. Additionally, touchscreens are often useless when wet, and a cell phone can be difficult to operate in a high-stress situation.
The VHF Radio: A Must-Have for Any Vessel
A marine VHF radio—whether hardwired or portable—is a must-have device for any vessel, large or small. Unlike cell phones, the marine communication infrastructure is designed specifically to handle routine, urgent, and distress calls from mariners.
A VHF radio provides instantaneous communication to all vessels within range. A standard 25-watt fixed-mount radio can transmit up to 20 nautical miles, while a handheld portable VHF has a range of about 5 nautical mile
Both the Canadian and U.S. Coast Guard maintain a 24-hour radio watch on VHF Channel 16 for any distress, urgent, or safety transmissions. This means that in an emergency, you can call “Mayday” or “Pan-Pan” on Channel 16 and receive immediate assistance from the closest available resource, whether it be the Coast Guard, another vessel, or a local rescue unit. Since mariners are encouraged to maintain a listening watch on Channel 16 while at sea, this collective response system greatly increases the chances of a fast rescue.
For very small craft, such as kayaks and dinghies, a VHF radio should be carried on your person—in a jacket pocket or attached securely—so it remains accessible even if you become separated from your vessel. Many overturned small craft incidents have resulted in fatalities simply because the individual could not reach their radio to call for help.
The Golden Rule: Carry and Know How to Use a VHF Radio
Anytime you are on the water in a small craft or vessel, ensure you have a VHF radio—preferably both a fixed unit and a separate portable radio. Keep your portable radio charged, and most importantly, get certified (as required by law) on how to use it properly.
It could save your life. Read about VHF ROC-M course offered at FMI Marine.
Book a VHF ROC-M Course