VHF Radio
 

I've noticed a few people listing a VHF Radio in their list of must haves. So, my quesiton is, what are the frequencies that need to be monitored or known?

"need" ch.16 only.....

can anyone give a noobie a primer on VHF or marine radios? Best ones to buy? Uses? etc... Thanks. :cheers1:

90% of my use is to find out where people are, if they got fish, and what we're doing after. Where you need it is for some unforeseeable emergency that might happen where you would need the coast guard's or lifeguard's assistance. I think 2W and 5W and standart Tx power and you'll need one that's submersible and if you're clumsy floating as well.

cool.. that's what I was wondering. How do you "chat" or communicate with other kayakers? Do they all need to be on a certain channel? Can the Coast Guard locate you via this radio? or does it need GPS? thanks again..

If you are teaming up with someone before launching, just agree on a channel - other than 16 or 9.
I have read somewhere about some radios broadcasting out a GPS position, but if you are in trouble - description of your location works... "1 mile north of pt. LJ." or something like that, referencing a land mark - that's what I would do.

Do not necessarily rely on just a vhf radio. In a kayak(fishing So. Cal. waters) hand held and aireial flares will serve you well.......

Is there a certain set of channels kayakers and boaters use or is it pre determined when leaving the ramp/launch point? I just ask because I would like to hear what people are catching and on what/where also, as "jruiz" said.

VHF just in case u get back in. Are if your in a f position.

16 coast guard 72 fishing channel or if you want to talk private go to any channel

Non commercial channels for VHF use
 

NONCOMMERCIAL - Working channels for voluntary boats. Messages must be about the needs of the ship. Typical uses include fishing reports, rendezvous,scheduling repairs and berthing information. Use Channels 67 and 72 only for ship-to-ship messages.

9(fn6), 68, 69, 71, 72, 78, 79(fn4), 80(fn4)

I usually use 69.

For full info: http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/vhfchanl.pdf

Nice, I will be printing and laminating this!
Thanks.

Thanks! Thats what BWE friends are for!