VHF Tips

[FullFlavorPike]

As to one of your more important questions: the coast guard will probably hear you from as far offshore as you are going in your kayak, even if you're just on a handheld. They have pretty powerful radio equipment.

[Roc]

Took me all day, but I finally found where to get a free MMSI number. May same some of you $25. Just have to create a member acct

http://www.usps.org/php/mmsi/home.php

[JohnMckroidJr]

Originally Posted by Roc

Took me all day, but I finally found where to get a free MMSI number. May same some of you $25. Just have to create a member acct

http://www.usps.org/php/mmsi/home.php

Good find! The United States Power Squadrons has a long history of educating the public on boating safety. Their website is an excellent resource for boating safety and education.

[JohnMckroidJr]

Originally Posted by FullFlavorPike

As to one of your more important questions: the coast guard will probably hear you from as far offshore as you are going in your kayak, even if you're just on a handheld. They have pretty powerful radio equipment.

I concur that the USCG has some sophisticated radios. I have been off Boynton Beach and talked with USCG Group Miami with my handheld off the kayak, and that's over 25 miles away. With the drier air off California, the line of sight rule has even less validity as sometimes one can get a sky bounce to reach San Pedro Marine operator as far as halfway down the coast of Baja.