Marine Ham Radio?

[salad_man]

Since just purchasing my off shore boat, I was just wondering if there was a difference in Ham radios for marine use besides just build materials and such, any suggestions?

[DaveK]

As a Ham, you can certainly use the Amateur frequencies for which you hold a license. Having a ham set up on board is a great idea. There are a whole different set of marine frequencies that you should have as well, which obviously means you get to spend more money.

Congrats on the boat purchase!

[gon2srf]

Since just purchasing my off shore boat, I was just wondering if there was a difference in Ham radios for marine use besides just build materials and such, any suggestions?

Congrats on the boat, where are you keeping it? The guy you want to talk to about this stuff is Randy (Xstatik). He grew up sailing as I did but knows so much about coms it's ridiculous.

Everything "marine" seems to cost more, hopefully due to the cost of building materials used to withstand the salt water environment however my experience has shown me this is not always been the case so beware of spending the big bucks without due diligence. I have always used my ICOM handheld when in the cockpit (sailboat) for monitoring the shipping lanes and the emergency channel 16, hailing a wayward boat/ship or calling for a shore-boat or harbor patrol when you approach a harbor and need a mooring or a dock. I use my in cabin radio for much the same but monitoring coms of further distances and listening to weather reports while hunkered down. The handheld coms are handy when on shore also. I can see how a ham radio would be helpful offshore for coms with other hams but they are only going to be able to send assistance via emergency rescue sources. I'm not a ham so there maybe lots of other advantages I am not aware of.

[Willie H]

New boat... I have a new Avet I still need to break in... lol

[salad_man]

I got a marine vhf radio, just was not sure if having ham frequencies on board would be worth it or not, I dont see how it could not help, ha ha.

[Willie H]

For what it's it worth... I carry a hand held marine radio, and my Icom HT on my kayak when I'm out fishing. If nothing else, when the bite is slow I can chat with the old dudes on the repeaters.

[OLLIE]

A lot of the new ham radios actually work the marine freqs too.

[gon2srf]

I got a marine vhf radio, just was not sure if having ham frequencies on board would be worth it or not, I dont see how it could not help, ha ha.

If they are affordable then Ollie's suggestion makes a lot of sense. You really do need a handheld marine vhf if for anything else to ready in your ditch bag.

Abandon Ship Bag Equipment

Signaling

EPIRB: A 406MHz EPIRB is the most important item in your abandon ship bag. Remember to pack the EPIRB is such a way that it stays dry otherwise it might start transmitting since the newer units have a water activated switch. Check out EPIRBS...

Flares: USCG approved flares meeting SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) requirements are the most reliable and easiest to use. Carry both parachute flares for long range signaling and red hand flares for close in use. There is no reason the flares you are required to carry by the Coast Guard cannot be stowed in your abandon ship bag. This will help minimize your cost.

Signal Mirror: This is the one signaling device that you can keep on using. Check out signal mirrors...

Hand Held VHF: Either a waterproof model or stored in a waterproof bag a VHF is useful when other vessels are in sight. Remember it is easier for you to see a ship than it is for them to see you.

Food & Water

Extra Water: Two to three quarts per day per person is suggested. Either carry water packets like what is packed in life rafts (5 year replacement life) or go to the grocery store and get bottled water which must be replaced much more frequently. Check out survival water...

Reverse Osmosis Water Maker: The second most important item you can put in your abandon ship bag. Check out watermakers...

Emergency Rations: Rations are bulky and heavy but the USCG approved types are designed to not increase your thirst. Check out survival rations...

Fishing Kit: If your rafts equipment pack does not include one, fishing can provide a ready source of food. Check out fishing kits...

Medical Supplies

Prescription Medicine: Any medication that is required regularly by you or your crew.

Prescription Glasses: A spare set can make life much more pleasant.

Sun Screen: This is almost never packed in a first aid kit, and do not forget your lips!

Personal Supplies

Large Garbage Bags: These can be used as clothing or storage.

Feminine Hygiene Products: Often an overlooked item. Kotex also makes an excellent pressure dressing.

Miscellaneous

Pencil and Paper Check out Rite in the Rain products...

Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Cyalume Chemical Lightsticks

Survival Manual Check out survival manuals...

The Bag

Your abandon ship bag should be waterproof and must float. White water rafters have numerous types of waterproof bags that have been proven to work. Storing your supplies in zip lock bags should give you plenty of trapped air to provide flotation, but check its flotation out for yourself. Make sure your bag has a lanyard with a snap on the end. This will allow you to snap your bag to an outside life line on your life raft. If you have to enter the raft from the water, this means one less thing you need to worry about.

This list is by no means complete. Size requirements, cost and personal preferences will dictate what you put in your abandon ship bag. Use common sense and you will come up with the proper solution for your situation.