VHF radio, Cellphone, Emergency Beacons

VHF Radio

• For use in NZ, make sure its set to the International Frequency listings.
• Undertake a VHF Radio course to learn the correct protocols in using the radio and to obtain your own call sign. An Operators certificate is required to operate a VHF radio in anything other than an emergency.
• Its highly recommended to have the radio attached to your PFD.
• Ensure it’s always charged before you head out for your paddle.
• A waterproof bag for the radio will help in protecting it from the salt environment.
• Log a trip report with Coastguard Radio, Maritime Radio or a local private radio station. Remember to close it on your return to land.

Cellphone

• Always keep in a waterproof bag, regardless of its waterproof rating.
• Remember to charge it up before heading out.
• Log a Trip on the Coastguard App – “The Boatie’s Best Mate”. Remember to close it out when back at the car. (https://www.coastguard.nz/boating-safely/coastguard-app-the-boaties-best-mate/)

It is no good having the best emergency communications device available if the batteries are flat. Check your cell phone and VHF batteries every time you head out paddling. Better still, make it a routine that they go on charge the night before.

Emergency Beacons (PLB’s / SEND’s)

• Refer the Distress Beacons – PLB, EPIRB or SEND article for more information. <<Safety Blog about PLB or EPIRB>>
• Personal Locator Beacon (PLB’s) use a 406Mhz frequency to send a distress alert to a satellite. This alert is downloaded to RCCNZ (here in New Zealand). The PLB may also have a 121.5Mhz radio frequency which helps helicopters and vessels equipped with directional finding gear to home in on your location.
• PLB’s are an emergency distress alerting device, they don’t perform any other function.
• A PLB with GPS will send the coordinates of your location to RCCNZ when it is activated. Helping to enable a faster response as the location will be known from the start of the activation.
• After the initial purchase of a PLB, there are no ongoing charges.
• The satellites that provide coverage for PLB’s and EPIRB’s are backed by Governments.
• SEND’s (Satellite Emergency notification Device) have a multi-roll function where a SOS distress alert is one aspect. They can be used to leave a trail (breadcrumbs) so that family/friends can follow your paddle. They can be used to send and receive text messages to keep in touch with family or friends.  Some models, depending on the level of service subscribed to can provide weather information.
• Ongoing subscription charges apply to use the services provided, as well as an initial purchase price.
• The satellites and services are provided by commercial operators.
• Devices require regular charging and depending on the usage may have a weak battery level when it comes to activating the SOS function.
• The signal strength of the SOS alert is quite weak in comparison to that of a PLB.
• A lot of SEND’s now connect by Bluetooth to your phone.