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Article: VHF vs. Cell Phone.(Coast Guard recommends both VHF radio and cell phones for communication in boating emergencies)(Brief Article)
- Article from:
- Motorboating
- Article date:
- February 1, 2001
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2001 Bonnier Corporation. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Although the U.S. Coast Guard firmly advocates the use of VHF marine radio for communication during an emergency in local waters, the government agency also considers having a cell phone aboard as an "additional way for boaters to contact the Coast Guard in times of emergency."
The Coast Guard has many good reasons for continuing its support of VHF radio. First, the agency maintains a continuous watch on Channel 16. Second, its VHF directionfinding antennas can pinpoint the location of a broadcast. Third, other mariners maintaining a watch on Channel 16 are likely to hear a broadcast for help and may be able to respond more quickly than a ...