Emergency Communications on the Water

Key Hazards

• Being unable to call for help because a device is uncharged, wet, or out of range
• Providing an unclear or inaccurate location during an emergency
• Crew members not knowing which device, channel, or contact to use
• Noise, weather, or poor radio discipline interfering with critical messages
• Depending on a single communication method with no backup
• Emergency equipment lacking current registration or identification information

2–3 Minute Talk Script

Emergency communication should be planned before the boat leaves shore. A phone may work at the launch and fail farther along the route, while a radio is only useful if it is charged, functional, monitored, and understood by the crew.

The communication method should match the operating area. VHF marine radio, handheld radio, cellular phone, satellite device, personal locator beacon, or other equipment may be appropriate depending on distance, coverage, mission, and company procedure.

Primary and backup devices should be tested before departure and protected from water, impact, and battery loss. Chargers, spare batteries, waterproof cases, and emergency power sources should be included when the mission requires them.

The crew should know how to identify the boat, describe the emergency, state the number and condition of people aboard, and provide a useful location. Waterway name, nearby markers, coordinates, direction of travel, landmarks, and known hazards may all help responders.

One person should handle communications during an emergency so messages remain clear and the operator can focus on boat control. The crew should avoid unnecessary radio traffic and repeat critical information when conditions are noisy or confusing.

Communication devices should remain accessible rather than buried under equipment or locked in a compartment. A person overboard, fire, flooding event, or sudden medical emergency may leave little time to search for a device.

Float plans, check-in schedules, and shore contacts provide another layer of protection. Someone ashore should know the route, crew, vessel, expected return time, and what action to take when a check-in is missed.

If reliable communication cannot be maintained for the planned operating area, the mission should be changed, supported by additional equipment, or postponed. The crew should never assume someone nearby will notice an emergency.

Safety Reminders

• Choose communication equipment suitable for the operating area.
• Test primary and backup devices before departure.
• Protect devices from water, impact, and battery loss.
• Know how to report identity, location, people, and emergency type.
• Assign one person to manage emergency communications.
• Keep devices accessible throughout the mission.
• Use a float plan or shore check-in process.

Ask the Crew

• What is the primary and backup communication method?
• Will coverage remain available throughout the route?
• Can the crew quickly report the vessel's location?
• Who will manage communications during an emergency?
• Who ashore knows the route and expected return time?