A VHF Radio for Safety
by Ross C.
Like all Kayak Fishers I have on occasions felt "alone and vulnerable" whilst practicing my sport and after a couple of minor incidents decided to spend whatever was appropriate to lessen the risks associated with Kayak fishing in low-traffic waterways.
I always carry a mobile phone for emergencies, but have already observed what happens to them when aboard a craft that capsizes - even when stored in plastic "waterproof" bags. Further, I don't know the phone numbers of many people with boats who I could call to quickly assist me on the water.
I therefore decided to purchase a waterproof VHF radio just in case I am ever incapacitated in a remote river, lake, or offshore area and need to raise assistance from other boats or rescue organizations.
I chose "VHF" because it is the most commonly monitored maritime frequency in coastal waters with Coast Radio Stations and Limited Coast Stations monitoring channel 16 (the emergency channel) as well as several other widely used boating channels (for example, Coastguard Redcliffe monitors channels 73, 21 and 81). Further, VHF enables contact with other small craft fitted with VHF radios as long as they are within direct line and no further than 20km away.
The radio I purchased was an ICOM IC-M32 waterproof portable hand held model priced at $359. Being small and submersible to 1 metre with 5 watts of transmitting power, I felt it was ideal to have beside me and tied onto the deck straps such that I could reach it when capsized.
An extra expense was the ACA requirement to have a MROCP (marine radio operator's certificate of proficiency) to legally operate a VHF or MF/HF radio. This course, or the easier MROVCP (marine radio operator's VHF certificate of proficiency), is available from Volunteer Rescue organizations and is usually administered over two days with a one-hour exam to follow. I found the course very interesting and even joined my local Coastguard as an associate member, which will save me a lot of money if ever I have to be rescued. It cost me $55 for the membership and $80 to undertake the course.
So now I own and am qualified to use a VHF radio which gives me more peace of mind when Kayaking alone as often happens with my free time for fishing being at a premium and needing to be taken as and when it becomes available.