Sea Kayak Trips Bulletin Board

Re: VHF radio

Posted By: Nick Schade
Date: Sunday, 31 January 1999, at 12:35 p.m.

In Response To: VHF radio (Larry C.)

I do not think the Coast Guard monitors any inland lakes unless they are close enough the ocean for the signal to reach. The VHF used is a marine band and I believe it is not legal to use it inland. However, if you are in the wilderness, I can see where having some kind of radio may be better than nothing. If you say in your trip plan that you are carrying a VHF, a search may monitor the band to see if you are transmitting, and a search plane can use a direction finder to help pin-point your location. At which point the FCC can come arrest you if they are that anal about it.

Bottom line: it is probably not worth buying a VHF for inland paddling, but if you have one and have the space, it doesn't hurt to carry it and let people know you have it.

Nick

> Anybody carry a VHF marine radio on inland waters? I know they are useful
> on coastal waters but wondered if they work or are monitored by The Coast
> Guard on inland waters other than the Great Lakes.

> Larry C.

Messages In This Thread

VHF radio
Larry C. -- Saturday, 30 January 1999, at 4:41 p.m.

Re: VHF radio
Nick Schade -- Sunday, 31 January 1999, at 12:35 p.m.

Re: VHF radio
Don Beale -- Sunday, 31 January 1999, at 12:53 p.m.

In Dallas it's the local police
Brian T. Cunnningham -- Monday, 1 February 1999, at 12:09 p.m.

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