Do You Have a Marine Radio on Your Ontario Boat?
A marine radio on your Ontario boat can save lives. You’ve got an engine problem and you and your passengers are stranded. Your cellphone doesn’t have any service.
A VHF marine radio is a life-saving piece of equipment that every Ontario boater should have. A VHF marine radio allows instant communication between your Ontario boat and other boats, marinas, bridges, and the Canadian Coast Guard. Marine two-way radios aren’t dependent on cellphone networks to operate.
Western Financial Group, a 100% Canadian company, can help you navigate your Ontario boat, car, home, and business insurance during this period of economic uncertainty.
What is a VHF marine radio?
A VHF radio is a two-way communication device that operates on Very High Frequency (VHF) radio waves and is used for maritime communications.
VHF radio frequencies provide clear communication over long distances, making a VHF radio an invaluable safety tool for boaters in Ontario.
Can I call the Canadian Coast Guard with a marine radio?
Recreational boaters in Ontario can call the Coast Guard n VHF channel 16. The Canadian Coast Guard continuously monitors channel 16 and provides important weather alerts for boaters. All boats are expected to keep channel 16 on or scan it regularly. You can broadcast a distress call from your Ontario boat on channel 16.
Can a marine radio contact a cellphone or landline?
Many two-way radios have what’s called a telephony feature, which allows for communication between the radio and a landline, or cell phone. Telephony functions are helpful if there might be a need to communicate with people who don't have a two-way radio. Note that emergency and rescue organizations are able to communicate with two-way radios.
Why is a VHF radio more effective than a cellphone on the water?
A VHF marine radio does not need a cellphone tower to operate. VHF radios allow one specific message to reach every vessel and rescue team in the area, which is essential in emergencies and for coordinating rescue activities.
How do I make a distress call in Ontario with a VHF marine radio
Your marine radio should be on Channel 16, which is monitored by the Coast Guard and other vessels.
If you have a digital selective calling (DSC) radio: Press and hold the red “distress” button for 5 seconds. This will automatically alert nearby vessels and authorities, including your vessel’s position if GPS is connected.
Then say MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY followed by:
- Identifying your Ontario boat by name
- Giving your position with as many details as possible
- Describing your emergency with as many details as possible
- Saying what assistance is needed
- Saying how many passengers are on board
- Giving as many details as possible abut your situation
End the call with “Over.”
What kinds of marine radios are there?
There are different VHF radios for marine use with different price points and features and different brands. There are some two-way radios built to withstand harsh environmental conditions.
Did you know? Having a VHF radio on your Ontario boat means you can ask for help, receive potentially life-saving information, and coordinate with other boaters at any time.
Why your Ontario boat needs a VHF radio
Emergency communication
In the event of an emergency, such as engine failure, capsizing, or a medical issue, you need to be able to call for help. A VHF radio is designed for marine environments and provides a direct line to the Coast Guard and other rescue services. The ability to send a distress signal (MAYDAY) can be lifesaving.
Weather updates
Weather conditions can change quickly on the water in Ontario. A very high-frequency marine radio can broadcast real-time forecasts and warnings from Environment Canada.
Navigational aid
A VHF radio is not just for emergencies and weather updates. It also serves as a navigational tool. You can communicate with other vessels to avoid collisions, seek advice on navigating tricky waters, and even get assistance with docking.
Coordination and communication
Whether you're part of an Ontario boating club, participating in a regatta, or just out with friends, a VHF radio makes easy coordination and communication between boats. This can be especially useful when travelling in groups, making sure that everyone stays together and arrives safely at the destination.
You are going boating. Do you have Ontario boat insurance AND a marine radio?
Ontario boat insurance protects your investment in your boat. It protects you if you have an accident with another boat, if your boat catches fire, or if your boat is damaged by severe weather. If your boat is financed, you can expect your lender to require you to get boat insurance. Many Ontario marinas require liability insurance for docking and mooring privileges. It’s recommended that you have $3 million in liability insurance for your boat. And don’t forget your VHF marine radio for your boat!
Final thoughts
Protect yourself, your passengers, and other boaters with a very high frequency marine radio on your Ontario boat.
5 FAQs
Why your Ontario boat needs a marine radio
Marine radios allow you to send out distress calls that are received by both the Coast Guard and all nearby vessels. A VHF marine radio does not depend on a cellphone tower for service.
Can I get weather alerts on a VHF marine radio in Ontario?
Yes, you can receive Environment Canada weather alerts on a VHF marine radio while boating in Canada. Many VHF marine radios sold in Canada are “Weatheradio”-ready. Look for a Weather or WX button. Tune into the nearest listed frequency in your area to receive alerts and bulletins. Environment Canada’s Weatheradio Service broadcasts weather forecasts, warnings, and marine information continuously over specific VHF frequencies dedicated to marine weather.
Is a marine radio easy for Ontario boaters to use?
Yes, a marine VHF radio is generally considered easy to use, especially for basic communication and emergencies.
What is the importance of channel 16?
Channel 16 is the dedicated international distress, safety, and calling frequency used on VHF marine radios.
What does “radio silence” mean?
Radio silence refers to a period when all marine radio transmissions are intentionally stopped. Radio silence is used to prevent interference with marine distress signals or urgent communications.
