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Communication
On Board And On The Water (22-1)
By Doug Dawson
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PBC's
Doug Dawson speaks easy about the many methods of on
board communication for safer, more enjoyable boating
experiences.
(Cell phones and two-way radios are an excellent method
of communication on the water.)
Communication
aboard is vital to the enjoyment and safety of all your
crew, guests and fellow boaters. The most common form
of communication on board is verbal but there are several
other methods of communicating to consider when boating¡ªsome
traditional and low tech and others that are still aren¡¯t
available in all areas.
Talking is the preferred way to explain what¡¯s going
to happen and why, so that all involved understand what
to do, for example, when docking. Shouting should only
take place to get someone¡¯s attention over a loud noise
like an engine¡ªnot as a common method of giving instructions.
Hand Signals
Most times hand signals work better when running, anchoring,
docking or ramping your boat. A simple series of hand
signals that you and your crew develop, practice and
utilize prevents upset, errors and shouting. Plus, they
look very professional to onlookers.
Some signals used by water skiers can be adopted for
signaling between boats and/or dinghies when underway:
- Speed up the boat = Thumb Up
- Slow down the boat = Thumb Down
- Cut motor/stop = Slashing motion over the neck
- Turn the boat = Circle motion with arms over-head
then point in desired direction
- Return to dock = Pat on the head
Cruising boaters can work out their own or adopt signals.
But what matters is what is the best method for you,
your crew and your family.
Two-Way Radios
On larger yachts where hand signals are obstructed by
aft deck hard tops and/or high transoms, the alternative
is the use of a two-way radios or walkie-talkies. The
popular Family Channel Walkie Talkies work well aboard
and around a marina for docking, calls for meals and
general staying in touch when out of sight.
For docking or locking, I prefer the voice activated
headsets, like those used by theatres and event organizers.
The main advantage over push-to-talk walkie talkies
is that they are hands free. Also, head sets don¡¯t
broadcast your conversation to everyone within ear shot.
Other Methods of Communication
Here are a few ¡°lower tech¡± ways of communicating
with other onboard or who are close by.
Ring the fog bell or a quick blast of the horn in a
predetermined code to signal your crew for meals, departure,
bed or common practices. It¡¯s far less annoying to
the marina neighbors, than yelling at the top of your
lungs and very effective at a private anchorage.
Common Sound Signals
Some common sound signals you should be familiar with
as a recreational boater are:
Changing Direction when approaching or overtaking another
vessel:
- One short blast tells others ¡°I intend to pass you
on my port (left) side.
- Two short blasts inform other boaters you are going
to pass them on my starboard side. Signals are always
in relation to the boat sounding the horn.
- Three long blasts at bridges indiacte the operator
to raise the bridge.
- Busy canal systems use traffic signal lights at locks
to indicate stop, go or caution.
- One prolonged blast is a warning signal. For example,
it's used for when coming around a blind bend or exiting
a slip or harbour.
Communicating with Dinghy
or Other Cruisers
When family members are out exploring in the dinghy,
three choices of electronics can keep you in touch.
A hand held VHF and Family Channel Walkie Talkies are
the most popular as the air time is free. The VHF reaches
further. For private conversations, a cell phone or
the new cell phone with the walkie talkie feature work
extremely well. For centuries, sailors and yachtsmen
have communicated from ship to ship by flying certain
flags from a halyard. Flags signify membership in yacht
clubs, Power and Sail Squadrons, country, province or
simply ¡°welcome aboard¡±.
Wireless Internet
A Hot Spot is another name for a Wi-Fi access point
or an area where there's an open wireless network. You
can only access the Internet where there are hot spots,
so you could be quite limited. But, in areas where there
are hot spots, using the Internet is ideal to make or
change reservations for dockage, meals or supplies.
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Cell Phones
With more and more people carrying cell phones, even
kids, you can talk to each other whether you are across
the harbour or the other side of the world. The cell
phone is a great way to get messages to one another
while boating.
GPS Enabled Cell Phones
Designed for families, some providers allow adults to
locate the kids¡¯ phones by viewing a map on the adult¡¯s
phone or on the provider¡¯s website showing the street
address and surrounding landmarks. Other providers allow
you to view and monitor your family or staff locations
in real-time, on a zoomable on-line map. These are excellent
devices for the water and extremely effective in an
emergency in the event your children or another family
or crew member get lost or into trouble on the water.
VHF Radios
With the new Digital Selective Calling (DSC) VHF Radios,
you can privately hail another DSC equipped vessel,
or shore station with a known MMSI (Maritime Mobile
Service Identity) number. Like having a ¡°VHF phone
number,¡± this avoids having to monitor high traffic
channels just for a hail from your boating buddy. It
even ¡°rings¡± your radio, similar to a telephone, notifying
you that you have a call displaying the caller information.
MMSI numbers must be registered in your home country
and can be used in any country. DSC is now available
on the East and West coasts of Canada and in the United
States. The Great Lakes Area has some service on Lake
Ontario¡ªmore will follow.
E911 and Cell Phone
The
newer GPS-enabled cell phones will be far more accurate
in determining the location of the caller¡ªprovided
the receiver of the call has the updated technology
to convert the cell phone location to an address. The
Enhanced 911 (E911) service, gives emergency dispatchers
the ability to answer wireless calls promptly, obtain
the caller¡¯s mobile number and pinpoint  the
calling location.
Conclusion
Communication
devices and methods for use aboard your boat, to other
boats and to shore are varied. Be sure your boat is
equipped with the communication systems and methods
appropriate for your vessel and voyages. Teach everyone
on board how to use them, so boating experiences are
safer and more enjoyable.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, will be
to keep up with the rapidly changing technology.
Happy Boating and Clear Communication.
Emergency Calls &
Communicating
Communication in emergency situations can be performed
with either your VHF or cell Phone. You can talk with
the Coast Guard using Channel 16 on your VHF. They usually
ask you to switch to another channel, leaving 16 free
for other calls. For a private call to the Coast Guard,
dial *16 on your cell phone. Give them your location
or position, the exact nature of the problem, the number
of people on board, your boat¡¯s name, registration
and description.
With the new DSC VHF Radios, you have a One-Button Emergency
Transmit capability that sends out the vessel¡¯s unique
MMSI number and, if properly connected to your GPS,
the vessel¡¯s latitude/longitude position, as well as
all your boat data. It will continue to send a distress
signal.
For emergencies within the marina, you can dial 911
on your cell phone, but the problem arises when the
present system can¡¯t get a fix on your exact location,
as it can when using a land line. A cell phone transmission
can bounce to a tower in another area where the dispatcher
may not be familiar with your area. Ahead of needing
it, memorize the exact street address and town to give
to the 911 operator.
If you need the police (not ambulance or fire), you
can dial *OPP in Ontario and be connected directly to
an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) dispatcher.
Alternatively, for boaters who do most of their cruising
in only one area, spend a few minutes with the local
phone book. Enter into the memory of your cell phone
all the applicable emergency numbers. (Page
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