VHF Tips

[Roc]

So I kinda went with your recommendations I went to west marine and got the extended 2yr warranty, but went with the ICON m93d with gps. Since I'm new to fishing in the ocean and will probably be going alone most times I just wanted the peace of mind of knowing the machine will send out my coordinates, cause I won't know em. And compared to the SH, the Icons antenna seemed way sturdier. So now I gotta get a MMSI #, I've read that somehow you can get it for free? Is this true & Can anyone here direct me where to get it??

[FISH11]

You don't need an MMSI#, unless you have a bunch of friends that you are going to be sharing conversations with. That is more for like private conversations. The radio works as a normal VHS radio the way it comes. You can program the channels you wish to scan usually one is 16 for emergencies, the main channels guys in the San Diego fishing community use channels 68 and 69.

[FullFlavorPike]

As to one of your more important questions: the coast guard will probably hear you from as far offshore as you are going in your kayak, even if you're just on a handheld. They have pretty powerful radio equipment.

[Roc]

Took me all day, but I finally found where to get a free MMSI number. May same some of you $25. Just have to create a member acct

http://www.usps.org/php/mmsi/home.php

[JohnMckroidJr]

Originally Posted by Roc

Took me all day, but I finally found where to get a free MMSI number. May same some of you $25. Just have to create a member acct

http://www.usps.org/php/mmsi/home.php

Good find! The United States Power Squadrons has a long history of educating the public on boating safety. Their website is an excellent resource for boating safety and education.

[JohnMckroidJr]

Originally Posted by FullFlavorPike

As to one of your more important questions: the coast guard will probably hear you from as far offshore as you are going in your kayak, even if you're just on a handheld. They have pretty powerful radio equipment.

I concur that the USCG has some sophisticated radios. I have been off Boynton Beach and talked with USCG Group Miami with my handheld off the kayak, and that's over 25 miles away. With the drier air off California, the line of sight rule has even less validity as sometimes one can get a sky bounce to reach San Pedro Marine operator as far as halfway down the coast of Baja.

[TJones]

Originally Posted by FISH11

You don't need an MMSI#, unless you have a bunch of friends that you are going to be sharing conversations with. That is more for like private conversations. The radio works as a normal VHS radio the way it comes. You can program the channels you wish to scan usually one is 16 for emergencies, the main channels guys in the San Diego fishing community use channels 68 and 69.

Are emergency responders still gonna receive your signal and come out if it is not registered?

[FISH11]

Originally Posted by TJones

Are emergency responders still gonna receive your signal and come out if it is not registered?

Not automatically, they can hear your message and if you read out the coordinates from the screen, then you are OK. The automatic feature is definitely an advantage in an emergency. Thanks to Roc, for doing the work in finding an easy way to get an MMSI#. I followed his link late last night and got mine, it was very simple. THANKS Roc!

[JohnMckroidJr]

Originally Posted by FISH11

You don't need an MMSI#, unless you have a bunch of friends that you are going to be sharing conversations with. That is more for like private conversations. The radio works as a normal VHS radio the way it comes. You can program the channels you wish to scan usually one is 16 for emergencies, the main channels guys in the San Diego fishing community use channels 68 and 69.

Having an MMSI# is an extra layer of safety. If you ever have to make a distress call, they will be able to retrieve all the information that you entered to acquire the MMSI. With that info, they will have a rough idea of who they are trying to rescue.

[JohnMckroidJr]

Originally Posted by Roc

So I kinda went with your recommendations I went to west marine and got the extended 2yr warranty, but went with the ICON m93d with gps. Since I'm new to fishing in the ocean and will probably be going alone most times I just wanted the peace of mind of knowing the machine will send out my coordinates, cause I won't know em. And compared to the SH, the Icons antenna seemed way sturdier. So now I gotta get a MMSI #, I've read that somehow you can get it for free? Is this true & Can anyone here direct me where to get it??

I carry a PLB, and since I break and lose VHF radio's frequently, I opted for the cheaper unit. Having a radio with DSC is an extra layer of safety -- good for you, and nice job posting the MMSI link.