Emergency marine communications

This page has all the information you need to know in case you need to contact someone to let them know you are in trouble out on the water.

Before going out follow these steps and hopefully you won’t have to use your emergency marine communications:

Check the marine weather forecast and ensure you and your boat are suited to the conditions.
Let someone know before you go – Where, when, what time you will be back and number of people on board. You can also log your trip with your local Volunteer Marine Rescue and by using marine apps like DECKEE.
Ensure you have sufficient fuel and reserve fuel. Plan for 1/3 OUT, 1/3 BACK, 1/3 RESERVE. Make sure you maintain your vessel.
Fully charge all your batteries – boat battery, mobile phone and handheld marine radios.
Check which lifejacket you need and wear it.
Check which safety gear you need on board. Having a mobile phone, flares, EPIRB and marine radio could save your life.

Flares must be carried on boats operating in both semi-protected and un-protected waters. Learn how and when to use them in an emergency.

Small electronic device that helps search and rescue find people in distress on the water.

Designed for the marine environment. Learn how and when to use one.

Find your safety gear in 30 seconds - Put a lifejacket on, grab your flares, make a radio call. See how easy it’s done. Safety gear is only helpful if accessible in an emergency.

Watch these videos to see how to use flares and EPIRBS. Remember:

Flares can only be used once. Try another form of communication such as your marine radio or mobile phone first. If you do need to use your flare, wait till you can see another vessel before setting it off and use your reserve flare to guide rescuers
You should only use an EPIRB when there is grave and imminent danger. During an emergency, you should first try to communicate with others by using a mobile phone, marine radio or other signaling devices such as flares.