Have a working VHF (with DSC and correct MMSI programmed) as your primary short-range comms, a separate handheld VHF as backup, a registered 406 MHz EPIRB for life-threatening events, and at least one waterproofed mobile phone as a supplementary contact method. Put a short, written escalation sequence on board (who calls who, which device to use first, when to activate the EPIRB), check and charge all batteries, and practise the procedure with your crew before leaving port.
Practical steps and recommended kit
- Primary VHF with DSC: confirm MMSI programming, test DSC watch and ensure antenna and feed are in good condition. Know how to make a Mayday and a PAN-PAN call.
- Secondary radio: a waterproof handheld VHF kept in a separate, easily accessible location and kept fully charged. Consider a dedicated spare battery or charger.
- EPIRB (406 MHz): ensure registration details are current and the unit is mounted so it can be released quickly or activated manually. Know how and when to deploy it.
- Mobile phone: in a waterproof case or dry bag with emergency numbers saved; treat it as supplementary because coverage deteriorates offshore.
- Power and charging plan: spare battery packs, a method to recharge handhelds at sea (12 V charger or power bank), and routine checks of battery condition.
- Written escalation checklist: who calls shore contacts, when to use the VHF voice vs DSC vs EPIRB, and the person responsible for making the call.
Plain-English explanation of why this matters
VHF (voice) is the usual, immediate way to talk to other boats and coastal stations; DSC lets you transmit a digital distress signal that carries your MMSI and, if linked, your GPS position. An EPIRB alerts national search-and-rescue authorities when there’s a life-threatening emergency and local help can’t reach you. Mobile phones are convenient for contacting family or shore support but are unreliable farther offshore, so they should never be your only plan.
Important factors that change the advice
- How far offshore you plan to go and the expected time to rescue — greater distance increases reliance on satellite-capable alerts and self-rescue skills.
- Number and experience of crew — more experienced crew can share roles; singlehanders should simplify procedures and use devices that are quick to deploy.
- Boat configuration and antenna placement — VHF range varies with antenna height and installation quality.
- Local WA SAR practices — procedures and support vary around the state; check current local guidance before departure.
Common mistakes and misunderstandings
- Relying solely on a mobile phone once you’re beyond good VHF or mobile coverage.
- Leaving DSC unprogrammed or not monitoring the DSC watch channel.
- Not updating EPIRB/PLB registration details after contact changes.
- Storing all radios together so a single incident (flooding or fire) disables primary and backup.
Two realistic sailing examples
- Weekend coastal hop (3–6 NM offshore) with two experienced crew: primary fixed VHF on channel 16/67 with DSC watch on, handheld VHF in a locker but ready in a cockpit pouch, mobile phone in a dry-bag for shore calls. Escalation: VHF voice to nearby boats/Coastguard → DSC alert if unable to talk → EPIRB only if abandoned or life-threat.
- Overnight passage (longer offshore stretch) with family crew: fixed VHF + DSC, handheld stowed on lifejackets, EPIRB mounted for rapid release, two charged power banks for phones/handhelds and a short drill so everyone knows their role in a man-overboard or abandoning situation. Escalation: immediate Mayday via VHF with position, DSC alert if voice fails, EPIRB if situation is uncontrollable or if the boat is being abandoned.
One realistic next step you can take
Run a short pre-departure communications check: confirm EPIRB registration details, test DSC transmission using a safe test procedure, fully charge handhelds and spare batteries, and perform a 10–15 minute crew drill covering a Mayday call, DSC alert and EPIRB deployment.
Important scope note: specific legal requirements, local SAR contact procedures or changes to WA rescue arrangements can change—check current guidance from relevant Western Australian rescue and coastguard authorities before you go offshore.