How Far Offshore?

How far offshore do you have to be before you are an offshore cruiser? Technically, offshore is just outside the inlet. In fact, most of us have been offshore before we ever thought of owning a boat. If you ever swam in the ocean, once your feet left the bottom, you were offshore.

The next time someone asks you if you have ever been offshore without a radio or an EPIRB (emergency position indicating radio beacon), you might reply: "yes, all I had was my swim suit." However, most of us think of being offshore in a boat when asked that question.

On of the things that you have to consider when you go offshore is how you will communicate in the event of an emergency. The most likely form of communication is your VHF radio. It is a 25-watt radio that relies on "line of site" for transmission. Just as you can see only tall objects past the horizon, your VHF radio's "line of site" has the same limitation.

The average distance that you can "rely" on when using a VHF radio on your boat is 10-15 miles. At times, in the right atmospheric conditions, you have all experienced greater VHF radio range than 10-15 miles. When everything that can go wrong has gone wrong, you are likely to feel the pinch of the 10-15 mile limitation.

Land based VHF stations are authorized to operate a 45-watt radio. They also have a longer and higher antenna than most vessels. Because of the height, length and higher wattage, land stations can transmit 20-30 miles. The height of a land-based antenna can increase your radio range to that station. It is in your line of sight from a further distance than a vessel antenna would be.

When you are out of the site of land, you need to start thinking of alternate means of communication. While your VHF radio may still allow you to communicate with other vessels in your area, we have to consider that fact that you won't always be near other vessels. You need to equip yourself with some "long-range" communication devices.

The most available and affordable communication devices that will work anywhere in the world is an EPIRB (emergency position indicating radio beacon). They are satellite detectable all around the globe. An EPIRB can be "registered" ahead of time so that rescue personnel will know the size and type of your vessel, and other information needed to assist you in an emergency.

An EPIRB transmits a signal to satellites that results in pinpointing your location. It can even do so automatically in the event that your vessel sinks. While it is an invaluable device, it is limited by the fact that the signal received does not state your problem. It simply indicates that you are in "distress." It is one of the distress signals authorized in the Inland and International Navigation Rules.

A "single side band" radio is a more costly but more effective device. It transmits over thousands of miles. One way or the other, when out of VHF radio range, you need to have an alternative. When you need it one day, you'll be glad you have it!

Until next time, I wish you clear skies, fair winds, and calm seas!