In all situations, VHF radio is the most efficient means of communication.

If you are planning to use a cellphone as your only means of communication, consider the advantages VHF has over your cellphone:

• Better coverage and fewer shadow areas
  
  
• Collective safety with both shore stations and other boats listening. If you are in distress you want everyone possible to know
  
  
• Batteries in a VHF are longer lasting
  
  
• There is no need to remember phone numbers
  
  
• You are not relying on just one person to pass on the message.

These advantages work for everyone if all vessels keep a constant listening watch on Channel 16, the international distress channel.