Marine Chartplotter, VHF Radio & Sound Signaling Kit

Know where you are, be able to call for help and be heard in fog.

Intermediate

5 min

MARINE CHARTPLOTTER, VHF RADIO & SOUND SIGNALING KIT
[ ] Fixed/Handheld Marine VHF
[ ] Sonar Chartplotter
[ ] Air Horn Canister

Marine VHF: choose fixed or handheld for your boat, and check the maker's range and waterproof rating.
Sonar Chartplotter: the owner's spec. Update maps as the maker advises and learn the screen on a calm day.
Air Horn Canister: keep a spare. Check the label for storage and temperature limits.

Test the radio before you cast off. Make a quick radio check and confirm you can hear and be heard. Why it matters: a radio that does not work is the same as no radio.
Know your location in words. Be able to say where you are using the plotter, landmarks or a position. Write it on the card by the helm.
Learn the call. Read the official guidance for distress calls and practice with your crew. Check uscgboating.org and fcc.gov for current radio guidance.

Gear types only.

Fixed-mount or floating handheld marine VHF
Sonar and chartplotter combo
Marine air horn with spare canisters
Waterproof radio case and lanyard
Wild Dirt headwear for sun and wind on the water (headwear category)

Radio licensing, call procedures, required sound signals and navigation rules vary by vessel, location and trip. Check current local rules, and read the official sources. Start with the U.S. Coast Guard (uscgboating.org), the FCC (fcc.gov) and your state boating agency.

The chart tells you where you are, the radio gets you help and the horn gets you seen. Test all three before you go. Built by explorers, for the water and the trail.

Radio

Fixed/Handheld Marine VHF, charged and tested before you leave
Antenna connected, and a floating handheld stowed in a waterproof case
Radio check done, with a quick call to a friend or a local service
A laminated card by the helm with your boat name, location and distress call steps
Know how to use the distress button, if your radio has one

Navigation

Sonar Chartplotter powered up and charts updated before the trip
Your route and waypoints saved, with a marked ramp or harbor of refuge
Paper chart or a phone app as a backup
Depth alarm set for your boat

Sound signals

Air Horn Canister tested and spare canister aboard
Whistle or bell as a backup
Know the fog signal your boat should use, from your boating guide

Power and backups

Spare batteries or a charged power bank for the handheld
Charts and radio manual stored in a dry bag
Flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries

Before you leave

Float plan left with someone ashore
Check the marine forecast and any local warnings
Tell everyone aboard how to use the radio

Radio

Fixed/Handheld Marine VHF, charged and tested before you leave
Antenna connected, and a floating handheld stowed in a waterproof case
Radio check done, with a quick call to a friend or a local service
A laminated card by the helm with your boat name, location and distress call steps
Know how to use the distress button, if your radio has one

Navigation

Sonar Chartplotter powered up and charts updated before the trip
Your route and waypoints saved, with a marked ramp or harbor of refuge
Paper chart or a phone app as a backup
Depth alarm set for your boat

Sound signals

Air Horn Canister tested and spare canister aboard
Whistle or bell as a backup
Know the fog signal your boat should use, from your boating guide

Power and backups

Spare batteries or a charged power bank for the handheld
Charts and radio manual stored in a dry bag
Flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries

Before you leave

Float plan left with someone ashore
Check the marine forecast and any local warnings
Tell everyone aboard how to use the radio