Coastguard says mobile phones should not be relied on at sea

Guernsey Coastguard and the all-weather lifeboat were called to an incident of two people clinging onto a capsized dinghy off of St Martin’s point on Monday.

They called for help using a mobile phone.

Guernsey Coastguard coordinates maritime search and rescue activity through VHF Channel 16 for emergency calls and VHF Channel 20 for routine communications.

‘VHF radio is the minimum communication equipment that you should have on your vessel.

‘Depending on aerial height, transmission power and weather conditions, vessels can communicate up to 30 nautical miles from land,’ said search mission coordinator and deputy harbour master James Way.

‘If you are just off the coast, you may be able to get reception on your mobile telephone.

‘However, that cannot be relied upon as the mobile signal at sea can be extremely limited and will diminish the further you get from land.’

Boat owners should all consider carrying an emergency position indication radio beacon.

EPIRBS should be registered with the coastguard to provide full details of the boat, and can enable those in trouble to raise alarm to distress when they are more than 30 nautical miles off the coast and out of VHF radio range.

All mariners are reminded of the three P’s – prepare, provide and perform – when taking to the water, and to take note of weather and tidal conditions.

This can reduce the likelihood of getting into difficulty and increase the chances of safe rescue should things go wrong.