KAYAK DIVERS > GEAR > COMMUNICATION

We use a number of different systems for kayak to kayak, and kayak to shore communication, including licence free PMR radios, hand-held marine VHF radios, and mobile phones. PMR446 Licence Free Radios: These are UHF with a kayak to kayak range of around 3km, further to higher ground on shore. You can spend anything from £30 to £340 for a pair. The cheapest ones are rubbish and the expensive ones are really good. Quite good ones that will actually be useful and work start at around £60 for a pair. GOOD: Licence free, reasonably good range, most can be used with standard alkaline batteries. BAD: Nowt, but... REMEMBER: that if you buy really cheap ones they'll be rubbish. Marine VHF: Carried more for emergency use than for regular communication. Also handy for picking up weather and restricted area broadcasts. GOOD: Range, frequent weather and safety broadcasts. BAD: Requires a user and set licence. Strict radio protocol must be followed during all communication. REMEMBER: They're not for idle chit chat, use a PMR instead. Mobile Phones: The primary use of these when out on a kayak in the sun on a flat calm sea is to ring your mates at work to tell them what a fantastic time your having. Obtaining local numbers like the Coastguard and Harbour Master prior to a trip could be useful.... GOOD: Full duplex communication with reasonably good coverage within "kayak range" of shore in most places. BAD: No coverage, no communication. REMEMBER: Flip or slide open phones are hard or impossible to use in waterproof cases.