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OFFSHORE SERIES OWNER’S MANUAL
OFFSHORE SERIES 38 | P a g e
SECTION 4: OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
COMMUNICATIONS
The Following Applies to The Great Lakes and Saltwater Boating:
When boating off-shore, carry communications gear such as a marine VHF-FM and/or HF transceiver(s), appropriate to the
operating area. Cellular phone coverage is available in many coastal areas. However, cellular phones should NOT be
considered a substitute for VHF-FM marine band radios for emergency purposes. In distress situations, press the VHF
transmit button and clearly say: MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY. Follow this with the vessel name and/or description, the location,
nature of emergency and number of people on-board. Then release the transmit button and wait for 10 seconds. If there is
no response, repeat the MAYDAY call. Satellite EPIRBs (406 MHz) are designed to quickly and reliably alert rescue forces,
indicate an accurate distress position, and guide rescue units to the distress scene, even when all other communications fail.
When activated, the satellite EPIRB transmits a distress signal with a beacon-unique identifying code. The system detects the
signal, calculates an accurate distress position, checks the unique identifying code against the EPIRB registration database
(vessel and point of contact information supplied by the owner) and routes the distress alert with registration information
to the responsible U.S. Coast Guard (or International) Rescue Coordination Center (RCC). 406MHz EPIRBs with GPS (internal
or attached) also provide an immediate GPS position in the information passed to the RCC. Geostationary satellites make
detection almost immediate. If the EPIRB does not have the ability to provide a GPS position, the process to determine a
position takes about an hour on average and almost always less than two hours. Satellite EPIRBs also include a homing beacon
and strobe to help rescue forces quickly locate the distress scene. Satellite beacons have significant coverage, alerting
timeliness, position accuracy, and signaling advantages over other types of EPIRBs (121.5 MHz). Before purchasing or using
something other than the 406 MHz EPIRB, be sure to understand the capabilities and limitations. Further information and a
complete listing of VHF channels and frequencies is available at: www.navcen.uscg.gov.
INSURANCE
Even if someone else is operating the boat, the owner is generally held liable for any damages or injuries that occur. It is in
the owner’s best interest to maintain sufficient personal liability and property damage insurance on the boat in anticipation
of potential judgments. Guarding against theft is another consideration.
WEATHER
Never leave the dock without first checking the local weather forecast. Weather information is available from television,
radio, local newspaper, online or from a weather channel on a VHF radio. At certain times of the year, weather can change
rapidly, and boaters should always keep an eye out for weather conditions.
While boating, pay attention to the following:
• Watch for cloud build-up, especially rapid, vertically rising clouds.
• Sudden drop in temperature.
• Sudden change in wind direction and/or speed.