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wrote:
On 20 Jan 2006 08:23:30 -0800, wrote:

I hope that the survey doesn't encourage some
neophyte to think that he can safely substitute a cell phone for a VHF
aboard a boat operating "at sea", or that there's even some serious
debate about the subject.

A lot really depends on the cell phone and the VHF. If you have a 3
watt bag phone, connected to a good marine antenna it will get out
better than a handheld VHF, maybe even better than a hard wired VHF.
It depends on how far you are from a cell tower or the nearest other
vessel with VHF.

You're out fishing and your engine dies.

I go by within easy sight so you can see the name on my boat. I notice
that you're not underway, but you've still got your fishing gear out so
I figure you're intentionally drifting along- or that you would be
calling for help- so I just mind my own business and press on.

You'd really like to get my attention and ask for a tow, or some fuel,
or what not.......
What's my cell phone number?