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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?

If that is the case then who cares.....just get out the flare gun, the
distress flag and air horn to get your attention.

Regardless, you make a good point and every boater should have a VHF radio
on board. ;-)