The first thing the CG does when getting an EPIRB signal is try to raise you
on the VHF, getting an answer will speed rescue. Hopefully you will still
be on the big boat with working VHF, but if not, a waterproof handheld would
be nice. Recent scuttlebutt has noted some "Waterproof" VHFs survive
immersion, but their battery packs do not.
Lee Haefele

hi chuck,

i just thought it was normal to have a vhf when you were in the water
in an emergency. that way the rescuers could talk to you, or maybe if
you see their helicopter you can let them know that you see them, or
their boat, etc. i don't yell very loud! lol. it just seemed like a
good idea to be able to talk to them.