Vhf radio use while beach fishing

[Delivers1234]

Not sure where to post?

I know I’m a boat u can use the vhf channels etc 19, 9. If u are fishing on the beach but in the water can I legally use it? For emergencies?

 

[hill]

On the beach would be on land and need a coast station license.

Recreational boats used in US waters don't require a license.

 

[a417]

cellphone?

 

[wtp]

if you are on a beach and using a handheld, you might get help.
but like a417 mentioned, a phone is probably better.
you can see bars on the phone, you can't see who is listening to the radio.

 

[hill]

Sorry I missed the part asking about emergencies with the confusion in the first post.

 

[mmckenna]

Not sure where to post?

I know I’m a boat u can use the vhf channels etc 19, 9. If u are fishing on the beach but in the water can I legally use it? For emergencies?

You would not be covered by the Part 80 rules for this sort of application.

Calling for help from the USCG would result in them responding with an expensive and noisy helicopter or boat. They will not be amused to find you sitting on the beach with a radio. They'll help you, then you'll get a talkin' to.

If you are on land, even wading in the surf, the local agencies will be able to respond much faster. Use a cell phone as that will get you to the local 911 answering point, and they'll see your location and know exactly who to send (might even be the USCG, but let the professionals decide that…)

If you are out of range of cellular service, and do that sort of stuff regularly, and expect to be in an emergency situation (you should always assume that you will be), then get one of the following:
A cell phone that will do SMS via satellite. Some of the newer iPhones and I think Samsungs will do that.
Get a Garmin InReach or similar device.

Unless you specifically have a human on the other end of the radio that is expecting you to call for help in an emergency, don't expect to get help via ham radio, GMRS, CB, FRS or anything else. Use the correct tool for the job.

 

[KG7PBS]

Just use 154.6000

 

[hill]

Just use 154.6000

154.600 is MURS frequency and requires a radio approved for it. MURS radios can only contain the five MURS frequencies and nothing else.

 

[bill4long]

154.600 is MURS frequency and requires a radio approved for it. MURS radios can only contain the five MURS frequencies and nothing else.

FCC de facto doesn't care unless the radio is causing harmful interference and a complaint is made.

 

[KG7PBS]

154.600 is MURS frequency and requires a radio approved for it. MURS radios can only contain the five MURS frequencies and nothing else.

Yes but therer are ours radios every where

 

[mmckenna]

Just use 154.6000

And who, exactly, is going to answer a call for help on a MURS frequency?

Relying on hobby radio services for emergencies is risky at best.

Use a cell phone, dial 911, talk to a professional. Or, get a suitable tool like a Garmin InReach or a newer cell phone that has satellite capabilities. Hobbyists are not emergency resources, ever.

 

[KG7PBS]

154.600 is MURS frequency and requires a radio approved for it. MURS radios can only contain the five MURS frequencies and nothing else.

Ya there’s a lot of good MURS Radios they can buy so times you RRR people get to stuck on the FCC LAWS. Look it’s MURS not police officers frequencies no one is going to get killed if someone used a non MURS RADIO ON 154.6000 okay people let’s get back to helping people out with solutions

 

[mmckenna]

Ya there’s a lot of good MURS Radios they can buy so times you RRR people get to stuck on the FCC LAWS. Look it’s MURS not police officers frequencies no one is going to get killed if someone used a non MURS RADIO ON 154.6000 okay people let’s get back to helping people out with solutions

MURS is not going to solve the issue the OP was asking about. Not even sure why you brought MURS into this discussion.

 

[bill4long]

MURS is not going to solve the issue the OP was asking about. Not even sure why you brought MURS into this discussion.

OP was specific about marine radio but wasn't very specific about what sort of emergency. Something that could be handled by calling to the wife back in the camper 100 yards away? Or something else? He didn't say. MURS and other short range radios can be useful in some kinds of emergencies.

 

[mmckenna]

The question was if the OP could use Marine VHF for use on shore and in emergencies. The answer is no.

MURS is fine for short range communications, but that's no reason to use it illegally, as our ham radio friend suggested. While others are complaining about the lack of integrity within the hobby radio services, encouraging others to ignore rules for every and any reason what so ever simply because it's "easy" is further corrupting our hobbies.

Ham radio operators should know better, but it's becoming apparent that many have no clue what the rules are or how and why to follow them. It's disappointing.

 

[pandel]

"By any means necessary"
We all need to learn how to stay in our own lane.

 

[K5MPH]

All the OP ask can you use a marine radio standing on the water shore or in the water it self for emergences..........

 

[mmckenna]

All the OP ask can you use a marine radio standing on the water shore or in the water it self for emergences..........

And, the OP has a GMRS and amateur license if he wants to use a different radio service, all legally. No point in suggesting using MURS use at all. Much better options in the OP's area.

 

[K5MPH]

I own a marine radio and use it when fishing in my Kayak here in south padre island on the bay,but do belive you are not allowed to use the marine radio while on shore (land) when fishing or not or wade fishing..........

 

[bill4long]

no reason to use it illegally

Of course there is: the FCC rules are stupid and out of date with their de facto policy