I presume you mean Marine VHF handheld for the fishing kayak.

This is what I recommend.

https://www.burnsco.co.nz/vhf-handheld-icom-ic-m25?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17298319403&gbraid=0AAAAADorVtfR81WrzbVUrVOWxcZxdZBOG&gclid=Cj0KCQjw7cLOBhDmARIsAGsuA0nBxsKoyRyhp6T80EBBQyEWgezae7QHGaF-3rOlnDX0MIL-3eVit_EaAs40EALw_wcB

There are cheaper ones on the market, they claim to be waterproof but I know most die if they get wet.

My Icom has been swimming twice or more and works perfectly. ( I used it last weekend )

I know they are expensive but your life is worth it.

John

Sitting down low to the water in a kayak - does that not overly limit range? VHF is line of sight. Might get better coverage with a cellphone esp one that supports satellite. 

It used to be that to operate a marine vhf radio one had to have an operator’s certificate and the vessel registered with a call sign. I have a feeling that’s still the rule but few recreational boaters comply?

johno1234:

 

It used to be that to operate a marine vhf radio one had to have an operator’s certificate and the vessel registered with a call sign. I have a feeling that’s still the rule but few recreational boaters comply?

 

Yes technically you do still need call sign and certification. But its not policed as such unless you're being a total ***. :) I have a callsign and doing my MVOC shortly.

SATTV:

 

I presume you mean Marine VHF handheld for the fishing kayak.

 

This is what I recommend.

 

https://www.burnsco.co.nz/vhf-handheld-icom-ic-m25?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17298319403&gbraid=0AAAAADorVtfR81WrzbVUrVOWxcZxdZBOG&gclid=Cj0KCQjw7cLOBhDmARIsAGsuA0nBxsKoyRyhp6T80EBBQyEWgezae7QHGaF-3rOlnDX0MIL-3eVit_EaAs40EALw_wcB

 

There are cheaper ones on the market, they claim to be waterproof but I know most die if they get wet.

 

 

 

My Icom has been swimming twice or more and works perfectly. ( I used it last weekend )

 

I know they are expensive but your life is worth it.

 

John

 

Yeah I'm looking at the available units at Burnsco, but figured if I can get one cheaper second hand thats collecting dust, win win for both parties :)

If nothing comes up by time I complete my MVOC, I'll grab new.

I used to give seminars on kayak VHF use...

My three rules:

(1) Tie the VHF to your body/PFD with a lanyard.

(2) Put it into an Aquapac case (Aquapac hq is in the UK - started by a kiwi bloke).

(3) Learn to use it properly.

You don't need to take the course - or pass the exam - unless you want to.
A friend and I self-studied and passed the exam easily enough. 
(But we wouldn't have without the study.)
Hey - it's your life... 

From a kayak, you've got good coverage on Ch 16 (the emergency channel) everywhere you're likely to paddle in NZ. Range isn't an issue - as there are coastal repeater stations.

I've had to use a VHF seriously in the Hauraki Gulf (Mayday helicopter call-out), used it for a PanPan (dangerous, submerged floating obstacle) and used it for weather & TRs from Cape Reinga to Milford Sound. Using it to keep abreast of changing weather is great for staying safe - and having it for a Mayday can, obviously, save someone's life. 

But, after some set of horrific conditions have separated you from your kayak & paddle - it's vital that they haven't separated you from your VHF - hence the lanyard. That mistake killed Andrew Mcauley.

Put it in an Aquapac - my 2002 VHF is still alive - after 4 generations of bag. Many friends have told me I'm silly - the IP68 rating (of the VHF) means you don't need a bag... and they're all on their 5th VHF. The bags are cheaper. The IP68 rating is at date of manufacture. After a year or so, the small salt crystals bugger up the seals and you have a leaky bit of electronics. Trust me.

Plus the bag has a lanyard.

I don't think you can buy a non-floating VHF these days (pity). The floating aspect is only useful for the thickos who won't use a lanyard. If I'm afloat, so is my VHF. If I'm not, I don't care. The flotation just makes it bulky (or reduces the battery). 

johno1234:

 

Sitting down low to the water in a kayak - does that not overly limit range? VHF is line of sight. Might get better coverage with a cellphone esp one that supports satellite. 

 

Yes there is a limited range on a VHF handheld, but there are repeaters that extend range.

The idea of a VHF is you just push the button and talk, there is nothing else to do, everyone on channel can hear you and then if you need help they can assist.

With a phone, you have to get it, unlock it however ( not so easy if it is wet ) call someone, wait for them to answer, if assistance is needed to send help. A lot more complex and no one else can hear what is going on to offer help.

A cell phone should never be used as a primary communication device in a marine environment, only as a secondary device in case something happens to the primary device.

John

I work for Coastguard so training is a perk :)

I'll mainly be around the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, plenty of boaties around to hear my screams :)

Will also have mobile on hand, and will prob grab at least one flare for that peace of mind if crap really hits the fan. (Or water in my case)

pdh:

 

I used to give seminars on kayak VHF use...

 

My three rules:

 

(1) Tie the VHF to your body/PFD with a lanyard.

 

(2) Put it into an Aquapac case (Aquapac hq is in the UK - started by a kiwi bloke).

 

(3) Learn to use it properly.

 

You don't need to take the course - or pass the exam - unless you want to.
A friend and I self-studied and passed the exam easily enough. 
(But we wouldn't have without the study.)
Hey - it's your life... 

 

From a kayak, you've got good coverage on Ch 16 (the emergency channel) everywhere you're likely to paddle in NZ. Range isn't an issue - as there are coastal repeater stations.

 

I've had to use a VHF seriously in the Hauraki Gulf (Mayday helicopter call-out), used it for a PanPan (dangerous, submerged floating obstacle) and used it for weather & TRs from Cape Reinga to Milford Sound. Using it to keep abreast of changing weather is great for staying safe - and having it for a Mayday can, obviously, save someone's life. 

 

But, after some set of horrific conditions have separated you from your kayak & paddle - it's vital that they haven't separated you from your VHF - hence the lanyard. That mistake killed Andrew Mcauley.

 

Put it in an Aquapac - my 2002 VHF is still alive - after 4 generations of bag. Many friends have told me I'm silly - the IP68 rating (of the VHF) means you don't need a bag... and they're all on their 5th VHF. The bags are cheaper. The IP68 rating is at date of manufacture. After a year or so, the small salt crystals bugger up the seals and you have a leaky bit of electronics. Trust me.

 

Plus the bag has a lanyard.

 

I don't think you can buy a non-floating VHF these days (pity). The floating aspect is only useful for the thickos who won't use a lanyard. If I'm afloat, so is my VHF. If I'm not, I don't care. The flotation just makes it bulky (or reduces the battery). 

 

I highly recommend the course , the exam is hard for older people as you have the time limit . I helped my father in law in knew the answers but struggled entering them in online . I learnt a lot I should have done the exam as well. The course should be mandatory I think 🤔 

Making 'mandatory' anything that helps keep you safe... is against the general principles of Darwinism ;-) 

Stu1:

 

I highly recommend the course , the exam is hard for older people as you have the time limit . I helped my father in law in knew the answers but struggled entering them in online . I learnt a lot I should have done the exam as well. The course should be mandatory I think 🤔 

 

A lot of things regarding boating should be mandatory in NZ, but are not, mainly because there's no way to police it without an entire police force dedicated to it.