174. Offshore Communication: Why VHF and Phones May Not Be Enough

The Reality Offshore

Once you go far enough offshore (often 50–100+ miles):

• VHF range drops
• cell service disappears

What Many Boaters Don’t Realize

You may be completely out of communication range.

Consider SSB (Single Sideband Radio)

SSB allows:

• long-distance communication
• offshore coverage
• weather info access

Other Options

• satellite phones
• EPIRBs / PLBs
• AIS distress features

Why This Matters

Offshore means:

👉 you are on your own longer

Final Thought

If you’re going far offshore, plan communication BEFORE you leave.