Risk Factors in Boating and How Icom's Marine Radio Equipment Can Support Maritime Safety
Boating adventures can be exhilarating, but in worst-case scenarios, a marine accident can claim lives. This page highlights the main risks of boating and explains how Icom's marine communications system supports safe marine life. Icom's radio systems are designed to help you stay connected and call for assistance in emergencies, improving your chances of being rescued quickly and safely. At Icom, we are committed to providing reliable and effective communication solutions that enhance the safety of all boaters.
Common Risks Associated with Boating
① Weather conditions
Weather conditions at sea can change suddenly and present significant risks, including high winds, waves, and storms.
② Equipment failure
Mechanical failures such as engine problems or steerage errors can cause accidents and leave the boat stranded.
③ Fire risk
Fuel, electrical systems, and cooking equipment can be a source of starting a fire. Also, flammable boat materials such as wood, fiberglass, and plastics can spread a fire.
④ Capsizing
Boat capsizing can lead to a life-threatening dangerous situation. Capsizing can be due to a variety of factors, including human error, weather condition and mechanical failure.
⑤ Flooding
Flooding can damage equipment and render it inoperable, subsequently make it difficult to control the boat, or possibly to sink the boat.
⑥ Navigation hazard
Rocks, sandbars, and other underwater hazards can damage the boat and cause accidents.⑦ Collision with other vessels
⑦ Collision with other vessels
The number of boats can increase the risk of collisions, especially in heavy traffic areas.
⑧ Medical emergencies
When a crew member suffers a medical accident or injury, being far from shore makes it difficult to get medical attention.
⑨ Falling overboard
If boat passengers slip and fall into the water, it may result in drowning or hypothermia.
Keep yourself and your passengers safe on the water Icom's Lifesaving instruments for boaters
A VHF Marine Transceiver for Emergency Situations
One of the most common causes of pleasure boats becoming inoperable at sea is equipment failure or a lack of fuel. To ensure maritime safety, boaters must engage in daily maintenance and checks before departing. However, in the event of an insurmountable problem, boaters should seek help from others. In such a situation, a VHF marine transceiver can be used to make direct calls to other ships or shore radio stations, even if there is no cell phones service at sea. Additionally, models equipped with the DSC function possess a "DISTRESS" button that, when pressed, continually sends out distress signals and position information. It is crucial to install a VHF marine transceiver in case of an emergency.
Simplified AIS (Automatic Identification System) for Collision Prevention
Most accidents involving pleasure boats are related to collisions or grounding. These accidents typically occur due to a lack of proper watch-keeping while anchoring or fishing. This is because of the difficulty in identifying boats from other vessels or ships. To address this problem, installing AIS can be highly effective in enhancing situational awareness. AIS serves as a support system for monitoring the environment around a vessel, which can help prevent collisions and improve overall safety.
What the AIS Receiver Can Do?
・Provide a range of information about other ships in the area, including their position, speed, course, and other relevant data.
・Display floating beacons and buoys which is usually difficult to detect by marine radars.
・Active the CPA (Closest Point of Approach) /TCPA (Time to CPA) alarm function when another vessel is getting closer.
・Check the position and course of other vessels even in rough weather or thick fog.
What the AIS Transponder Can Do?
・Actively broadcast its own vessel's information to other vessels and shore-based stations.
・Help improve situational awareness by allowing other vessels to track its position and movements, thereby reducing the risk of collisions.
・Receive safety-related messages from an AIS equipped vessel or coast stations in the area.
MOB (Man Overboard) Function for Emergency Situations
When a crew member falls overboard, it is crucial to rescue them as quickly as possible. The MOB (Man Overboard) function can assist a lifesaver in such situations. It uses GNSS (GPS) to mark the location of the person who has fallen overboard, making it easier for the boat to navigate back to that spot. This reduces the risk of losing track of the target and makes it easier to locate the person in the water, even in challenging conditions such as high winds and waves. The MOB function is an essential safety feature that can help save lives in emergency situations.