Skills

Marine Communications: Outfitting Your Boat for the Great Lakes

The equipment you need to communicate on the water varies depending on where and how you will use your boat. Furthermore, the technologies for communicating are changing all the time. Do you possess the appropriate communication equipment? Is your current equipment outdated and potentially unsafe? Does your equipment match your cruising plans? Join Christian Sandvig, University of Michigan professor and member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, for a thorough look at modern marine communications equipment.

The right communication equipment depends to a large degree on where you cruise. On the Great Lakes, many cruisers go port to port along the coast but it is not unusual for us to make open water crossings where prudence requires a very different approach.

For example, even if your boat is otherwise well-equipped for a big adventure like cruising the Great Loop, the Great Lakes can easily produce communication needs you didn't expect to encounter. Are you ready for them? Also Great Lakes cruising frequently involves abiding by both Canadian and US communication rules and channels. Do you know them?

In this GLCCSchool webinar, Christian Sandvig will review how to outfit your boat for communication on the Great Lakes. He will cover radio, satellite and Internet options, as well as how to best address your needs to communicate for distress, navigation and just staying connected. Also in his webinar he will address options for outfitting your boat with VHF, DSC, AIS, PLBs, EPIRBs, SARTs, antennas, various MOB devices and more. 

No previous communications experience is necessary.

Webinar photo courtesy of Garret Parker.

Meet The Instructor

Christian Sandvig
Christian Sandvig is a Professor at the University of Michigan and an active member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. He has cruised in the Great Lakes, the Pacific Northwest, Mid-Atlantic States and the Mediterranean. Christian has taught courses about radio communication for over 20 years.

Related Webinars

Marine Communications: How to Talk on a Marine Radio
Whether in the Great Lakes or the Atlantic Ocean, everyone on board must be able to use the VHF radio in an emergency. Is your crew prepared? Many people are intimidated by this simple device because they have never had a gentle introduction with clear examples and straightforward procedures. Join Christian Sandvig, University of Michigan professor and member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, to learn how to demystify this vital piece of marine safety equipment.