Short-Range “Mayday” Tools
For close range, try a “marine hailer,” like a Standard Horizon 240SW ($40) or even a megaphone. Man-overboard (MOB) alarm devices, like Raymarine’s LifeTag ($600, raymarine.com), consist of personal transmitters and a shipboard receiver that sounds an alert when a crew member, or even a family pet, falls overboard. If all else fails, try a plastic whistle. ACR Electronics’ WW-3 Res-Q rescue whistle costs $7 on amazon.com.

Six for Safety



ICOM IC-M412 VHF
Red DSC button signals distress
$200, icomamerica.com


Simrad EP50 Auto EPIRB
Sends distress signal by satellite
$1,136, simrad-yachting.com



Cell Phone Amplifier
Extends, enhances cell range
$180, digitalantenna.com



ACR Nauticast B AIS
Broadcasts info to other vessels
$850, acrelectronics.com


Simrad SA50 SART
Sends rescue signals to radar
$979, simrad-yachting.com


Raymarine LifeTag
A man-overboard alert system
$600, raymarine.com

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The U.S. Coast Guard is asking all boat owners and operators to help reduce fatalities, injuries, property damage, and associated healthcare costs related to recreational boating accidents by taking personal responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their passengers. Essential steps include: wearing a life jacket at all times and requiring passengers to do the same; never boating under the influence (BUI); successfully completing a boating safety course; and getting a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) annually from local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, United States Power Squadrons(r), or your state boating agency's Vessel Examiners. The U.S. Coast Guard reminds all boaters to "Boat Responsibly!" For more tips on boating safety, visit www.uscgboating.org.