Updated March 17, 2026
In our last post we talked about some options for boaters who enjoy small rivers and lakes. Well, this time it is for those that are out in the open water. We have a nice selection of marine radios here on our site, but how many radios do you need on a boat?
Most of you think that all you need is perhaps a nice hand held VHF two way radio or fixed transceiver. Often this is all you need to basic communication, especially when you are not going far from shore.
However, have you thought about a radio for your ditch bag? You do have a ditch bag correct? If the answer is "no" or "what is that?" you really may want to learn more about one. Essentially a ditch bag, or overboard bag, is an emergency kit you take with you in a worse case situations such as abandoning ship. It should contain some basic survival equipment and should be a waterproof bag or container. (For more information on what you should have in your ditch bag, there are a lot of online resources that can help.)
One of the most important items you can have is a VHF hand held two way radio. Most marine radios are water resistant, but you should also have the radio in its own waterproof bag or container. Being able to send out a radio message to recue searchers in an overboard situation is lifesaving. In an emergency you may not have time to search for a radio (or you have one that is installed), much less gather all the survival gear you may need. A well prepared emergency ditch bag, that is easy to get to, should be one of the most important safety items on your boat.
Another thing to consider is redundancy. On the water, radios are more than just a convenience—they are often your primary way to call for help or stay in contact with other vessels. Batteries can fail, electrical systems can go down, and equipment can be damaged in rough conditions. Having a second radio available, especially a handheld unit stored in your ditch bag, gives you a backup option if your primary radio is not available when you need it.
It is also a good idea to keep your ditch bag radio fully charged and ready to go at all times. Many boaters make it a habit to check their safety gear before heading out, making sure the batteries are charged and the radio powers on properly. A radio that hasn’t been used in months may not be ready when an emergency happens, so a quick check before leaving the dock can make a big difference.
Of course, hopefully you will never need to use your ditch bag at all. But being prepared is always the best approach when spending time on open water. A little planning ahead of time can provide a lot of peace of mind, and a handheld marine radio in your emergency kit can be one of the most valuable tools you have on your boat if the unexpected occurs.