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GLENN HAYES is a marine writer and photographer whose background in the marine industry and in marine electronics spans almost three decades and many thousands of miles at sea traveling the world. He can be reached at

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Communication options for boaters.

KVH’s TracPhone line of satellite phones (left) and Wave WiFi (below) offer two options for communication aboard.

The Spot X (top) and ACR Bivy Stick (bottom) are two satellite communication devices on the market.

For many, the idea of a day on the water means getting away from it all and leaving life and work issues back at the dock. However, communication is vitally important, and the need to keep in touch can be a necessity. Fortunately, there are a variety of good options for communication onboard that can fit the needs of anyone afloat and at any budget.

Start with a VHF Many rely on their cellphones to communicate while aboard, but doing so can be a risky endeavor. Cellular systems are designed to optimize coverage on land, so even if you are not far from a populous area, coverage can be sporadic or nonexistent. Every vessel should have a VHF onboard. It can be a fixed mount with a dedicated antenna or a handheld for in-shore activities. Ideally, every boater should have both, and they are a good option for basic communication.

A VHF will allow boaters to speak quickly and directly to other boats, marinas, bridges and call for help (Coast Guard and other water emergency agencies). Placing a distress call on a VHF is a quick and simple process. There are a wide variety of VHF radios available with a varying number of features, so it’s important to know what features are important to you prior to purchase. Keep in mind that VHF signals are basically line of sight, so the higher the antenna is placed, the greater the range that can be achieved.

Invest in satellite texting Another relatively new and popular way of communication aboard is via satellite texting. There are several companies that are offering small, compact devices that allow for global two-way satellite texting communication, as well as a distress button that can automatically summon help in a life-threatening situation. All of this is possible with a small monthly subscription fee.

Such devices that are growing in popularity with boaters include the ACR Bivy Stick, the Garmin inReach series and the Spot X. They all work by being issued an independent cellular number that allows you to communicate via satellite constellations provided by private entities. The texting works just like it would on your cellphone, and in many cases, you can use your cellphone as a screen and keyboard linked via Bluetooth. Each of the communicators are similar in capabilities, yet they all have their own features and ways of operating. It’s worth looking over the specs and subscription plans of the different brands to see which is best for you.

Add Wi-Fi aboard With the ability for many to now work remotely, some have taken to working aboard. These intrepid workers need more than just texting capability and must turn to other technology to access email and the internet.

One possibility is Wave WiFi. This company offers complete systems and components to help boaters receive Wi-Fi from land-based hotspots while near shore. Wave WiFi’s antennas and amplifiers can receive signals not otherwise possible and allow for a more confident and consistent connection to Wi-Fi. There are different levels of dedicated and specifically engineered marine antennas, receivers, access points, wireless routers and even SIM-activated cellular systems that amplify and boost land-based cellular signals. With something for the smaller craft up to the superyacht, there are packages for every need.

Up the ante with antennas For those needing satellite internet access while on the water and away from Wi-Fi and cellular coverage, companies such as KVH and Intellian offer capable satellite antennas. These antennas can track satellites while underway or at anchor and allow satellite phone and internet access. They are offered in different dome sizes and are capable of varied download and upload speeds depending on equipment and service plan. It can be the most expensive means of communication aboard, and although global satellite communication is better and faster than ever, it may not match that of land-based internet.

The variety and impressive capability of these systems would take another article to cover. A new and emerging possibility is Elon Musk’s new Starlink satellite internet service. Musk has been quoted as saying Starlink “Should work everywhere for global maritime by roughly the middle of next year [2022]. Until then it will be patchy when far from land.” Starlink has said it’s even working on an in-motion satellite dish. With its standard dish running about $500, subscription rates like that of regular cable, and fast upload and download rates, this is a possibility worth watching. ★