It is important to have a high quality communication system on board to ensure safety for boaters. Prior to the journey, it is advisable to ensure the vessel is equipped with more than one communication device, so that it can be used to send out MAYDAY signals while on board. Very often, many boaters lose their life, as they do not have equipment to send out an emergency signal and they do not get timely help.

Some of the important communications equipment that enables efficient communication while on the water is discussed below:

Marine VHF Radio: This equipment is usually installed on all boats and is used for a range of purposes. It is mainly used to communicate with other boaters or the nearest marina or service facility. It is also a very useful device for summoning rescue service. The VHF radio that operates in the VHF frequency between 156 to 174 MHZ is widely used for avoiding collision of ships at sea. Marine VHF Radio mostly works on the principle of 'simplex' transmission, where communication takes place in only one direction at a time.

VHS with DSC: Many newer VHS radios are not available with DSC. Activating the DSC DISTRESS function will transmits a digital MAYDAY including vessel identification, Latitude / Longitude and time, to receive prompt action. Another importnat advantage of the DCS is the ability to easily share position info with other DSC-equipped boats using the position request and other position sharing functions. With the push of just a few buttons you can request the location of another boat, or simply send your location data to the vessel of your choice.

VHF Handheld Radio: While not a requirement a hand held VHF radio can serve as an inexpensive spare radio in case of a malfunction of the installed radio. Portable VHF radios are usually water proof, and can also be used as an emergency communication devise in case of a ditching. Those also include various NOAA weather broadcasting stations.

Marine Speakers: Marine speakers, unlike the ordinary speakers, are of much higher standards. They are specifically built to withstand harsh conditions of the sea. Amplifiers, speakers, subwoofers make up a complete marine entertainment speaker system. The main purpose of using load hailer speakers is to make loud announcements and instructions to make sure that everybody hears them. The loud hailer can also be used as a fog signaling devise

Single Sideband Radiotelephone: This high-powered radio is an ideal tool, which is used for long range communications usually by long distance cruisers and commercial operators. These radiotelephones are built in a way that they withstand the rigors of the seas. several radiotelephones also feature emailing capabilities. Operating a Single Side Band radio demands a Ham Radio license. Most of the newer Single Side Band radios have Digital Signal Processing that virtually eliminates all noise and interference, operating 1300 channels.