Tongass National Forest
 |
Chugach National Forest |
|
Alaska Region |
|
Forest Service Headquarters |
|
Evaluate
Our Service We welcome your comments on our service and your suggestions for improvement. |
Tongass National Forest (907) 225-3101 e-mail comments to: |
|
Tongass Home » Recreation » Boating » Kayaking
Communications at sea
VHF radios, cell and satellite phones
Always carry flares and some type of communication device in case of emergencies.
VHF Marine Radio: A small radio that will allow 2-way contact with nearby motorboats and provide access to weather forecasts. A common and well-established system. VHF radios are standard equipment on all commercial vessels and most recreational boats. The US Coast Guard has almost complete VHF coverage in Southeast Alaska and monitors channel 16 day and night. Waterproof units ranging from $100-$300 are available. Highly recommended.
Cell Phones: Spotty coverage. Only work very close to Petersburg and Kake. Mountains often block signal.
Satellite Phones: Work fine here with a clear view of the southern sky. Will not work in tree cover.
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons, EPIRBs: Small radios that send out emergency signals and will start a full search and rescue mission. Limited to only outgoing signals. Activate only in life threatening situations.
USDA Forest Service - Tongass National Forest Accessibility Statement
Last Modified: June 06, 2006