M’aidez-Mayday

If all conditions are favorable and you do go to sea but then encounter a problem, are you able to call for help? Vessels are required to carry aboard a VHF radio or an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), but thrill craft are exempt from this requirement in Hawaii. The ability to call for assistance in an emergency and the ability to communicate clearly is crucial. Cellular phones are not reliable emergency communication devices in Hawaii for a variety of reasons. Many boaters carry a dry bag—also known as a ditch bag—of essential items if they must leave their vessel in a hurry. A strobe light or reflective tape will improve your chances of being found at night or in poor lighting conditions. A signal mirror can summon a rescue vessel from the horizon.