Using Your Mobile Phone As a Walkie-talkie Headset When Anchoring.

 

3 Reasons Why  Smartphones Have Replaced Traditional Walkie-talkie Headsets for Anchoring.

Smartphones have become an essential tool for sailors.

They offer a wide range of benefits from navigation apps like Navionics and Savvy-Navvy, to anchor apps and weather updates such as Windy or Predict Wind.

While many sailors rely on their phones for communication with marinas and harbour masters, have you considered using your mobile phone for quiet communication during anchoring?

Effective communication between crew members is crucial for safety and enjoyment while anchoring. 

Traditionally, hand signals and loud voices were used. Often leading to misunderstanding or confusion.

Headset walkie-talkies are also available if you enjoy a big budget or have deep pockets, but now there is a more practical and cost-effective solution available: using your mobile phone and headphones for communication.

By utilizing the technology you already have on board, such as your fully charged mobile phone and a set of working headphones, you can establish a private and quiet channel of communication with your partner or crewmate at the bow, or back in the cockpit.

This allows for clear and uninterrupted communication without disturbing the tranquility of your surroundings.

Boat walkie talkies and marine two way radios have been a popular choice for maintaining communication between helm and crew, especially in louder environments. 

A Standard Headset Will Allow You To Communicate Hands Free. 

However, using your mobile phone and headphones offers a hands-free alternative with crystal-clear audio quality. This can be particularly useful during deck work or when coming alongside, ensuring efficient teamwork and minimizing the risk of errors.

While mobile phones provide reliable communication most of the time, it is important to prioritize safety by securing your phone in a safe pocket and ensuring that the headphones are safely fastened 'though clothing' to avoid snagging hazards.

Additionally, there are options available for communication in areas with poor phone signal, such as handheld VHF radios or walkie-talkie mobile phone apps that use Bluetooth technology for short-distance communication of up to 30 feet.

You can find out more by reading my article in Practical Boat Owner, Smart Anchoring: 'Using your Mobile Phone and Headphones for Communication when Anchoring'.

Overall, making use of the technology you already have on board for quiet communication while anchoring is a smart choice. 

It allows for clear communication, hands-free operation, and efficient teamwork, enhancing your overall sailing experience, but more importantly, doing away with shouting at each other!

3 Reasons to use your mobile phone. 

Reason #1: Convenience and Cost-Effectiveness

Using smartphones and headphones taps into existing technology onboard, saving money and avoiding unnecessary duplication. Plus, it eliminates the need for expensive walkie-talkie headsets.

Reason #2: Enhanced Clarity and Safety

Unlike traditional methods that rely on hand signals or loud voices, using phones and headphones ensures crystal-clear communication, minimizing the risk of mistakes or accidents during deck work and helping to preserve harmonious relationships 

Reason #3: Adaptability and Accessibility

Even in areas with poor phone signal, alternatives such as handheld VHFs or downloadable bluetooth walkie-talkie apps can provide backup options, maintaining communication without compromising safety.

Tips:

• Always ensure your mobile phone is fully charged before heading out.
• Secure your phone in a safe pocket and thread headphones through clothing to avoid hazards.
• Experiment with different apps or handheld devices to find the best solution for your needs.

So, next time you're out on the water, consider using your mobile phones for seamless, stress free communication while anchoring.