Cell phones have their uses aboard. Communication in an emergency is not high among them, primarily because, unlike VHF radio, when you talk on a cell phone, no one except the other party can hear you. Over VHF, in contrast, nearby boats can monitor your traffic and perhaps offer assistance. Also, the USCG can narrow down your location from a radio signal but not from a cell phone call. Some cell phone service providers let you call the USCG with star-CG, however, and sometimes cell service reception is better than the radio signal. It is less embarrassing, also, when calling for a tow.
