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 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.
