What is the best practice for using a cell phone while boating?

Using a cell phone while boating is best reserved for emergencies or safety situations, as it ensures that the device is available when you need it most. In critical moments where communication with emergency services or other boats is necessary, having a phone ready can save lives. It allows you to report accidents, navigation hazards, or call for help without delay.

Using a cell phone for navigation, while it may seem convenient, can lead to distractions from the primary task of operating the boat safely. Additionally, cell phones may not be as reliable as dedicated marine equipment for navigation purposes due to potential lack of signal, battery issues, or limited features.

Keeping the phone turned off can conserve battery, but it defeats the purpose of having it available for important communications. Similarly, using the phone to listen to music can further distract from safe boating practices. Thus, limiting cell phone use to emergencies helps maintain attention on boating safety while ensuring crucial communication is accessible when needed.