MCA Editorial·July 2026
Confidence in remote water is built at home, on the drive there and at the ramp — not on the water.
Once you're an hour from help, every decision matters more. The confident skippers are the ones who did the boring work early.
Once you're an hour from help, every decision matters more.
Fuel Planning
One third out, one third back, one third reserve. Not a suggestion.
Communications
VHF, satellite messenger, EPIRB. Know which one you'd reach for and when.
Someone Ashore Knows
A trip plan lodged with someone reliable is worth more than any piece of gear.
Things to Think About
- Who ashore knows exactly where you're going and when to worry?
- Have you tested your comms recently?
- Do you carry a real reserve of fuel, or just what fits?
Key Takeaways
- Remote boating rewards preparation.
- Comms are for when things go wrong — test them when things are fine.
- A trip plan ashore is your best safety device.