Surfski Knowledge Base

If you are relying on a phone as your primary safety/rescue backup it would be a very good idea to consider keeping your phone on your person instead of your boat in situations where there is any likelihood of becoming separated from your boat.

• Standards - Most smartphone “waterproofness” is rated IPX7 which is really not adequate for extended immersion. The charging ports are particularly vulnerable. Even if your phone continues to work, you may have issues with getting the charge port dry enough to work for recharging. It is highly advisable to use a waterproof case with IPX7 rated phones.

• Most soft cases are variations on the same quite cheap designs (most likely from the same manufacturers who just relabel them for the various retailers). You should do an initial waterproofness test to make sure they work. And it is unwise to assume that they will continue to be waterproof for a long time. Periodically test them and/or replace them on a fairly regular schedule.
• Phone Usability in Cases think twice before you assume that you can use your phone for help in big conditions, particularly in cold water. Test it and Practice Using Phone in Its Case especially if you ever rely on a phone solely without carrying a VHF radio also.
  • The case has to be clear enough to easily read display
  • You want to be able to get enough air out of the case before sealing so that your finger taps and swipes will work on the phone through the case.
    • Or if your voice assist (Siri, etc.) works well enough - try it
  • If you are relying on phone for safety: Test speaking and hearing through case. How rough can the weather be while still allowing a likely chance of communicating effectively via your phone?
• Discussion of Phone Cases 7/24/2014 including Life Proof cases for iphones
• Seemingly better cases (we haven't tested but are either from good sources and/or have good reviews - send us your own reviews)
  • Gooper w/ magnetic seal
  • Life Proof
    • Comments 2016
  • GoBags w/ magnetic closure

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