There are many forms of communication available for boats at sea. VHF, SSB, Satellite phones, wxfax, Pactor modems,... The following papers cover the various non commercial options and their use - in particular the all important SSB (single side band radio). Also included in this section is information on marine and amateur radio station options, and wx fax preferences.
You are welcome to send Patricia any further contributions. Email [email protected]
You are welcome to send Patricia any further contributions. Email [email protected]
Bob McDavitt's cruising tips |
Bob has summarized all the communication systems that can be used to access weather. April 2019
Please note that a lot of this is now out of date - but the rest is useful! |
Maritime Radio and Weather Contacts |
A one page summery of the various radio and fax frequencies and timetables as well as Customs contacts. Actually there is a second page for those closing on NZ. You will not hear Gulf Harbour Radio below about 30S due to skip on our 8mHz frequency so tune into the Maritime Radio broadcasts. Brett for Opua, Colville for Whangarei and Auckland, and Plenty for Tauranga. Updated October 2023
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Marine Radio Installations and Operation |
Gulf Harbour Radio has problems hearing many boats that are close to others that boom in to our location. (See the report from Villamee at the end of this discussion). That is why the following notes have been collated to draw attention to factors that could help your signal be heard and for us to be heard on board. It is written for the radio newbie – not the experienced ‘ham’ operator.
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GRIBS – How to Order and View Them |
How to order the Saildocs GFS gribs to get the most from them. This includes, surface pressure and winds, rain and swell, as well as 500HPa contours. Note that for those east of Vanuatu this is your only source of upper level data.
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Gribs using RMS Express and Iridium go |
Technology keeps changing and this article explains how to download Gribs using winlink RMS Express through Iridium Go. Thanks to John on Amazing Grace.
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The Amateur Radio (Ham) License |
A description of how to obtain the NZ or USA amateur radio (ham) license that enables you to talk on the ham frequencies or use winlink for email. The simplest way is to study and get a NZ general license as only one exam is involved. This is only an option for NZ residents and citizens. Others can sit the US license.
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The Maritime Radio License |
Those cruising outside of NZ need to have a radio license if you have a HF/MF radio (SSB) on board. There are two different radio licenses available in NZ : The GURL (The General Users Radio License) and the MRROC (The Maritime Restricted Radio Operator Certificate).
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The RNZAF Orion - advice to sailors |
The following was prepared by the RNZAF. When contacted by NZ RCC they are sent out to search for vessels in distress. This paper describes how to make it easier to be found. It also describes the equipment and communication facilities they have on board.
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TONY's MARITIME NETDAILY, 14315USB
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This is a very friendly amateur Ham Radio net that provides a means of communication between maritime mobiles and land based stations. There are net controllers on both sides of the Tasman and all stations relay reports when conditions are poor.
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