SSB Radio

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Known as SSB (single sideband) radios in the sailing community, these radios provide both voice and data communications over thousands of miles utilizing HF, or high frequency, and MF, or medium frequency, spectrum. Marine MF/HF radios, when properly configured with a unique MMSI and connected to a GPS, are a part of the Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS) utilizing Digital Selective Calling (DSC).

Unlike Amateur Radio, marine MF/HF radios use specific channels for communicating - similar to the marine VHF radio. Some channels are designated for distress and safety calling while others can be used to contact commercial shore stations that provide telephone and data connectivity. Prior to transmitting on a channel it is important to understand the purpose of the channel to avoid interfering with other communications.

Older HF radios are often controlled by a single crystal to tune each channel and are thus limited to specific frequencies, and do not have DSC capability. This is the kind of radio one is most likely to find aboard a non-commercial vessel such as a cruising yacht. It is important therefore to know which frequencies are monitored in the area in which you're sailing, and to learn the correct emergency calling procedures.

Other services found on marine HF and MF frequencies are weather broadcasts directly from government sources in the form of voice, SITOR, and facsimile formats. These broadcasts can be received with a simple shortwave receiver or a computer with a sound card.

Many sailors keep in contact with each other and shore stations by the use of nets. These nets are simply a time of day when volunteer shore operators will monitor a certain frequency to hear if there is anyone trying to make contact with them. Nets may also pass weather information and can be useful for asking specific questions about the conditions in certain locations. A good net operator will also keep track of who is in their area and alert rescue operations if a vessel hasn't called in for some time after expecting to hear from them.

Licensing

Operation of a HF/MF marine radio requires a licence. This licence allows you to not only transmit your HF/MF radio in your country's home waters but also in international waters and waters of other countries. It should be noted that in a dire emergency where life is at risk it is allowable to transmit an emergency message on any frequency and that licencing is a secondary issue. However, stiff penalties apply to any person doing so if it is subsequently found to be unnecessary, since valuable resources needed for real emergencies could be wasted.

Frequencies

Emergency Frequencies

In accordance with the GMDSS the following frequencies will be utilized for distress calling globally:

Voice (SSB)

2,182 (AM or SSB)
4,125
6,215
8,291
12,290
16,420

DSC

2,187.5
4,207.5
6,312.0
8,414.5
12,557.0
16,804.5


Operational Frequencies

DSC

Voice

Equipment Requirements and Installation

See Installation Aboard


Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

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