FCC - Ocean Navigator

26 Apr

What is a MMSI number and why do I need it?

Ann HoffnerVoyaging Tips, Voyaging Tips NewsletterAIS, EPIRB, FCC, MMSI, VHF, VHF DSC

by Ann Hoffner A wellfound sailboat making its way across the South Pacific strikes a whale; within minutes water enters the bilge. It’s impossible to find the source and those on board decide to seek assistance. The crewmember assigned to communications hurries to the nav station, pushes the red distress button on the VHF radio. Why did they do that? It’s only a short range radio, how can it help from the middle of the ocean? Because the red button means its equipped with digital selective calling (DSC), and pushing that button automatically sent out a message and will keep…

23 Jun

Nordhavn owner tests Starlink satellite system

Tim QueeneyVoyaging Tipscommunications, FCC, GEO, LEO, Nordhavn, Nordhavn 60, satcom, satellite communications, Starlink

For years we’ve seen satellite domes multiply on boats like so many plastic mushrooms. Now, a new player in the satellite market, Starlink, is making its way into the marine world. Even though Starlink is not officially for marine use, some enterprising boat owners have installed the system on their boats, with some undertaking informal testing of its effectiveness while underway. Among these is Alex Dickinson, the owner of the Nordhavn 60, Cherry, based in Dana Point, Calif. An electrical engineer by training, Dickinson has had two Starlink antennas installed on Cherry. They occupy mounts that once sported sat…