Don't feel bad, I tried to bring up USCG Marcomms webpage and it's
dead, too!

I called CG Group Charleston on 2182 Khz USB they're SUPPOSED to be
monitoring, according to the CG's own marcomms lists both with their
call letters and "CG Group Charleston" from Charleston Harbor to see
if they were listening. I got zero response, even after NMN in New
Orleans responded. They said they hadn't heard Charleston in a while
and gave me a good signal report from the insulated backstay/Icom M802
about 7PM EST.

Someone USCG will answer you, maybe not who you call,
though......dammit.



On Sat, 13 Dec 2003 15:59:25 -0500, "doug dotson"
wrote:

The CG's handling of SSB is a bit unclear to me. We were in a situation
where
VHF contact was marginal. I asked the CG if I could contact them via SSB and
they said no, they did not support SSB frequencies.

Doug, k3qt
s/v Callista

"Dick" wrote in message
...
Which is a better idea - ssb or satelite phone?


It depends on who you want to talk to. If you want to talk to the friends
that
you have met while cruising or the Coast Gaurd then SSB. If you want to
call
home then you can use the satelite phone or ham. If you are going to use
email
then ham or SSB are still good and they are cheaper so most cruisiers go
the
cheaper route. When and if satelite phones become cheap then more cruisers
while use them.

Dick




Larry W4CSC

NNNN

For serious cruisers, obtaining a ham license is well worth the
effort.

Ah, I see where you're coming from. Indeed marine SSB and ham are a good
combination.

Mike

asked the CG if I could contact them via SSB and
they said no, they did not support SSB frequencies.

How odd. It seems the US CG only monitors the SSB DSC frequencies, not
voice or telex. However, since they have to respond to SSB DSC, eventually
with voice, they must have the voice kit. Surely they would be in breach
of the GMDSS rules if they didn't?

Plan B is mention 'drugs shipment' on 2182 - that should get a
response...couple of cutters, frigate, helicopter carrier ;-))

Mike

For serious cruisers, obtaining a ham license is well worth the
effort.

Ah, I see where you're coming from. Indeed marine SSB and ham are a good
combination.

Mike

asked the CG if I could contact them via SSB and
they said no, they did not support SSB frequencies.

How odd. It seems the US CG only monitors the SSB DSC frequencies, not
voice or telex. However, since they have to respond to SSB DSC, eventually
with voice, they must have the voice kit. Surely they would be in breach
of the GMDSS rules if they didn't?

Plan B is mention 'drugs shipment' on 2182 - that should get a
response...couple of cutters, frigate, helicopter carrier ;-))

Mike

Here in Charleston, where the boys died on the S/V "Morning Dew", one
only needs to mention calling the MEDIA to get a response.....(c;



On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 18:15 +0000 (GMT Standard Time),
(Mike Cobbe) wrote:


asked the CG if I could contact them via SSB and
they said no, they did not support SSB frequencies.

How odd. It seems the US CG only monitors the SSB DSC frequencies, not
voice or telex. However, since they have to respond to SSB DSC, eventually
with voice, they must have the voice kit. Surely they would be in breach
of the GMDSS rules if they didn't?

Plan B is mention 'drugs shipment' on 2182 - that should get a
response...couple of cutters, frigate, helicopter carrier ;-))

Mike

Larry W4CSC

NNNN

Here in Charleston, where the boys died on the S/V "Morning Dew", one
only needs to mention calling the MEDIA to get a response.....(c;



On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 18:15 +0000 (GMT Standard Time),
(Mike Cobbe) wrote:


asked the CG if I could contact them via SSB and
they said no, they did not support SSB frequencies.

How odd. It seems the US CG only monitors the SSB DSC frequencies, not
voice or telex. However, since they have to respond to SSB DSC, eventually
with voice, they must have the voice kit. Surely they would be in breach
of the GMDSS rules if they didn't?

Plan B is mention 'drugs shipment' on 2182 - that should get a
response...couple of cutters, frigate, helicopter carrier ;-))

Mike

Larry W4CSC

NNNN

We enjoyed free email all last winter in the islands. Another very nice
feature is that you can download pretty much any of the WXFAX products
on demand rather than waiting for FAX schedules and noisey images.
Lots of other WX products as well.

Doug, k3qt
s/v Callista

"Mike Cobbe" wrote in message
.. .

For serious cruisers, obtaining a ham license is well worth the
effort.

Ah, I see where you're coming from. Indeed marine SSB and ham are a good
combination.

Mike

We enjoyed free email all last winter in the islands. Another very nice
feature is that you can download pretty much any of the WXFAX products
on demand rather than waiting for FAX schedules and noisey images.
Lots of other WX products as well.

Doug, k3qt
s/v Callista

"Mike Cobbe" wrote in message
.. .

For serious cruisers, obtaining a ham license is well worth the
effort.

Ah, I see where you're coming from. Indeed marine SSB and ham are a good
combination.

Mike

In article ,
"doug dotson" wrote:

The CG's handling of SSB is a bit unclear to me. We were in a situation
where
VHF contact was marginal. I asked the CG if I could contact them via SSB and
they said no, they did not support SSB frequencies.

Doug, k3qt
s/v Callista

This is exactly right. USCG is in the process of getting it's GMDSS
system...FUNDED. They are about three years behind EU, and way behind
what they originally promised. USCG does maintain a listening watch
at a few COMMSTA's, but not on ALL of them and on different frequencies
than one might expect. USCG Kodiak DOES watch 4125.0Khz 24/7, and I
think USCG Frisco does as well. COMMSTA Juneau does have MF/HF
capability thru Yakatat but it is broke more than operational mostly
and they keep no watch at all on MF/HF. If your in trouble and beyond
VHF coverage, your best option is light off the 406 EPIRB, and wait for
the USCG Chopper to arrive.

Bruce in alaska
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add a 2 before @