Offshore Communications

pussuit an SSB is a wise choice for both safety and also to communicate with other boats in the canyon.

as a safety factor the CG monitors SSB channel 2186 as they do channel 16(vhf).
the best thing is that when an SSB is turned on they automatically tune in to 2186,as a safety factor i think this is important.even if a novice flips on the radio all they have to do is talk and the CG will hear ,they are on the CG emergency channel.as for range i believe the range can be up to thousands of miles depending on the time of year.

one drawback is cost,they are not cheap and installation can cost a lot also.and you are required to have a ships radio license to use them which costs $150.


but for communications in an emergency and also for use in the canyon for boat to boat i feel it is invaluable.if you get one you will realize how many canyone boats use SSB to talk , even if they are withing VHF range.

i have found it to be very usefull in the canyons and would strongly recomend having one.

good luck.

pursuit don't be mislead , a sat or cell phone is fine if you want to call your wife but for an emergency an SSB is a better way to go .

when you are at the canyon sometimes it is more important to call another boat for assistance,remember the coast guard is probably 70 or so miles away and another boat can render assistance much quicker ,unless you know other peoples sat number you are out of luck.and that is if they have a sat phone.for a safety point of view an SSB gives you access to more people who are closer.

most sat/cell phones are not even water resistant get them wet and they don't work.also i have called the montauk CG and have gotten a busy signal.another thing with a sat/cell phone is that the call can be dropped .all not good things in an emergency.

ask anyone who frequents the canyon on a regular basis what they use.

DON'T RELY ON INFORMATION FROM PEOPLE WHO DON'T CANYON FISH !

good luck .