Ship Communications Systems
- High Frequency SSB (SEA 330)
- SEA Inc. 300-watt high frequency transceiver. The transceiver covers a frequency range
from 1.6 to 29.9 MHz and has a frequency memory containing all normally assigned ITU and
TELEX channels plus some user programmable channels. The system is set up with one
operating station fixed in the Radio/Chart room and one voice capable station that is adjustable
within cabling and distance requirements, currently set-up in the computer room.
- Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
- Full suite of Sperry GMDSS communications equipment. The Sperry high frequency
transceiver is a 250-watt output unit capable of operation on all ITU standard channels and
digital selective calling of another GMDSS equipped unit. The HF transceiver is located in the
Radio/Chart room. The Sperry VHF-DSC transceivers, of which the ship carries two, is a
25-watt output digital selective call equipped marine channel transceiver. Both VHF-DSC
transceivers are located on the bridge. The Sperry GMDSS Standard C Inmarsat is capable of
sending and receiving store and forward telex messages. The Standard C is located in the
Radio/Chart room. Also carried on board are several Emergency Position Indicating Radio
Beacons (EPIRB) and Search and Rescue Radar Transponders (SART).
- VHF Radios
- Five fixed VHF radios with eight channels pre-programmed with a selection of marine
band and NOAA frequencies. These radios are located on the bridge, aft bridge, computer lab,
winch house, and aft starboard crane. The ship also carries a selection of hand held VHF radios
available for operational use.
- Cell phone
- Motorola cellular telephone connected to the ship's telephone system. Range of the system
varies with the location of the land based cellular system.
- Satellite Systems
- For Scientific projects, the Chief Scientist or designated representative will have access to
ship's telecommunications systems on a cost-reimbursable basis. Whenever possible, it is
requested that direct payment (e.g. by credit card or collect) be used as opposed to after-the-fact
reimbursement. The ship's communications systems include:
- INMARSAT-B
- For high speed data transmission, including FTP, and high quality voice telephone communications. Costs are about $7.00 per minute for voice and $2.25 per minute for FAX.
- INMARSAT-A
- Backup for Inmarsat B. Costs are about $11.25 per minute for voice and $5.55 per minute for FAX.
- INMARSAT STANDARD C
- For low speed store and forward telex messages, approximately 500 baud message transfer.
- INMARSAT MINI-M
- For voice telephone communications and 2400 baud data transfer. Cost is about $3 per minute to the US. Mini-M coverage is by spot beam and may not be available in all the areas the ship may be working in.
- IRIDIUM
- Iridium is like a cell phone, but uses low earth orbit satellites for the connection. Voice communications only. The cost is about $1.00 a minute.
- E-mail
- An e-mail account will be established for each embarked personnel by the shipboard electronics staff.
Due to the escalating volume of e-mail and its associated transmission costs, each member of the ship's complement, crew and scientist, will be authorized to send/receive up to 15 KB of data per day ($1.50/day or $45/month) at no cost. Large data files (one megabyte or more), are blocked from transmission unless prior arrangement is made with the ET or the CO. E-mail costs accrued in excess of this amount must be reimbursed by the individual. At or near the end of each leg, the CO will provide the Chief Scientist with a detailed billing statement for all personnel in the scientific party. Prior to their departure, the chief scientist will be responsible for obtaining reimbursement from any member of the party whose e-mail costs have exceeded the complimentary entitlement.
** Specific information on how to contact the RONALD H. BROWN can be found at http://www.moc.noaa.gov/phone.htm **
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URL: http://www.moc.noaa.gov/rb/specs/communications.htm
Updated: March 18, 2002