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 **