CLICK HERE for a .pdf file showing likely SSB propagation & schedule / times.

(Please NOTE: times, frequencies and regions covered during each Net will vary some from season-to-season as we and our customers move about.  Please check this Web page for the latest schedule or e-mail us)  "Bel Ami" is now in Central Florida.

                                          Winter Schedule - Now through Saturday, March 8, 2008

• Vessels with emergency, distress, safety or other priority traffic may break into the Net at any time.

• When TROPICAL systems or other severe weather threatens, we will conduct a Net at about 7pm AST (2300 UTC)...frequency will depend on propagation, and will be announced on the morning Nets.

• Unless TROPICAL or other severe weather threatens, the Net will NOT be conducted on Sundays.

• Added earlier 8137 options for those wanting weather earlier in the morning.

• 4045 & 6221 Nets intended for those within 150 to 700 miles of "Bel Ami" who are too-close to hear us on 8-megs...timing of these Nets will vary seasonally.

• Use 12350 if you are too far away (1200-2000 mi) from "Bel Ami" to hear us on 8-megs.

• Use 16525 if you are too far away (2000-3000 mi) from "Bel Ami" to hear us on 12350.

The Net handles between 9,000 and 12,000 individual check-ins per year. Based on conservative estimates there are many more just listening.

A synoptic summary and area forecasts for the Caribbean are given at the beginning of the Net as well as details of any severe weather shown by the latest satellite imagery. During the hurricane season, details are also given of the latest tropical weather outlook including the latitude and longitude co-ordinates or any tropical waves or cyclones and their predicted tracks.

Only sponsoring vessels are entitled check in with the Net, which is interactive. Each sponsoring vessel checking should be prepared to provide a brief report on actual local weather conditions covering wind speed and direction, the extent and type of cloud cover, sea state and barometric pressure. They will in turn be given forecast conditions for the specific passage underway or proposed as well as provided with other weather-routing suggestions as well as passage logging and reporting. In addition, sponsoring vessels are entitled to give the Center's telephone number (1-284-494-7559), fax number (1-284-494-5358) or Email address (weather@caribwx.com) to relatives and friends for urgent "Call Home" messages.

The cost of becoming a sponsoring vessel is only $195 for a 12 month period. To become a sponsoring vessel, owners should fax or Email the following details to the Caribbean Weather Center:

• Name and port of registry of the vessel
• Radio call sign
• Name and postal address (and Email address, if any) of skipper/owner
• Credit card name and number.
• Name on credit card.
• Expiry date.
• Authorisation to charge the sponsorship fee.