How to Check In to the PacSeaNet

Checking in to the Pacific Seafarers' Net is straightforward, but following proper procedures helps ensure efficient operations and accurate record-keeping. Whether you're a first-time participant or a regular check-in, this guide will help you understand our operating procedures.

Before Your First Check-In

We recommend new participants listen to the net several times before checking in. This familiarizes you with our operating style, the check-in format, and typical procedures. The PacSeaNet operates daily on 14300 kHz USB at 0300 UTC, so tune in and listen to understand how the net flows.

Equipment Requirements:

• HF SSB transceiver capable of operating on 14300 kHz
• Proper antenna for 20-meter band operation
• Valid amateur radio license (Technician class with HF privileges, General, or Extra)
• Reliable power source for your radio equipment
• Navigation equipment to provide accurate position (GPS)

According to the FCC Amateur Radio Service requirements, all operators must use their assigned call sign and operate within their license privileges.

Net Format and Structure

The PacSeaNet follows an organized format to handle all check-ins efficiently:

1. Net Opening: The net control operator opens the net with a standard announcement, welcoming participants and explaining any special procedures for that session.

2. Priority Check-Ins: First, any emergency or urgent traffic is handled immediately with absolute priority.

3. Maritime Mobile Roll Call: Vessels are called for check-ins, typically in alphabetical order by vessel name or call sign. Actively cruising vessels provide full position reports.

4. Additional Check-Ins: After the regular roll call, the net is opened for additional vessels, first-time check-ins, and land-based stations.

5. Traffic and Announcements: Message traffic is handled, announcements are made, and information is shared among participants.

6. Net Closing: The net control operator closes the net, often thanking participants and announcing the next session.

Standard Check-In Format

When called by net control (or when checking in for the first time), use this format:

"Net Control, this is [Your Call Sign], yacht [Vessel Name]"

Net control will acknowledge and ask for your position report. Provide the following information:

1. Position: Latitude and longitude (degrees and minutes are sufficient)
2. Course and Speed: Current course in degrees true and speed in knots
3. Weather: Wind direction/speed, sea state, barometric pressure, weather description
4. Destination: Your next port or waypoint
5. ETA: Estimated time of arrival or days remaining to destination
6. Crew Status: "All well" or any health/safety concerns
7. Traffic: Any messages to send or information to share

Example Check-In:

"Position 18 degrees 42 minutes north, 155 degrees 18 minutes west. Course 240 degrees true, speed 6 knots. Wind southeast 15 knots, seas 2 to 3 feet, barometer 1015 and steady, scattered clouds. Bound for Fiji, ETA 14 days. All crew well. No traffic."

First-Time Check-In Procedures

If this is your first time checking in, identify yourself as a new participant:

"Net Control, this is [Call Sign], yacht [Vessel Name], first-time check-in"

The net control operator will welcome you and may ask a few additional questions:

• Where did you depart from?
• What is your cruising route or general itinerary?
• Do you want to be added to the regular roll call?
• Any questions about net procedures?

Don't hesitate to ask questions or request clarification. Our operators enjoy welcoming new participants and ensuring you're comfortable with our procedures.

Regular Participants and Roll Call

Vessels making extended passages typically request to be added to the regular roll call. This means the net control operator will call your vessel by name during each session, ensuring you don't miss check-ins due to poor propagation or radio conditions.

Regular participants are expected to:

• Check in daily during ocean passages
• Notify net control if you'll be unable to check in for a period
• Update your status when arriving in port or departing
• Inform net control when you want to be removed from active roll call

In-Port Check-Ins

When you're in port but want to maintain contact with the net, you can check in with a simplified format:

"This is [Call Sign], yacht [Vessel Name], in port at [Location], all well, no traffic"

In-port check-ins are brief, allowing net control to efficiently manage the net while keeping you connected to the community.

Handling Difficult Radio Conditions

HF propagation varies, and sometimes communication is challenging. If you're having difficulty hearing net control or being heard:

• Relay Stations: Other participants may offer to relay your check-in to net control
• Multiple Attempts: Net control will call you multiple times if no response is heard
• Skip a Session: If conditions are truly impossible, try again at the next net
• Alternative Frequencies: Occasionally net may move to alternate frequency for better propagation

Message Traffic

If you need to send a message through the net:

1. Indicate you have traffic during your check-in
2. Wait for net control to ask for your traffic details
3. Provide: Recipient name/call sign, brief message content, any delivery instructions
4. Net control will coordinate message delivery or relay

Net Etiquette

Following proper amateur radio etiquette ensures smooth net operations:

• Always use your FCC-assigned call sign
• Wait for net control to call you or acknowledge you
• Keep transmissions concise and relevant
• Use proper voice procedure (phonetic alphabet when needed)
• Avoid stepping on other stations' transmissions
• Thank net control and other participants appropriately
• Stand by to relay for stations with poor propagation

The ARRL Operating Procedures guide provides comprehensive information on proper amateur radio operating practices.

Questions and Assistance

Never hesitate to ask questions during net operations. Our net control operators and experienced participants are happy to assist new check-ins, clarify procedures, or help troubleshoot radio issues. The PacSeaNet is a supportive community dedicated to helping all participants succeed.