Resources for Cruisers and Radio Operators

The Pacific Seafarers' Net compiles helpful resources for offshore cruisers and amateur radio operators. Whether you're preparing for your first ocean passage or you're an experienced voyager, these resources provide valuable information for safe and successful cruising.

Amateur Radio Resources

Licensing and Regulations

FCC Amateur Radio Services: Information about obtaining and upgrading amateur radio licenses in the United States. The FCC Amateur Radio Service division provides comprehensive licensing information.

ARRL (American Radio Relay League): The national association for amateur radio in the United States offers license study materials, operating resources, technical references, and advocacy for amateur radio operators.

Maritime Mobile Operations: Special considerations apply when operating amateur radio from vessels at sea, including appropriate call sign formatting and international regulations.

Technical References

Propagation Predictions: Understanding HF propagation helps you optimize communication times. Tools like VOACAP and various propagation prediction websites forecast band conditions.

Antenna Theory: Proper antenna installation aboard boats requires understanding compromises between theoretical ideals and practical marine installations. The ARRL Antenna Book provides comprehensive coverage.

Marine SSB Installation Guides: Specialized resources address the unique challenges of installing HF radio equipment aboard boats, including grounding, noise reduction, and antenna selection.

Weather Resources

Marine Weather Services

NOAA Marine Weather: The National Weather Service marine weather services provide comprehensive forecasts, warnings, and observations for U.S. coastal and offshore waters.

Offshore Forecast Services: Several commercial and free services provide specialized ocean passage weather routing and forecasting, including satellite-delivered GRIB files and text forecasts.

Tropical Weather Monitoring: During tropical cyclone seasons, careful monitoring of developing systems is essential. Resources like the National Hurricane Center and regional tropical cyclone warning centers provide crucial information.

Weather Information Via Radio

Radiofax (Weatherfax): HF weatherfax broadcasts provide surface analysis charts, forecast charts, and satellite imagery. Schedules and frequencies are published for various regions worldwide.

Voice Weather Broadcasts: Several nations broadcast weather information via HF voice transmissions. The U.S. Coast Guard, Canadian Coast Guard, and other agencies provide regular marine weather broadcasts.

NAVTEX: The international automated system broadcasts marine safety information, weather warnings, and navigational warnings on 518 kHz and other frequencies.

Navigation and Passage Planning

Charts and Publications

Electronic Navigation Charts: Modern chartplotters and navigation software use electronic charts from various providers. NOAA, UKHO, and other hydrographic offices produce official charts.

Cruising Guides: Region-specific cruising guides provide invaluable information about anchorages, ports, navigation hazards, regulations, and local conditions not found on charts.

Sailing Directions (Pilots): Official government sailing directions describe coastal features, harbors, regulations, and navigation considerations for specific regions.

Passage Planning Tools

Routing Software: Various software applications assist with route planning, weather routing, and passage simulation. Popular options include offshore routing programs that integrate GRIB weather data.

Pilot Charts: Historical pilot charts show average wind patterns, current patterns, and weather statistics for ocean areas by month, invaluable for planning seasonal passages.

Distance Tables: Published distance tables provide great circle and rhumb line distances between major ports worldwide, useful for initial passage planning.

Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Safety Equipment

USCG Safety Requirements: The U.S. Coast Guard publishes required safety equipment for recreational vessels. Requirements increase for vessels undertaking offshore passages.

Offshore Safety Equipment: Beyond legal requirements, experienced offshore cruisers carry extensive safety equipment including life rafts, EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons), comprehensive first aid supplies, and emergency water makers.

Safety Training: Various organizations offer safety training specifically for offshore sailors, covering topics like heavy weather tactics, emergency medicine, firefighting, and damage control.

Emergency Communications

EPIRB Registration: EPIRBs must be properly registered with national authorities to ensure emergency responders can identify vessels and contact emergency contacts.

DSC (Digital Selective Calling): Modern marine VHF and MF/HF radios include DSC capability for automated distress calls. Proper MMSI registration is required.

Amateur Radio Emergency Communications: Amateur radio provides backup emergency communication capability. Many cruisers carry both marine SSB and amateur HF equipment.

Cruising Community Resources

Online Forums and Communities

Cruising Forums: Active online communities of cruisers share experiences, advice, and current information about destinations, equipment, and cruising lifestyle.

Social Media Groups: Various Facebook groups, Instagram communities, and other social media platforms connect cruisers worldwide, facilitating information exchange and social connections.

Regional Cruising Networks: Specific regions often have dedicated cruising networks and radio nets serving boats in those areas, complementing global networks like the PacSeaNet.

Cruising Associations

Cruising Clubs: Organizations like the Seven Seas Cruising Association, Ocean Cruising Club, and regional cruising associations provide newsletters, member networks, and resources for offshore sailors.

Rally Organizations: Various organizations coordinate cruising rallies and organized crossings, providing group support for major passages like trans-oceanic crossings.

Boat Preparation Resources

Technical References

Marine Systems: Comprehensive references cover marine electrical systems, plumbing systems, refrigeration, and other boat systems requiring maintenance during extended cruising.

Sail Handling and Seamanship: Classic and modern seamanship references provide essential knowledge for handling vessels in various conditions, from light air to heavy weather.

Engine and Mechanical Systems: Resources for marine diesel engines, outboards, watermakers, and other mechanical systems help cruisers maintain and troubleshoot equipment underway.

Provisioning Guides

Long-Distance Provisioning: Specialized resources address provisioning strategies for extended passages, including food preservation, storage, and meal planning without refrigeration.

International Provisioning: Guides to finding provisions in different countries, understanding import restrictions, and shopping in foreign markets help cruisers adapt to different regions.

Maritime Regulations and Documentation

Vessel Documentation

Documentation and Registration: Understanding requirements for vessel documentation, registration, and flag state responsibilities is essential for international cruising.

Insurance Considerations: Marine insurance for offshore cruising has specific requirements regarding vessel surveys, equipment, crew qualifications, and cruising limits.

International Cruising

Customs and Immigration: Each country has specific entry and exit procedures. Resources compile information about check-in procedures, visa requirements, and customs regulations.

Radio Licensing: Different countries have varying requirements for radio equipment and licensing aboard foreign vessels. Some require ship station licenses beyond amateur radio licenses.

Medical Resources for Cruisers

Marine Medical Training: Specialized first aid and medical training courses prepare cruisers to handle medical emergencies far from professional medical care.

Medical Kits: Comprehensive medical kits for offshore cruising include prescription medications, antibiotics, trauma supplies, and dental emergency equipment obtained through marine medical consultants.

Telemedicine: Satellite communications enable consultation with medical professionals via telemedicine services specializing in maritime medical support.

Continuing Education

The cruising community continually shares knowledge through various channels. The PacSeaNet itself serves as an educational resource, where experienced cruisers share practical information with those preparing for ocean crossings. Daily net interactions provide real-world lessons in passage-making, equipment management, weather interpretation, and the practical aspects of offshore sailing.

We encourage all cruisers and prospective cruisers to pursue ongoing education about seamanship, navigation, weather, radio communications, and boat systems. The learning never stops, and each passage teaches new lessons.