Our Services

The Pacific Seafarers' Net provides comprehensive communication services designed specifically for the needs of offshore cruising vessels. Operating daily on 14300 kHz USB at 0300 UTC, we offer position reporting, weather information relay, message handling, and emergency communication capabilities to vessels throughout the Pacific and beyond.

Daily Position Reporting

Our flagship service is the systematic collection and publication of vessel positions through YOTREPS (Yacht Operational Reports). During each net session, participating vessels provide their current position, course, speed, weather conditions, and crew status. Our scribes carefully document this information and publish comprehensive position reports.

Benefits of daily position reporting include:

• Creating a reliable record of your vessel's progress across ocean passages
• Providing peace of mind for family and friends monitoring your voyage
• Documenting your route for insurance and logbook purposes
• Enabling other vessels to track nearby cruisers for potential rendezvous
• Building a community awareness of vessel locations and movements

Position reports are compiled and made available to participants and their designated shore contacts, creating a comprehensive picture of the cruising fleet's movements across the Pacific.

Weather Information Relay

Access to current weather information is crucial for safe passage-making. The PacSeaNet facilitates weather information exchange through several methods:

Weather Report Sharing: Participating vessels share their local observed conditions during check-ins, creating a network of real-time weather data across vast ocean areas. This crowd-sourced information often reveals weather patterns not captured by forecast models.

Forecast Relay: Net control operators and participants with satellite weather access can relay forecast information to vessels with limited reception capabilities.

Weather Routing Discussion: The net provides a forum for discussing weather patterns, routing strategies, and passage timing decisions with experienced cruisers and weather-savvy operators.

According to the National Weather Service marine weather services, obtaining multiple sources of weather information and observations is a best practice for maritime safety, particularly in remote ocean areas.

Message Handling and Traffic

For vessels with limited communication capabilities, the PacSeaNet provides message relay services. We can facilitate communication between vessels and shore-side contacts, coordinate logistics for provisioning or repairs at upcoming ports, and relay important information that vessels need to receive or send.

Message traffic is handled efficiently during net operations, with priority given to health, safety, and urgent communications. Routine messages are also accommodated, helping cruisers maintain contact with family, handle business matters, and coordinate with other vessels.

Emergency and Urgent Communications

While we hope never to handle serious emergency traffic, the PacSeaNet stands ready to coordinate emergency communications when needed. Our experienced operators are trained to:

• Immediately prioritize emergency and urgent traffic
• Relay distress information to appropriate rescue coordination centers
• Coordinate communication between vessels and emergency services
• Facilitate vessel-to-vessel assistance requests
• Maintain communication with vessels experiencing difficulties
• Provide welfare checks when family members have concerns

The U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue division recognizes amateur radio operators as valuable partners in maritime safety, particularly in remote areas beyond direct Coast Guard communication range.

Social Connection and Community

Beyond the practical services, the PacSeaNet provides vital social connection for offshore cruisers. Daily check-ins create a sense of community and routine, combating the isolation that can occur during extended ocean passages. Cruisers share experiences, offer advice, celebrate milestones like successful landfall, and build lasting friendships with fellow voyagers.

Operating Schedule and Frequency

The PacSeaNet operates daily without exception:

• Frequency: 14300 kHz USB (20-meter amateur band)
• Time: 0300 UTC (every day, 365 days per year)
• Duration: Typically 45-90 minutes depending on participation
• Coverage: Global, with focus on Pacific Ocean region

The 14300 kHz frequency on the 20-meter band typically provides excellent propagation across the Pacific during our operating time, reaching vessels from the Americas to Asia and throughout the South Pacific.

Who Can Participate

The PacSeaNet welcomes all licensed amateur radio operators. Maritime mobile stations (vessels) are our primary focus, but land-based stations are also welcome to check in, participate in discussions, and assist with relay operations when needed.

To participate, you'll need:

• Valid amateur radio license appropriate for HF operation
• HF SSB radio capable of operating on 14300 kHz
• Appropriate antenna for 20-meter band operation
• Familiarity with basic maritime radio procedures

Getting Started

First-time participants are warmly welcomed. When checking in for the first time, simply identify yourself as a new participant, provide your call sign and vessel name (or location if land-based), and our net control operator will guide you through the check-in procedures.

We recommend listening to the net a few times before your first check-in to familiarize yourself with operating procedures and the flow of net operations. Our experienced operators make newcomers feel welcome and comfortable.