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 GMDSS communications equipment. The high frequency transceiver is a 250-watt output unit capable of operation on all ITU standard channels and digitally selective calling of another GMDSS equipped unit. The HF transceiver is located on the bridge. The 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 GMDSS Standard C Inmarsat is capable of sending and receiving store and forward telex messages. The Standard C is located in the Radio room. Also carried on board are several Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB) and Search and Rescue Radar Transponders (SART).
 

VHF Radios

Four fixed VHF radios with eight channels preprogrammed with a selection of marine band and NOAA frequencies. These radios are located on the bridge. The ship also carries a selection of hand held VHF radios available for operational use.
 

Cell Phone

A cellular telephone is connected to the ship's telephone system. Range of the system varies with the location of the land based cellular system. .
 

Satellite Systems

The ship's satellite communication systems include:

• INMARSAT Standard B Radio Transceiver
• INMARSAT Standard C Radio Transceiver .
• INMARSAT MINI-M
• Iridium phone

E-mail

An account on the ship's e-mail system can be established for visiting scientists, by the shipboard electronics staff. The ship exchanges messages with the shore two times a day, when at sea. The scientific party may be charged for the communications cost for transmitting any e-mail messages sent between the shore and the ship.
 

Contacting the McARTHUR II

Specific information on how to contact the McARTHUR II and all other fleet vessels can be found at http://www.moc.noaa.gov/phone.htm.
 
For Scientific projects, the Chief Scientist or a 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) be used as opposed to after-the-fact reimbursement.