OFFSHORE SAFETY COMMUNICATION - The Hull Truth

abyss · 06-01-2008, 09:12 AM

I know sufficient communication consists of single side band sat phone, epirb, and cell phone booster. Has anyone used a cell phone booster 100 miles out and connected? Also does anyone have a sat phone and how pricey is it?

Brett1 · 06-01-2008, 09:30 AM

After much research I bought an Iridium sat phone and it works very well. Takes less than 30 seconds to connect and the clarity is excellent. I bought mine from Allroad communication for about $1500 with case and service agreement.

C Skip R · 06-01-2008, 03:03 PM

i have a cell phone amp but it won't let you talk at 100miles. maybe 40 mi on a good day. the Iridium sat phone works great.

pursuit2 · 06-01-2008, 08:16 PM

I had a Globalstar for 2 years, but switched to Iridium this year. I have an SSB, but it doesn't work, and I don't have much inclination to get it fixed.

leftcoast · 06-05-2008, 11:26 AM

You can also rent them from a company in sarasota for about $ 50 plus $s for whatever minutes are used. I think that is for a 4 day rental. I think they said they would ship it on Thursday for a Friday arrival and then you mail it back overnight mail on Monday.

abyss · 06-05-2008, 05:43 PM

What's the name of the rental company?

leftcoast · 06-06-2008, 05:50 AM

satellitephonestore.com I think.
Do a search for satellite phone rental and they should pop up. I have not used them yet but I did talk with them on the phone to get the details.

Goin' Deep · 06-06-2008, 07:10 AM

Great suggestion for occasional use leftcoast. That Sat. phone should give you additional peace of mind while offshore when combined with a Avon, Revere, Swiltek, etc life raft and an EPIRB. -Tom

r.waddill · 06-06-2008, 02:35 PM

Why do SSB cost so much money??

nickess · 06-06-2008, 03:24 PM

Look at the Spot. If you want something cheap and effective

keith91 · 06-06-2008, 04:52 PM

Will 2 way pagers work in the open ocean for simple communication with your family to let them know when you will be back or if they need to get in touch with you? I know you cannot talk to people via the pagers, but text messages can be very effective for informal communications. I don't plan to text the USCG for an emergency, but I am tired of hearing my wife complain that we were late coming in.

Thanks
Kg