The SSB (Single Side Band) Coconut Telegraph has resumed its cruisers net covering the Eastern Caribbean Island Chain, with the aim of sharing active cruiser information in Real Time.

Published 2 years ago

The Coconut Telegraph resumed its cruisers net on Monday November 15, 2021 as announced by the volunteer Net Controllers. The Net serves the Eastern Caribbean Basin with the objective of sharing active cruiser information in real time and as well as being a means to communicate between cruisers.

Everyone Welcome

It is a controlled net and all are invited to join in, no need to be a member of any sailing or cruising organization. It is the best way to keep in touch with your fellow cruisers and sailors.

The Net operates at 8:00AM AST (-4GMT) on 4.060 mHz six days a week – Monday through Saturday.

In this time of Covid 19, island requirements change almost daily. Get first-hand, Real Time info from fellow cruisers on other islands before you go! Find out what is open, what is restricted and the general conditions of the ports, anchorages and restrictions.

Check-Ins for Safety, Security and Positions

The Coconut Telegraph is also used for check-ins with safety or security issues, your location or underway position, requests to Contact other cruisers and general questions and advice.

More and more cruisers have access to Cell Phones, WiFi, Sat Phones, and local VHF nets and may consider SSB an out-dated communication method. Not true! SSB is alive and well and serves many useful purposes, especially in this time of a world pandemic, as most other methods have restricted coverage or capabilities. No, you will not be able to “surf the net” but getting weather reports and grib files, send/receive e-mail, international news and the ability to communicate long distances with multiple cruisers for free makes SSB more than a hobby.

In times of emergency, you can always count on SSB to get you connected to the proper authorities. At those times you may even use the expanded HAM frequencies and nets without the need of a HAM license.

Volunteers Needed

The Coconut Telegraph is also looking volunteer net controllers so if anyone is interested, please just call in to the Net and volunteer for one day a week.

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Related Links:

• For other worldwide cruising SSB nets see Noonsite’s Communications page.
• SSCA “KPK” Radio Service
  

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