PROBLEMS ON THE 2-3 MHZ MARINE COMMUNICATION CHANNELS SIMPLICITY IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS AT SEA

Four unsatisfactory conditions existing in the 2 to 3 MHZ part of the spectrum involving communications in the region from 50 to 300 miles from shore are stated. 1) Ineffectiveness of A3H/AME on 2182 KHZ. 2) Unreliable performance of coastal harbor public correspondence stations. 3) Absence of much needed marine weather reports which can be received on simple AM receivers. 4) Unnecessary pollution in the 4 to 22 MHZ part of the spectrum caused by stations improperly using these frequencies when they should be in the 2-3 MHZ part of the spectrum and unnecessary complication and reduction in reliability of present marine radio equipment as a result of being forced to function in several modes over a wide range of frequencies. Simple steps to correct these unsatisfactory conditions are suggested. 1) Eliminate the use of all modes other than A3J in the 2 to 3 MHZ part of the spectrum. 2) Require a listening watch by coastal harbor public correspondence stations. 3) Require operators of such stations to have at least a Third Class Radiotelephone license and a minimum of training in radio operation. 4) Limit the use of 4 MHZ and up to vessels which can demonstrate that they habitually travel more than 300 miles from shore. 5) Encourage the creation of a breed of marine radio specifically tailored to the 50 to 300 mile region. Such a radio would be A3J only and would not operate above 4 MHZ.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Presented at RTCM Assembly Meeting, April 18-21, 1977, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.
• Corporate Authors:

  Radio Technical Commission for Marine Services

  /Federal Communications Commission
  Washington, DC  United States  20554
• Authors:
  • Merriam, R W
• Publication Date: 1977

Media Info

• Pagination: 7 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Communication systems; Radio; Radio equipment; Radio telephone; Reliability; Weather stations
• Old TRIS Terms: Weather reporting
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Operations and Traffic Management; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00178703
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Radio Technical Commission for Marine Services
• Report/Paper Numbers: V3, Pap 106-77/DO-98
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 29 1978 12:00AM