The single side band (SSB) radio’s Coconut Telegraph will resume its cruisers’ net on November 11th. Its main objective is to share active cruiser information in real time and to be a means of communication between cruisers. It is a controlled net, and all are invited to join — no need to be a member of any sailing or cruising organization.

Published 5 years ago

The Net operates Monday through Saturday at 8:00am AST (-4GMT) on 4.060 MHz and covers the Eastern Caribbean island chain.

The Coconut Telegraph can be used for check-in with any safety or security issues, your location or underway position, local activities or conditions, requests to contact other cruisers, and general questions and advice.

In cooperation with SSB station KPK, the Coconut Net Controller will check in on that net at 8:15. KPK operates daily as part of the SSCA and the Caribbean Safety and Security Net on 8.104mHz. KPK handles traffic from all the Caribbean.

More and more cruisers have access to cell phones, Wi-Fi, sat phones, and local VHF nets and may consider SSB an outdated communication method. Not true! SSB is alive and well and serves many useful purposes as most other methods have restricted coverage or capabilities. Getting weather reports, GRIB files and international news, sending and receiving e-mail, and having 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.

The Coconut Telegraph can always use volunteer net controllers so if you would like to be one just call in and volunteer for one day a week.

Our thanks to boatwatch.org, one of Noonsite’s information partners, for sharing this news.

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