SSB Email: Low cost email via shortwave HF radio
SSB shortwave radio email systems offer a low cost alternative to mobile and satellite phone systems and offers near global coverage. Most SSB email service providers work on an annual subscription basis, so there are no line-time or number of bits transfer charges as with mobile phone or satellite systems.

To use SSB Email you require an SSB radio such as the ICOM M710 or ICOM M801, a radio modem and a computer running Mircosoft Windows . Using SSB email is as easy as sending email via your telephone line or mobile phone.

Click here for modem pricing information

Sailmail is a USA organization offering SSB email service to yachtsmen for just $250 year. Sailmail used a client software package called Airmail which is available free of charge. Sailmail coverage is very good, with a global network of stations, including a station here in Europe and the Red Sea.

Sailmail operates on a mixture of private and marine frequencies so do make sure that your marine SSB transceiver has been modified to cover the frequencies operated by Sailmail. The European version of the ICOM M710 and M801E will need to be modified.

The best modem to use with Sailmail the SCS PTC-IIusb with PACTOR III. Using the SCS PTC-IIusb modem with the Sailmail software and suitable SSB transciver allows for remote tuning to the correct SailMail frequency

SailMail Web site

AirMail Web site
The Global Link Network offers its clients a multitude of services in the field of maritime communications via a worldwide net of service partners. Global Link Network SSB services include:-
  • Receiving and sending email, up to 10 Mbs per year.
  • Receive weather information and send position reports.
  • Operates on marine allocated frequencies.
  • Software used is standard e-mail and web browser software such as Microsoft Outlook Express and Microsoft Internet Explorer.
  • Secure link, GLN uses the professional version of PACTOR III which offers users security when sending or receiving messages.

For further details on the Global Link Network web site
Brunei Bay Radio providing low cost HF SSB radio communications and HF radio (SSB) and e-mail services for yachts, charter vessels and small-craft in the North West Pacific, Asia and Indian Ocean.

The service area extends in a roughly 4000nm radius from BRUNEI BAY RADIO's base, located at approximately 5 degrees North, and 115 degrees East.

For further details on Brunei Bay Radio visit Brunei Bay Radio.
To use the Winlink 2000 SSB email system, you must hold an Amateur Radio licence or be a member of a supported organization or agency. Use of the system and all software is free of charge for those who qualify.
Winlink 2000 is very similar to SailMail and uses the same Airmail software. Basically Winlink is SailMail but over amateur radio frequencies where SailMail uses marine frequencies.
For further details on free SSB email visit winlink 2000 web site.
Marine Radio

Information

YachtCom Courses

SailCom Marine





Marine Radio Operator's Certificate

A marine radio operator's licence is an international legal requirement.

Yachtsmen operating a VHF only radio require a Short Range Certificate .

If operating an SSB, VHF and Inmarsat from a yacht then a Long Range Certificate is required.

Visit www.yachtcom.co.uk for more information about otaining your marine radio operators certificate.

Long Range Certificate

The Long Range Certificate is required for operations on all marine frequencies from a leisure craft.

MCA approved course & exam.

The course covers:-
- Marine VHF, SSB including DSC
- Inmarsat
- Operation and procedures.
- EPIRB, SARTs and NAVTEX.

Course duration including exam:-
- 2 days with on-line e-study
- 4 days with classroom study.

Click here for more information

Short Range Certificate

The Short Range Certificate is required for operations on marine VHF channels from onboard a leisure craft.

In the UK the Short Range Certificate is issued by the RYA.

The course covers:-
- Marine VHF DSC radio
- Operation and procedures
- EPIRB, SARTs and NAVTEX.

Course duration including exam:-
- 1 day

Click here for more information

On-Line e-study

Both the
Short Range Certificate (SRC) and
Long Range Certificate (LRC)
can be studied on-line using YachtCom's e-study training package.

The LRC and SRC e-study packages have been used by mainy students to obtain there marine radio operator's certificate.

Easy of use and informative the on-line e-study package is an ideal way to study for your marine radio operator's certificate. To study on-line just sign up for a course.

Click here for more information