Ship Communications Systems

The Miller Freeman has several types of communication systems available to communicate directly with shore-based facilities or other vessels at sea. The various systems are described below.

Satellite Systems

INMARSAT-B

A Nera Saturn INMARSAT-B is located in the Radio Room. It is mainly used as a back-up or emergency communication device. The terminal provides voice, fax, data, and telex connectivity via the worldwide INMARSAT satellite system. Data speeds are 9600 and 56/64 K baud. It is used as a back-up method to send the ship's email when the V-Sat dedicated internet connectivity is unavailable.

INMARSAT STANDARD C

The Trimble Galaxy STANDARD C is used mainly for GMDSS emergency. Because of the high expense and slow data transfer rate, the system is generally only used for ship's business, such as weather reporting (SEAS) and telex to shore based facilities (mainly foreign ports).

IRIDIUM

The Iridium phone is tied into the shipwide phone system. It is mainly used for ship's to shore buisness communcations.

V-Sat

The V-Sat is a decidicated internet data service. It provides the ship with 24/7 email and internet services. See the E-mail section below for more information in ship's interent services.

Cell Phone

A cell phone is located in the Radio Room and is interfaced with the ship's PBX telephone systems. The cell phone is only usable at times when ship is in range of a shore based cell system.

** Specific information on how to contact the Miller Freeman and all other fleet vessels can be found at http://www.pmc.noaa.gov/phone.htm **

For scientific projects, the Chief Scientist or his/her designated representative may have access to the ship's communications systems on a cost reimbursable basis. Whenever possible, it is requested that direct payment (e.g. credit card) be used as opposed to after-the-fact reimbursement.

E-mail

All embarked personnel will be assigned a personal e-mail account on the ship's e- mail system.

The ship has 24/7 internet access via V-sat, a dedicated internet data satelite service. Because of bandwitdh restrictions, users are forbidden to watch streaming video or use voice over IP services such as SKYPE. Service may be unavailable at times due to weather conditions or ship's position. During these times the Inmarsat-B is used to download email several times a day.

High Frequency (HF) SSB RADIO (SEA 330)

A 300 watt high frequency (HF, 2 tro 30 mhz)) radio is installed on the bridge for communications. This radio has DSC and distress watch receiver capabilities. It is used for routine ship-to-ship (to other marine vessels) and ship-to-shore (to shore based facilities) communications using voice.

Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)

The Miller Freeman is GMDSS compliant with a full set of operational GMDSS equipment as well as back up. This equipment includes HF and very high frequency digital selective call (VHF DSC) transceivers, scanning watch receiver, Navtex receiver, Standard C transceiver, Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB), Search and Rescue Radar Transponders (SART), and GMDSS emergency hand held radios.

•  Miller Freeman's Home Page
•  Inquires and Comments
•  URL: http://www.moc.noaa.gov/mf/specs/communications.html
•  Updated: March 24, 2010

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