The U.S. Coast Guard is warning the maritime community regarding the potential interference of VHF-FM radio and AIS reception from LED lighting. The Coast Guard said it has received reports from crews, ship owners, inspectors and other mariners regarding poor reception on VHF frequencies used for radiotelephone, digital selective calling (DSC) and automatic … [Read more...]
Launched – Thrane’s New Dual Channel AIS
Thrane & Thrane has expanded its established workboat and fishing vessel VHF radio portfolio with the launch of the new SAILOR 6217 VHF DSC Class D AIS Receiver. The new system brings parallel dual channel VHF receive functionality to the toughest line of VHF DSC Class D radios. The new receiver integrates a two channel parallel AIS Receiver, which enables it to perform a … [Read more...]
The Filipino Monkey Strikes Again (and again and again…)
13 January 2008 - So I'm watching CNN and I do a double take after the reporter (in a completely straight face) says "The harassing radio communications that ignited the Navy's close call with Iranian gunboats may have instead been initiated by a locally known heckler known as 'The Filipino Monkey' " WHAT?! First of all, any seaman, military or commercial, can tell you … [Read more...]
Search Is Over For Tall Ship Alvei
After one long day of a full-press search for the tall ship Alvei, New Zealand Coast Guard's P-3 aircraft crew was able to find the overdue ship. The reason for worry? Expected radio check-ins never happened. News.au tells us; Julia Lang from Maritime New Zealand said authorities would meet The Alvei's crew when they arrived in Opua, in New Zealand in 8-10 days time. They … [Read more...]
Lost in Translation – French Humor
Tim's Times has a conversation that put a big smile on our faces and reminded me of my favorite TV commercial. Here's the story: You have to imagine a heavy French accent and a heavy East European accent replying French VTS- What kind of vessel are you? Tanker- We are oil tanker. French VTS- What kind of ‘ull ‘ave you? (silent h in front of ave and … [Read more...]