Boats that venture off-shore will quickly move beyond the normal communication range
of VHF radio. Maintaining communication, for both routine and emergency purposes
requires the use of either satellite or high frequency radio. Today's HF transceivers
transmit and receive signals in a format called single sideband, SSB. Typical uses
include communication with commercial high frequency shore stations that can connect
to the world's telephone system, communication with other vessels and amateur (ham)
radio. Many cruising sailors find that the SSB "Nets", informal groups of ham operators
who communicate on specific frequencies at preset times are an invaluable resource.
The use of SSB frequencies allows much wider area coverage than is possible on VHF. Chuck Husick,
BoatU.S
Boat Outfitting
