Marine Telephone Operators CA?

[Rick D]

Racing to Mexico this week and leaving emergency contact info for crew's wives. I know San Diego & San Pedro Marine Operators exist because I occasionally hear their calls when scanning. However, neither the 0 or 411 operators have a clue. In fact, they just got annoyed with me. As I recall, you just dial the 0 operator and ask for the marine operator and they are supposed to connect you. Doesn't work. Can't find it under ATT either, which, I seem to recall is the provider. The is an ATT marine satellite maritime service number, but the service no longer exists and I don't think it's it anyway. Anyone else had luck contacting them via land line?

 

[Lee Coller]

I don't think I've heard a marine operator call in years. Have you tried calling the marine operator on the radio and ask how to reach them via telephone?

 

[Rick]

Hi Rick. I just got my verizon phone turned on for international calling while we are in Ensenada. Its actually no charge to do it BUT you do get charged to use it. Text was 50 cents per inbound and 5 cents per outbound or vice versa.
I seem to recall that you can get a patch through the vhf radio. I realize that is not the question you asked but. Hey best of luck to you! Hope to see you on the podium. Weather forecast doesnt look to be as good as last year and we might get rained on a bit on the beat up to Newport. Oh well.

Cheers

 

[Rick D]

Yea, Lee, I have not tried them for years either. I used to use Radio Call in Redondo, but they got bought out etc. I was surprised to hear conversations recently and it would be handy to have outside of cell range since I always monitor 16. So, when I go to the boat, I'm going to call them and see if they have a direct dial number.

Rick, I also have my international on. The roaming charge isn't as bad as what the cruise ships get you for! I suspect airlines will catch on soon. Don't forget to let you charge card provider know too. Saves triggering the fraud alert. Hope to see you on the podium again too. You had a heck of a race! Looks to be light all the way down this year. If it rains, my enclosure is staying up and I'll just think of it as a downwind aid. I suppose you have your own personal weather-router, huh?

 

[Rick D]

I Tried Calling Them on VHF...

...I keyed the mike and made a hail on 24 and 28. It rang and rang, but no one came on in response. So it's probably automated and one attendant somewhere sleeping away...

 

[Rick]

Re: I Tried Calling Them on VHF...

I needed a personal weather router for planning the route UP to Newport. If we had been able to get over here and depart on Tuesday, I think we could have made it. The gail warning and a drive over to the north side of Point Loma on Wednesday morning unfortunately changed everything. Decided to weather abort. The race is supposed to be FUN... Decided to not risk vessel and crew to get up there. And not interested in an all night sail on thursday, IF the wx breaks. So..... go for it Rick. We are gonna sail out on Friday afternoon and watch the fast boats off Loma and the Coronados. See ya next year and best of luck!

Cheers