Radio Activated Sound Signals

[Warren Milberg]

I'm thinkking about a circumnav of the DelMarVa peninsula this spring and note that the western entrance to the Cape May Canal fog signal is activated by an approaching boat using the VHF on Channel 83A and then keying the mike 5 times. I'd like to know if others have any experience with this system (i.e., Mariner Radio Activated Sound Signal -- MRASS).

 

[shemandr]

I think the Block Island signal is so equipped. I don't remember if we actually used it. We were finishing a race and about half the crew thought it would be funny. Not so much the skipper.

 

[FourPoints]

I think the Block Island signal is so equipped. I don't remember if we actually used it. We were finishing a race and about half the crew thought it would be funny. Not so much the skipper.

I just looked at the charts, none of the buoy's or the GSP entrance list that....

 

[KingAirDriver]

We have been using this technology for 30+ years to activate runway lights and weather reporting equipment at airports!

Very cool!

I see no reason why they can't have automated weather observation equipment at some of these locations too. It would be nice to hear visibility, cloud cover, winds and barometric pressure when out sailing.

I cheat, I look up the phone numbers for the airport weather reporting equipment along the coast and listen on my cell phone.

 

[RichH]

Info on MRASS: http://www.iho.int/mtg_docs/com_wg/CSPCWG/CSPCWG9/CSPCWG9-08.8A_Sound_Signals.pdf

 

[rgranger]

I'm thinkking about a circumnav of the DelMarVa peninsula this spring ....

There is a guy on here who has done that and wrote a blog. I think his handle is "Thinwater".

Maybe PM him and ask this question directly.