Where have all the (marine) operators gone?

[Kings Gambit]

I was surprised (and embarrassed) to discover only recently that there are no more marine operators. At least, that's what marine people tell me. I should have noticed long ago that I no longer hear them trying to raise vessels at sea. However, telephone numbers for marine operators are still listed in some marine public service publications, adding to the illusion of their continued existence. Clearly, you don't need one unless you're out of cell phone range, and do not have a satellite phone, or satellite email, or a ham radio, etc., and need to contact someone ashore, or they you, by VHF.

I doubt that the Coast Guard has taken over that function. Vessel Assist (West Coast) will (has) agree(d) to do it as a service to its members (at least for me), but they don't have the transmitters of the Coast Guard.

What are people doing now?

 

[Rick D]

Yea, I know. I discovered that myself when trying to raise one some time ago. I'm told San Diego has an automated operator link but if so, I've never been able to use it and I've tried. The last time was 2004. For that matter, I have a heck of a time reaching WLO on SSB too. I guess we should get a ham license and link to someone with a land line patch. There are lots of times I'm well out of cell range when having a VHF marine operator would be handy. Of course, I could get a cell amplifier too for that matter.

 

[Blitz]

It's been a long time

It's been a long time since I used one, but it was close to land. I would think today if you are in cell phone range you would also be in VHF range? Does anyone know the difference in range? just curious - hopefully VHF is longer range...

 

[Rick D]

Re: It's been a long time

15-25 miles VHF, 3-5 miles Cell, based on my experience. Cell RX/TX was longer with analog phones. I used to get almost the same as VHF with a marine cell antenna and a big (5?) 3 watt phone, at least when conditions were good.

 

[Rick486]

It's been a long time since I used one, but it was close to land. I would think today if you are in cell phone range you would also be in VHF range? Does anyone know the difference in range? just curious - hopefully VHF is longer range...

A trip down memory lane. I remember in 1980 something sailing overnight to Maine from the CCC and calling my wife on Camden Marine Operator 75 miles offshore. They had a high antenna. Nice memories.

 

[Donnybrook]

Only wish the FCC would change those duplex channels to single and let them be for recreational boaters. Have not heard a MO in years.

 

[Kings Gambit]

Discussing this with my wife, we wondered if the rise of multiple long-distance carriers is the reason they are gone b/c it seems to time out (roughly) to near the rise of those carriers (which may be still rising). Back when AT&T ruled long distance (but divestiture in 1984) we wondered if they simply afforded special operators for marine services, but now with multiple carriers, each would have to have its own special operator? Then, that would be silly to be calling: "Sprint: San Pedro Marine Operator" versus "Verizon: San Pedro Marine Operator." In any event, AT&T shut down its high seas service around 2003, so I've been informed.

 

[Rick D]

I have no idea, but that makes good sense.

 

[zeehag]

last time i heard one was 1998. havent had need for one of late---all is now automated--