SHIP-ROUTING and WEATHER FORECASTING

for  Vessels on the  HIGH SEAS

                                                           FIXED HF MARINE LAND STATION  VAX498


                                                                                                                                             (SOUTH  BOUND II COASTAL)


                                                                                              Herb Hilgenberg  PEng    VE3LML,  past  VP9LM  

"A dedicated hobby"(SINCE 1987)

Herb provides a daily ship-routing/weather forecasting service as a hobby, on marine HF/SSB frequency12359.0 starting at 2000 UTC until completion of traffic. Alternate frequencies may be announced from time to time during the "NET" depending on and subject to propagation. Vessels are welcome to check in between 1930 and 2000 UTC and should then stand by until contacted once their area gets covered. New check-ins should provide a short description of their location on checking in for the first time.
At 2000 UTC Herb will acknowledge all readable check-ins. Once on the South Bound II log stations are encouraged to check in and stay in contact daily until completion of passage. .As part of the service each vessel should provide current latitude and longitude to the nearest minute when called back; also provide true wind speed and wind direction and other pertinent data such as changing barometric pressure, rough sea state and squalls. Each vessel will receive daily an extended four to five day route forecast including way points, as necessary, to assist in avoiding potentially unfavorable conditions.

Individual vessel forecasts are prepared in advance of airtime, utilizing and analyzing up to five numerical forecast models, incorporating other available data and products and then producing revised surface chart for detailed analysis and forecast preparation. Forecasts are provided as value added information, not as a re-broadcast of otherwise available official marine high seas forecasts.

NOTE: It is recommended that mariners on the High Seas regularly monitor marine text and voice forecasts as issued by the U.S. National Weather Service, the NHC and CFH Halifax for the Atlantic areas via Coast Guard or public broadcast stations. Computer generated facsimile charts and grib files downloaded via HF e-mail or satellite should be used with caution as they are unedited and based usually on only one model.

AREA OF COVERAGE


Primary area of coverage is the North Atlantic between the Eastern Seaboard and Europe, including the Caribbean Sea, the Bahamas Islands and the Gulf of Mexico. Limited coverage is available for the South Atlantic and the Eastern Pacific subject to HF propagation. Due to time constraints and the nature of the hobby forecasts are not available via E-mail, fax or telephone except in case of an emergency. This service is intended for extended offshore passages. 

 

VESSEL PROFILES

NEWS and ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Due propagation problem within 150 nm of shore please stand by on 8294.0 between 2000 and 2030UTC, if no contact on 12359.0

 

MORE  INFORMATION ABOUT HERB
 

 

 

Invitation  to:    US NAVY METEOROLOGY CENTER                          

Invitation  to:    NASS  U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY                             

Interview by:    US COAST GUARD, RCC NORFOLK                     

TV Interview:   ABC WORLD NEWS WITH PETER JENNINGS      

Media Reports: RESCUE of BRITSH COUPLE from S/Y SARA

   E-mail      to     hehilgen@sympatico.ca

                 HAVE A GOOD WATCH
                       Herb Hilgenberg
                 5468 Hixon Ave, Burlington, 
                  Ontario, Canada, L7L 3S2

Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal

             QGJM