High Frequency Radio Broadcasts

Posted by Alan Sorum May 22, 2007

The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking comments from the maritime community on the need for continued high frequency (HF) radio broadcasts of marine weather forecasts and warnings through radiofacsimile (radiofax), voice, and simplex teletype over radio (SITOR) formats. Coast Guard communication stations in seven locations throughout the United States and Guam broadcast NOAA weather information on frequencies between 3 and 30 MHZ.

Transmitting equipment is old and spare parts are becoming difficult to find. Continued investment in a replacement system depends on the agency's ability to document a public need for this service. Comments from users can also help the Coast Guard craft any new offerings to better service maritime users.

The Coast Guard is asking users of the HF marine weather forecasts system the following questions:

1. What is your position in the maritime community?
2. What are your primary sources for obtaining marine weather forecasts?
3. Do you use Coast Guard HF radio voice broadcasts to receive marine weather forecasts?
4. Do you use Coast Guard HF radiofax broadcasts to receive marine weather forecasts?
5. Do you use Coast Guard HF SITOR to receive marine weather forecasts?
6. What alternative source(s) for obtaining marine weather forecasts would you pursue if Coast Guard HF broadcasts were no longer available?
7. Would the loss of Coast Guard HF marine weather broadcasts affect you?
8. How far seaward does your vessel primarily operate?

Comments can be made online at the Docket Management Facility of the U.S. Department of Transportation or by writing the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC or by faxing comments to 202–493–2251. Include the Coast Guard docket number USCG–2007–27656 on documents to properly identify comments. The deadline for all comments is 24 August 2007.