Defending The Maritime Mobile Service Net
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 มิ.ย. 2024
- The Maritime Mobile Service Net which operates daily on 14.300 has come under criticism lately on social media. I thought I make this video to give my opinion and defend this Net
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A few months ago the MMSN broadcasted an alert on a missing Sail Boat in the South Atlantic that was supposed to stop at St. Helena Island. Knowing some friends living on a near by island I contacted my friends who contacted family or friends on St. Helena, who then were able to provide position information on the missing sailboat which allowed the sailboat to be located.
All of this is bull! They are not a government sanctioned emergency net. They are just another group of ham operators with no more right to the frequency than anyone else. If they were a true government sanctioned emergency net then they would not be on the ham radio bands! In terms of them being part of a real emergencies, many ham operators can make this claim. So the truth is they are no more helpful in an emergency than any other ham out there. In addition, I have witnessed them behave with what could be considered rude behavior. Last point, I am a member of RACES group here in Illinois. We some times utilize HF frequencies for emergency coms. We are generally on these frequencies for less than 30 minutes once a month! Our operating plan however, is to switch to other designated frequencies in the event any one is in use. If all the frequencies are in use, then we test with our designated repeater.
The Global Emergency Center of Activity frequencies are *activated* during emergencies: they're not a set of frequencies for organizations to camp on during the entirety of the propagational day on a given band - which is what the MMSN does. So let's just get that out of the way, right off the hop. In point of fact, when events *do* occur -- especially in the Carribean -- the Emergency frequency that is used on 20m is typically *not* 14.300, because everyone knows that the MMSN occupies that frequency all day everyday. So the MMSN citing the GECOA in their justification is rather ironic, because when stuff pops-off, the Emergency Nets have to *avoid* the MMSN's activities.
Personally, I don't mind having one frequency (plus/minus a couple kc) that is used for this purpose; but if that is going to be the case, then it should be called-out in regulation, and if it is going to be the designated GECOA, then the MMSN's activities should be suspended when the GECOA is activated. For as long as I've been a ham, this has *never* been the case.
The second thing I would mention is that *if* the MMSN is going to occupy this frequency all day, everyday, then it is the Net's obligation to actively have the net going during the time they are occupying the frequency. If they're just going to leave the frequency quiet and not respond when someone comes on the frequency, does their check to make sure the frequency is clear, then begins to call CQ on the frequency, then they cannot turn around and say, "There's a net here" --because obviously there is not: the frequency was quiet and the prospective operator did their due diligence before commencing their CQ. The same person that said, "There's a net here" when the operator starts calling CQ most certainly heard them ask if the frequency was in use - likely several times, before that operator started calling CQ. And while I recognize that propagation might preclude an operator from hearing activity on a frequency due to propagation at any given time, the MMSN is *notorious* for having ZERO activity during much of the day, but will jump on *anyone* coming on that frequency and attempting to use it - even if nothing is happening, no active net is occurring, and no communications are taking place at all for long stretches of time. It is *not* good Amateur practice to simply occupy a frequency and kick out anyone that comes on the frequency to use it, only to maintain a clear frequency for the 0.00001% of the time there *might* be an emergency of some sort - especially when Amateur HF radio is *not* a primary means of communications for *any* vessel at sea.
The last thing I would say is that, while the MMSN doesn't come out and say, "We own the frequency" -- that doesn't mean that by occupying the same frequency all day, everyday, all year long that it isn't considered by any reasonable ham to be open for use...which means they own it - whether they're coming out and saying it, or not. And while there is no rule that they're breaking, it doesn't *have* to be a violation of the rules and regulations to be wrong. And when a net occupies a frequency all day, every day, for *decades* --that's not what right looks like.
You're making a serious mistake with your claims about what an emergency is. It's not just a hurricane roaring through the Caribbean. A boater far off-shore and outside the range of marine VHF can experience a life-or-death emergency either with their boat or the health of passengers on board.
That is why they need a known frequency for their appeal. And given the unpredictability of HF propagation, the standard non-amateur distress frequencies may not work. They're not that many stations listening.
Here's a good example. A well-equipped boater found a boat adrift in the Gulf of Mexico. Marine VHF got no response and the result was the same when he tried to contact the USCG on 2.182 MHz. He then tried this net on 14.300 MHz and through those hams was able to get in touch with the USCG. That is at 4:19 in this video.
th-cam.com/video/NtlnhSzHhss/w-d-xo.html
There's another factor. Even in well-populated waters like Puget Sound where I used to boat the USCG will often seek the assistance of nearby vessels when someone comes on Channel 16 perhaps out of fuel or with a motor not working. Other boaters are likely to be much closer than any USCG resource and using another boater leaves USCG resources free to handle more serious emergencies. This is a similar situation but far off-shore where a USCG response is likely to be very expensive.
All frequencies are emergency frequencies. Nobody is tuning to net for this.
I'm sorry, but as far as I know and have learned, if there is emergency traffic, the station should call "Break, Break, Break". At that point any station that hears can respond. There is nothing keeping someone from monitoring 14.300 for emergency traffic even when someone else is using the freq for a contest or a rag chew.
Yeah and if they yell "Break, break, break" into an ordinary 20-meter conversation they'll likely to reach someone who doesn't have the foggiest idea how to help them and who is likely to have no credibility when he eventually reaches the USCG. Nets exist because nets are useful.
I always enjoyed listening to this net even before I was licensed. 73
You're right. I often listen to the MMSN in the afternoon. It is more interesting that 99.9% of the other chatter on 20 meters. And hearing the wide variety of check-ins gives a good idea of band conditions.
as a mariner, I would like the Maritime Mobile Net to stay "a thing"
I listen in on the Ship's Radio equipment.
You get more bees with honey. It only takes one moron to ruin it for the rest and that is what has happened here. A few grumpy, nasty and rude NCS operators over the years have made a bad name for the MMSN. I have heard it for myself. I have also had acceptable and polite interactions with MMSN NCS operators.
Some of those NCS stations might have exceeded their LID quota for a particular day. One hand does in fact wash the other.
@@Mike--WA7QZR That is certainly possible but if someone meets you for the first time and you blow your top that will be their first impression. When that happens there may not be a second chance. When that happens enough a reputation is born and it seems that reputation has stuck for some. Regardless of the circumstances or who was right and wrong, perception is reality.
POTA Running everyone off and killing nets.
Problem is they think they have a god given right to control that frequency...THEY DONT...
Just use another frequency. Is it really that hard. 😂
So the last time the Maritime Mobile Service Net helped someone was 23 years ago? Is MMSN is the only place to call for help on HF? And don't the yachties all have satellite EPIRBs now?
Just because the cases I talked about was 23 years ago doesn.t mean thathere hasn't been any since then
Here's a case from 2013 and I am sure there have been others more recent. Note the almost three million views on TH-cam. That's three million cases where the public had seen the value of ham radio. The guy doing the call tried to reach the USCG on marine VHF and HF 2.182 MHz, to know avail. He then went to the MMSN and 14.300 MHz and got the help he needed.
th-cam.com/video/NtlnhSzHhss/w-d-xo.html
That's why it should get a special emergency frequency like the 5MHz Alaska emergency freq.
Hi Keith!
Thanks for the video. I do recall that video on TH-cam that you were talking about because I did comment my opinion and you may have read it.
I have zero complaints about the maritime activities on 14.300MHz and respect their wanting to be there in case of any maritime traffic.
I am a DX operator and even though I know that no one owns a frequency in the amateur radio spectrum, I respectfully don't use 14.300 because of the long history of its use as a maritime frequency.
In my comment on the aforementioned YT Channel, I mentioned that someone may say " Maritime Traffic Has VHF Channels they can use those".
Yup, however, we all know that VHF/UHF has short-range limitations.
Someone had mentioned that they didn't think that international ships even had HF Radios, I confirmed that yes, many do and some shipping officers on board are licensed amateur radio operators and talk DX quite often, as do smaller vessels at sea and in the Gulf do as well. I have had the pleasure of talking to several of them.
I hope that my comment on the length of the maritime net was not misunderstood. I meant to convey that I wouldn't expect a live rag-chewing net to be actively having a full-blown net session going on for all those hours, so you probably won't hear someone talking on the maritime net every minute of the day/night. I just leave them be.
If someone wants to see how beneficial amateur radio was during Vietnam days, look for former Senator Barry Goldwater's
K7UGA (SK), Goldwater sponsored legislation to shape the regulation of amateur radio in the United States.
Senator Goldwater Using his radios, Goldwater and a group of organized volunteers connected service members stationed in Vietnam with their families back in the United States. His wife was right there with him assisting in communications between servicemen and their families. He also had a MARS Call Sign.
Thanks again for the videos and respectfully sharing your opinions on the issue.
All the best!
73
Thank you, I think you explained it better than I did 73
Look Keith I have listened to this frequency before and there are people who are rude, and who have demanded people get off "their frequency" they dont have any exclusive right to "hold" any frequency for any reason. If they dont have traffic then they need not to hold the frequency just by holding a qso just to hold the frequency. Nothing that you can say can justify these people for holding the frequency!
14.300 has been controversial for 30+ years. Some people have been trouble makers on the frequency for their own personal reasons. One that I had personal experience with had his license revoked by the FCC.
I think most that would want to rag chew could probably find any frequency to do so. Though I’ve experienced this being hard when you’re trying to talk to a couple friends and there’s a contest 😂.
I think if they made contestants stay into small section of bands at certain times, could one make contesting more challenging and interesting, but two allow for thing like say “maritime hour” where the contestors can use the frequency but instead have to make their contact by formally checking into the net. I think some coordinators working between long established nets and contestors could also help raise awareness for some of these nets.
Ummmm.... yeah, 24/7 usage of a frequency? How about another group creates a net to run 7 days a week for highway safety and take up residence at 14.4, then sometime can create a seven day a week net for forestry emergencies a couple kilohertz up from there, apparently, all you need to do is create a webpage and say you own it...
They’ve never said they own it and if you transmitted on 14.4 you’d be out of band. Also they’re not on 24 hrs
@@keithshamradioworld2793As I pointed out elsewhere, the MMSN doesn't need to say they own the frequency: their actions, in occupying the same frequency every single day during the vast majority of the propagational day precludes anyone else from the possibility of utilizing that frequency, or anything on either side of it. This is how to own a frequency without saying you own it. I'm sorry, but while their actions don't violate the letter of the law, so to speak, they do violate the spirit of the rules.
Issues such as this are part of the reason I tend to stay away from the Phone portions of the bands.
@@N0LSD Nonsense!
@@WA4RRN lulwut
A compromise might be appropriate here. Reserve 14.300 for nets and have them rotate 24/7 onto the frequency. Certain times would be for marine traffic. Others could be those living off grid in a wilderness, running medical clinics far out in the African savannah, or simply on a tight budget but needing to reach their home country. Some of the time could be for a QRP net for those getting stomped on by the big stations. In short, make it legit by using it around the clock. That would also increase the number of listeners.
I got to listen to part of that whole exchange. I did not hear the beginning I listened awhile as I was trying to check in and I finally gave up. I will say that as a third party listening there was some rudeness on both sides. But the vulgarity I heard did not come from the MMSN. Thanks for the video and perspective.
Marine distress frequencies
4125 kHz
6215 kHz
8291 kHz
12290 kHz
16420 kHz.
14300 kHz is an Amateur radio frequency. Facts. Anyone maritime relying on ham radio for emergencies is a fool. You may not like it, but the fact is, those are the maritime HF distress frequencies and 14.3 mHz is an AMATEUR RADIO FREQUENCY
No, anyone relying on ham radio for emergencies is not a fool. Not even close. Quite a few long-distance sailers use ham radio to stay in touch with friends and family. They're much cheaper and more versatile.
A typical marine SSB radio is expensive. The Icom M803, for instance, costs $2700. Larger production runs and a simpler certification procedures mean you can get a ham radio equivalent for perhaps $500, particularly if you buy used.
Well ...
We can tell you have NEVER worked at sea...
Just because there are dedicated frequencies for emergencies does not mean that they are monitored or are in suitable condition propagation wise.
Next time you get car trouble, call for help on channel 9 11 meters...
Sad Hams suck.
In an emergency situation I'm going to a channel with the most traffic.
Carry on.
@@PopeyeKF4LBG in an emergency you wouldn’t wait for a Net to start to make a call
Any frequency can be used in a life threatening emergency.
Seems to me that they, for the large part, play nice with other hams. It doesn't matter if it is useful or not. That is totally immaterial to the conversation. They can get on there and talk about bubblegum if they wish. They are using the frequency as it is intended. No, they don't own the frequency, but for crying out loud, if they have the commitment to get on there everyday to work the frequency, then let them in peace. I don't see it as hurting anything. If nothing else, it is a place to net in and make sure your equipment works. There are lots of frequencies. Use another one. I swear some hams complain about everything. Nobody on the bands, complain. Someone using the bands complain. Net too short, complain. Too long, complain.
My thought is I have moved up or down to avoid a net. I would even search the web to be sure.
Which I’m fine with, but I not on the radio enough where it impacts me. That’s for the video..
Most people define a net as operational traffic. NOT just occupying a frequency waiting for traffic.
Sure hold your precious net for an hour or two, as long as you have active traffic and then LEAVE the frequency open for GENERAL USE.
I do a lot of POTA activations. I love POTA and use as a way to get out to parks, WMAs, SNAs, and Refuges. I'm a Tennessee Naturalist and enjoy it very much. I also use it for practice for EMCOMM as I'm a member of WCARES. Unless someone can share otherwise, I will follow the rules. If I find ANY frequency that I'm allowed to use as a General class operator, I will listen for awhile, call CQ and ask if frequency is in use. I'll do it numerous times over several minutes. If no response, I will use that frequency. I will ask anyone coming AFTER I'm using the frequency to please move to another frequency. It's that simple.
I enjoyed your video because I learned something today. I take my ham technician test on the 22nd this month and I’m just starting to learn and appreciate videos like yours.
Thank you and good luck om your test
Sometimes the ham can hear the maritime station and the official coast stations cannot. Then you can relay and help. It happened to me where I could help a maritime station. We also have a net going everyday.
Cite something more contemporary, please.
If they dont want to be bother they can get a special frequency from the FCC like the 5MHz Alaska emergency. Clear the small voice space on 20m
A week or so ago me and a friend of mine were looking for a frequency and choose 14.300. A gentleman got in and said there was a net going on, we politely excused ourselves and we found a new new frequency. Just forgot about the net. It wasn't a big deal. There are thousands of frequencies to choose from. I think having a 24 hour a day net for maritime traffic is great.
It is just a hobby.
And this works both ways. But it is easier to QSY for one ham than for an entire net.
Fair enough to QSY when there is operational traffic, but holding a frequency in the hope someone calls in with traffic is BULLSHIT.
@@vk3xemonthewebYep, that's the whole problem. If there is an emergency, call "Break Break Break" and the frequency should go quiet for the emergency. Outside an emergency, it's ANYBODY'S frequency. Nobody owns a frequency in the amateur band.
I have to ask. Of 14.300 is recommended why is it that no marine radio has a quick access button for 14.300? And when Haiti had it's earthquake and arrl asked for a frequency to be cleared it wasn't 14.300 it was another frequency.
why would they ask for 14.300 to be clear during the Haiti earthquake ? It's a maritime moble net not an earthquake net.
Marine radios and their operators are not licensed for the ham bands. In the U.S. they're expected to have an appropriate ship station license for the HF-SSB radio on their boat. www.navcen.uscg.gov/fcc-radio-licenses
We need these established nets so that when there is an emergency, we don't have to hunt and hope to find it.
Just like at we have established calling frequencies or sat uplinks we have a few dedicated nets that should always be in one spot.
I don't own a frequency, we just don't let anyone else use it...
So if they’re already using that frequency you think they should clear out and let you use it when they are other frequencies you could use ?
@keithshamradioworld2793 we all know that they are not using the frequency 12 hours a day seven days a week, it'll go hours without anyone even checking in
He is not opinionated but @6:17 You can see HE IS PARKED AT 14.300 as he is making this statement LoL ...FYI a Clear frequency is know by the receiver only if he gets an answer to "is the frequency in use" no matter if frequency is in use or not. it's up to him to receive and response of the question... I was Chased off 14.303 By 300 Net people when I was trying to have a DX QSO from Christmas Island a few years ago and can't ever understand why they would CRY about me and My 100W about My "SPLATTER" and KEYED UP ALL OVER THE DX STATION as they called on .303 Without a CALL GIVEN... ever since then I never EVER tuned back or Keyed up on the Maritime net 14.300..
I didn't say I didn't have an opinion. I said I was not a net control station there. Yes I had listened to the net right before I made the video so the vfo was on 14.300
It sounds to me like you knew the net existed on 14.3 and you deliberately engaged in a QSO that would produce QRM on the net frequency. 5 kHz is the bandwidth of the SSB signal. You should have made sure not to interfere with the net by conducting your QSO at least 5 kHz or more (10 kHz is better) above or below, but you didn't and now you're whining about being "Chased off"? You asked for it, OM. Maybe you were never taught properly. I don't know, but if you continue that kind of sloppy operation, you'll fall into the LID category and people will remember you because of that.
@@Mike--WA7QZR When a DX station is calling people have the right to call them back when they have no other stations active... Yes I too seen people from MMTN tell people to move away even though net time even started.. Your a Ass telling him he deliberately called the station back and have no clue what happened in this situation.
@@chriscollisonmanager5195 It's "an Ass"; and perhaps it wasn't deliberate. Perhaps he just didn't care. Since we're splitting hairs, because neither of us were present to hear the offence, do either of us have any business commenting on it? There's a rabbit hole, full of "yabuts" for you, no matter how you answer.
I have no problem with any net on 14.3
I had a uncle who bought a place in costa rica and we had a sort of regular sked on 20 meters
That was when 20 meters was the best band because of conditions !
When 15 or 10 was good we left 20 meters !
Anyway we would check into the net ask permission to make a call and would would QSY if contact was made !
That was better than 20 years ago !
Ham radio just as everything else seem not as it once was !
Hey fella ! HF can be used for real communications !
Not just meaningless DX
Now a days I a QRP cw type !
Seems I have heard it all on phone and am not impressed !
Anyone who would say "no I:m not moving. you dont own the frq" in my opinion. never leaned respect & gentlemanly behavior. Those have been hallmark traditions amongst the amateur radio community for a century. The world seems to have filled up with selfish people during my lifetime. I believe the elmers & mentors out there should use events like this to teach honor & respect among those they are helping to train up.
K5MWA
73's
I've heard this net since I can remember. I agree with the videos perspective on this.
It’s the same people who don’t want to follow any guidelines or rules or follow a band plan. It’s just hard headed people who are extremely selfish and want their way no matter what. I’m sure they like to work digital in the voice part of the band.
I have been a ham since 2008 and one of the first things I learned is 14.300 is occupied frequency. I never have got on that frequency and I haven’t been on the net, although I might one day. It took me forever to do any ham radio on 14.275 years later too. Just a habit to avoid those frequencies.
People like the MMSN are the problem. Nobody owns an amateur frequency. They think they don’t need to obey the rules the rest of us do. They are no different than unlicensed operators invading our frequencies. Both think they’re entitled to break the rules at the expense of our privileges.
Common courtesy is not that hard......
Be a mature adult about things.
As an old Elmer of mine told me years ago, if You don’t like what is happening on a certain frequency, just “Spin The Dial”.
My experience with this Net has always been positive. They have always been very friendly. After all, they are there to help.....
Thank You for making the video and 73,
JR
The 'spin the VFO' advice is a cop-out - an excuse for not confronting an issue. Also, there are lots of Amateurs that are 'there to help' that don't monopolize a frequency for decades with so little to show for the imposition.
Please refer to the BE AN ADULT portion of the comment.
Have a nice day.
Most people would define a net as OPERATIONAL TRAFFIC, just sitting there waiting and hoping for traffic is monopolising a frequency and BULLSHIT.
You’re right, the net operators need to be adults and spin the dial and have common courtesy for anyone already on the frequency
The net is being held against fcc rules, it needs to go. In an emergency, all frequencies are open for use. Say something is wrong, and all hams will clear and help.
You cannot leave a frequency silent for extended periods of time and then chase people off as the only net activity.
Never heard so much BULLSHIT in my life. I have been a ham for around 30 years and I do NOT believe there is enough traffic to hold a frequency to ransom 24 hours a day. I am a net control operator for many years. I can see a net running for half an hour, 1 or 2 hours whilst there is traffic. But just to sit there 24 hours a day expecting traffic is CRAP! Run your traffic and then clear the frequency. SIMPLE.
It's 5 kHz. Turn the dial.
I agree
First, TONE can be rude, condescending, and rather asinine, which most operators who "guard" 14.300 use to "prove" their point. The MMSN is NOT an official emergency channel, and is NOT a working net that is used when trouble occurs, and hasn't been for a VERY long time, if ever if one were to be honest. The operators who are trying to claim that they are "international" and have authority greater than the FCC are the operators who will eventually not only lose HAM operators the privileges of being licensed HAM operators, but they will almost certainly cause agreements throughout the world HAM community to fall apart. The INTERCON net is RARELY on from 7-12 EST anymore. They may claim to be, but they aren't. Making excuses such as this is acquiescing to their demands, which are unreasonable. Their ragchew is, indeed, a constant you can count on. And no, they don't need to HOLD the frequency, just because they can. You said it yourself, it is no different than ANYONE ELSE using a frequency.
With that said, I actively live on a 110' boat, full time, and travel around the world. I have personally tried to "check in" to their net, and was told that it was for "sea faring vessels only," to which I replied, "Roger, I am on (boatX)... and am currently located at (coordinates), which is in international waters, Atlantic ocean." The following response was as ridiculous as it sounds. "You aren't either, you're in (registered home QTH), so I'll say it again, this net is for sea faring vessels only." Seriously? A guy in Ohio, running a net for sea faring vessels, refuses to take a check in from.... a sea faring vessel?
I respectfully disagree with your support of these lids, primarily because they are LARPING and bullying their way into having their own frequency, which they remind everyone who can hear them, at all hours of the day, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, that they "own the frequency" and have more authority than the FCC. Billy Bob calling his buddy, Gomer, and claiming to "check in" so they can "secure" the frequency is operating outside the spirit of the licensing. Further, these lids are NOT professional emergency managers, and have little to no experience handling actual maritime emergencies, making them pretenders at best. DO take note as well, almost every vessel that travels the seas has a multitude of communication criteria they must pass, including personal emergency beacons, satellite phones (for larger vessels), and a range of radio equipment that is used, making their frequency the very last place anyone would attempt to initiate a rescue. Bobby Boater, who is operating his $60k fishing boat notwithstanding, and even HE will have a multitude of equipment, none of which is native to 20m, let alone 14.300 specifically.
With all of this said, the MMSN is not who they claim to be, and in almost every case of their "claiming" the frequency, they've done so against FCC regulations, and at the risk of their licenses being revoked. I've begun recording them from offshore. In every case they've gone after someone for being "on their frequency," the person who was on "their" frequency was properly broadcasting not only call sign, but initial checks to see if the frequency was in active use. For the record, I am an Extra Class licensed HAM radio operator, not just a dude living on a boat. In all but one or two cases where I've heard these lids attack someone for being on 14.300, they've talked over the person properly broadcasting, which is considered jamming and illegal; they've claimed to "not hear" the person broadcasting, yet they conveniently checked in with each other to "secure their frequency"; and they've intentionally lied and obfuscated in order to frustrate the person who was properly broadcasting with every right to be broadcasting at the time of their attacks. I will continue to record them doing these things, and I will continue to collect call signs of those who identify, which ironically is what they accuse others of not doing, even though they themselves DON'T IDENTIFY when they are jamming said legally operating stations.
The services they claim to provide are not at all services that anyone has asked for, needs, or otherwise justified in any way, other than their own egos. Moreover, in every case that these lids have claimed to be justified in taking the actions that they've taken, they have cited FCC fines, findings, and other documentation that they themselves don't even understand, or they'd be holding off on doing so. They do this in order to attempt to intimidate others into acquiescing and "just going away."
The same question is on every level of test, from Technician to Extra, regardless of which test from the test pool is given, and it's an important question that gets answered and understood by everyone who has passed the tests. True or False. A "net' takes precedence on any frequency over any other traffic. That answer, by the way, is a resounding FALSE. It further states in every study material you can find that "Nobody owns any frequency, and nets cannot claim to take precedence over another station legally transmitting on that frequency." The Maritime Mobile Service Net is operating on, and claiming to own, a portion of the band allotted to general use, by General and Extra class licensed operators, which means they cannot claim to own, or take precedence over any other legally transmitted traffic, regardless of their stated intended purpose. Further, simply advertising that you have a net on frequency X does not give the right to operate in the manner than they do, which is to bully their way into having "their frequency" cleared at their whim. It is they who should make contingency plans for another frequency when they encounter a legally operating station who was using the frequency prior to their arrival. As stated before, pretending to have a 24/7 "net" operating is horseshit. Sorry, but that is specifically attempting to own a frequency which is PROHIBITED by the FCC.
Lastly, I'd be interested to note exactly how many supposed "rescues" these lids can claim to have initiated, if ever having any, that were handled by them initially. Their claims are what they are. I remember when I went to Douchebagistan how heroic my actions were. What specific training have they had in locating emergent vessels, and to whom are they going to forward the information to, and how quickly? When asked, it seems that exactly ZERO of their operators could answer this question, yet they claim to be the ONLY emergency net that operates 24/7. It may just be an innocent thing, that the specific operators I have asked these questions to had no idea how to answer, but I suspect its more common than not. With that said, I am neither confident they could provide emergency services sufficient to "save" me should I run out of options and attempt their help, having exhausted the 14 other options I have first, nor am I willing to risk the life of any of the others who live aboard this vessel in hopes they'd come through. I'd rather row a dingy for months than to bet my life to their capabilities.
No individual or net should be allowed to own any FRQ for as long as its HAM spectrum , if a FRQ is used , than thats it, it its used, that should be the end of the issue.
Anyone feels special and want to own special Frq at certain time for a net ( as an example), great, APPLY and PAY for your right to use this FRQ ( just like anyone else, problem solved).
An emergency could be handled by any Ham using the band ( as part of our license in the first place).
Personally I do not buy this Maritime B.S, we all have the same rights on the bands under the law.
The rude NCS stations turned me off of the MMSN years ago. K5MP was the worst. If you run a net for 10 hours per day, then by default you act like you own the frequency.
9:14 If it's not in active use at the time of a request of "is the frequency in use", then it is NOT an active net. When someone demands the frequency be cleared, rather than requesting the frequency, there's going to be trouble. The Maritime Mobile home page even lists a band of alternate frequencies when the primary is in use. The complaint was about manners and etiquette, as much as about rules. Bottom line, don't be rude, and claim rules that don't exist.
The Maritime Mobile Net another obsolete net waiting for something to happen.
All emergency nets are _useful nets_ "waiting for something to happen." That is why they exist.
I pretty much just avoid 20 meters entirely. I have had some nice QSO's on the band, but bad actors have taken over that band from all angles. I have heard very poor operating practices with high power stations chasing dx, frequency hogging in general, and plenty of just plain wacko's causing QRM. Pretty much the only band that I have been on where I have had operators intentionally try to run us off frequencies claiming they were in use. 14.300 is probably the most civil thing going on 20 meters! haha
Man, didn't Spock say the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or the one? If you're calling CQ or doing a POTA, and you happen to end up on a frequency where folks are going to be having a net, it's no skin off your nose to just move to a different frequency. Meanwhile for an entire net to move is a big ask. It's even crazier when you think about if someone's trying to call CQ on 14300, no one's going to find them there because everyone's expecting the maritime mobile net. I think some people are just upset that the sky is blue, and there's nothing we can do about that.
Nets are quite used to moving frequencies so NO it’s not a big ask. It’s actually part of their operating procedures
Glad you explained it. Always thought it was for pleasure craft not military or commercial. N4TCM
The fact is that the MMSN does not serve, 99.999% of the time, anyone. It is simply a contingency for the 0.00001% of the time where someone might have an issue. Their "service" to service-members ended nearly two generations ago. Let's not get it twisted: at this point, it's a solution looking desperately, hoping for a problem to justify their continued existence. The "service" they provide is hardly worth aggressively occupying a frequency to the exclusion of any other Amateur operation on that frequency during the entirety of the propagational day, day in and day out, 365 days a year.
@@N0LSD Will the world come to an end, will the proverbial asteroid strike earth, if you can't run your contest on that one particular 5 kHz slot?
@@Mike--WA7QZRI don't contest, but that's not really the issue here. As I've stated elsewhere in this comments section, the issue is one group monopolizing what should be a shared resource. There are many nets everyday that do their business and co-exist with the larger Amateur community. Unfortunately, this is not the case with the MMSN.
@@Mike--WA7QZR Would the world come to an end if everybody obeyed the same rules?
@@LiveWire_Guy You're creating a straw man and then trying to beat him up. Just asking people to keep a frequency clear is not a violation of either rules or law. Stop being hyperbolic.
While the MMSN does not "own" 14.300 mhz that is where they are. The people that have a problem with it are the ones that just want to create drama. It is like someone "activating" 14.230 mhz for voice transmissions. TH-cam has created more drama by glorifying the complainers for their drama. People that just go there to create issues are no where near professional by any means. When I saw that video I kind of agreed but during an emergency I want to know there is a frequency that I can call on that is monitored. 14.300 is that frequency.
Seems foolish to me that any vessel would rely on Ham Radio to report an emergency with all of the other sophisticated means of communication. And how many boats have hams on them?
Seems foolish not to have one.
Quite a few of those doing long-distance cruising have ham radios. In ordinary circumstances they're a good way to keep in touch with home. They're far cheaper than satellite phones. And in an emergency they can turn to this net for help or put their modified ham transceiver on the marine HF emergency frequencies. Ham transceivers are far cheaper than marine HF ones and can do double duty.
The FCC has also ruled that ordering repair parts via ham radio doesn't violate the no-commercial use rules. Safety at sea overrules that.
Indeed, if I had a sail boat big enough to cross oceans, I would not sail without a ham radio on board. Unfortunately my little 14-footer is only good for calm lake sailing.
There is an entire spectrum of frequencies that can be used by amatuers. Some forget it is an amatuer SERVICE. So stay off the damned frequencies that are used for SERVICE to those in distress!!!
Hi Keith. I have seen the other TH-cam video. The net you are defending isn't even called AMATEUR martime etc net. These hams are most un-ham like and I suspect it is the good behaviour of other hams over the years, that has enabled a culture to exist where one small group of hams can claim a frequency. I see in your video where in the past they did move to a free space. I say "Fair Use". From your description of one net "handing over" to another, that this is not Fair Use. Certainly not my definition of fair anyway. What would happen if a motorcycling group decided to have an net? Or every other fringe group. Maritime users have their own frequencies to carry out maritime business. Amateur Bands are for amateur business. The old argument about Marine radios being too expensive to but tells me exactly what sort of people are setting out in a very large and very dynamic environment. If they do not value their safety... I was led to believe that boats didn't get clearance to leave a country unless they had the right radios? Cheers Dave Creek ZL3DRC
Sad hams
The complaints I've read said there was no active net going on, not even a ragchew going on. They said they asked if the frequency was in use and there was no answer. Nothing until they called CQ, and then comes the angry reply.
I don't know. I never hear anything on that frequency when I check it. I should try to remember to try at the beginning of the net.
LOL you are all LID"s... get over it the stuff i hear anymore on "ham radio".... slowly devolving into the old CB days LOL
The net spends a lot of time dead air. If you make the unforgivable sin of trying to use the frequency during the middle of the dead time when no one has keyed up for 20 minutes....
Is this frequency in use?
No answer
Is this frequency in use?
No answer
CQ, CQ, CQ (Callsign)
This frequency is being used for a net and you must change frequency! You can't use this frequency!
I've heard this and have had it happen.
Then that is jacked. They should say. Hey, we are running a net, but between operators. We would appreciate it if you could use a different frequency. There are lots of open ones. I'd move.
Typical
This net is mostly just a tradition more than anything with a lot of fond followers. And I get that but with all the satellite phones and other emergency satellite devices out there now that are much more dependable than HF radio, it's pretty much obsolete. But I do understand the faithful followers. But times change. Plus, with the lousy solar conditions these days anyone would be just lucky to get anyone on it if they were far out in the oceans. If I were a yacht person, I'd not depend on it.
Why is there all this discussion? NO ONE owns a frequency.....period.
It doesn't matter how important you think your net is. Get a life!
The folks upset about the existence of the Maritime Mobile net remind me of a bunch of Karens, quite frankly. It's like an HOA or a labor union. "This guy over here exercising his rights, taking a frequency before everyone else and using it all day, is bothering us. Let's get mad even though they've done nothing wrong and try to control them."
Seriously, what's so sacred about 14.300 that people are having a cow? If you want the frequency that badly, get up early in the morning before any nets start, begin using the frequency, and keep it active. Otherwise, it's a first come, first serve basis...
Bingo.
A net holds OPERATIONAL TRAFFIC. Sitting there in the hope of traffic is NOT a reasonable person's defenition of a net.
Have your traffic then PISS OFF and let others have a go.
@@vk3xemontheweb Why don't you file your complaints with the IARU instead of berating everyone who doesn't see the world through your Australian glasses?
@@Mike--WA7QZR IT IS NOT AUSTRALIAN EYES YOU FOOL IT IS COMMON FUCKING COURTESY
@@Mike--WA7QZR stop being racist. The US is NOT the centre of the Universe!
They can bounce on down the dial as they don't own the spectrum. Move it along OMYAC!
So many salty sea-larpers out there.
First of all, individuals that do not know of this net, should not call themselves hams. They are trying to replace Service in part 97, with toy/hobby...
And some of the "Amateur radio is a SERVICE" people are the most insufferable personalities in the hobby.
@@random_silicates First of all, it is not a hobby, read part 97. PERIOD
@@random_silicates and yes, I am insufferable when it come to Amateur Radio. We are Amateurs, not hobbyist.
@@ward5821 Of course Amateur Radio can be a hobby, Sport!
@@ward5821 Nonsense!