Advice on Having SSB Aboard

[matauwhi]

G'day, Mates. Just an FYI. It is a mandatory requirement here in New Zealand for a N.Z. flagged cruising vessel, to receive their Category 1 certification and gain clearance papers from Customs, to have a working SSB on board. Category 1 certification does not apply to vessels carrying other nations flags. Cheers.

[S/V Alchemy]

Interesting. I would imagine that NZ private yachts near a place like Christchurch today are part of the communications rescue effort, given that the landlines and the electrical and cellphone networks are likely damaged or out completely.

One thing cruisers don't always consider is that they are sometimes the most equipped people on the scene of a natural disaster.