[Sunspot Baby]

SSB is a type of transmission that uses a very small band width. Some Ham frequencies are Single Side Band. Boaters tend to refer to Marine Single Side Band as just SSB. There are designated frequencies reserved for marine traffic. In the US, to be completely legal you need to get a station license and a restricted radio telephone license to operate on marine SSB, but it is seldom enforced and if one uses good radio practice, they might not get caught. Both licenses require only an application and a few bucks paid to the FCC. No tests or other qualifications required, so IMHO there is no reason not to operate legally.

Like Marine SSB, some Ham frequencies are reserved for licensed amateurs. Ham High Frequency voice transmissions are also Single Side Band, but an FCC Ham license is required to operate. Visit the AARL web site for more information. http://www.arrl.org/

Hams are self policed and if you violate the rules, someone will report you to the FCC.

Having said that, if you have a Ham capable radio and have a genuine emergency, then it is legal to call for help on Ham frequencies, so even without a license it makes sense to have Ham capability and know what frequencies have probable listeners. If you are in trouble and can reach a Ham, they will respond and do everything possible to get help to you.

High Frequency signals have much greater distance capability than HF or VHF because the signals are reflected back to earth by the ionosphere. VFH & UHF go right on through.

The requirement to know Morse Code to get a General Ham license ends the 23rd of this month so getting a license is easier.

This may be way more info than you wanted.

George