HF Marine frequencies

[alok]

Are HF frequencies still used at all for ship to shore communications, in any area of the world?
In like the 4 Mhz, 6 Mhz, 8 Mhz on up ranges ?

If so, do you know of any active frequencies and times you heard something, I am located in the SE U.S.?

Al

 

[nd5y]

MF & HF Channel Information | Navigation Center

HF Distress and USCG Contact Frequencies | Navigation Center

 

[w2dsx]

There's not much left, although you'll probably hear more down there than I would in the NE. There's still SITOR channel markers from Greece and Turkey (slow CW ID's for SVO and TAH), NAVTEX on 518 and 490, and some rapidly disappearing DGPS stations in MF. As of Feb 2022 the USCG will no longer monitor (watch standing) the HF SSB frequencies, but will continue to monitor the HF-DSC. There's some activity with PACTOR on Sailmail frequencies, but since WLO was closed by Shipcom, I'm not sure if someone else took their place.

There used to be some interesting nets for yachtsmen and you're in the best area for it, as you'll hear the folks cruising the Caribbean and Gulf. 12359 was a busy frequency, and one of the ones used by folks such as Herb in the Southbound II cruising net. I don't think anyone took his place with providing weather information, but it used to be a busy one. You'll hear activity on 14300 with hams on the MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Net). I'd check the 8 MHz band too if you scan. There's the "peskies" which are illegal fishermen who maybe speaking Spanish, etc. and you can find more info on this site or the other sites such as HFUnderground as to the current activity.

 

[kd4mlt]

I have not heard any commercial activity, but you might want to try Dock Side Radio (www.docksideradio.com) for pleasure craft. They have various marine nets listed with times and frequencies.