WWV ing in for the first time. At 2000 UTC, Herb
Marine storm warnings covering the east-
will acknowledge all readable check-ins.
ern North Pacific are given from WWV at
Once on the South Bound II log, stations are
8 through 10 minutes after the hour. An
encouraged to check in and stay in contact
additional segment, at 52 minutes after the
daily until completion of passage.
hour, may be used when there are unusually
As part of the service, each vessel is re-
widespread storm conditions. If there are
quested to provide current latitude and
no warnings, the broadcasts will so indi-
longitude to the nearest minute when called
cate. Frequencies are 2500, 5000, 10000, and
back; also to provide true wind speed and
15000 kHz. WWV also broadcasts GPS status
wind direction, the barometric pressure, sea
and outage reports at 14 to 16 minutes past
state, and other pertinent data, such as sky
the hour. See the section “Time Signals” later
conditions/squalls. Each vessel will receive
in this chapter for more information on sta-
daily an extended four- to five-day route
tion WWVH.
forecast, including way points if necessary,
The National Weather Service issues warn-
to assist in avoiding potentially unfavorable
ing updates for WWV at 0000, 0600, 1200,
conditions. Individual vessel forecasts are
and 1800 UTC. The updates are announced
prepared in advance of air time, utilizing and
at the next broadcast following time of issue.
editing numerical forecast models and other
Topics include locations of storm centers,
available data and products.
low-pressure systems, and hurricanes or ty-
Forecasts are provided as value added in-
phoons and their predicted positions for the
formation, not as a copy or duplication of
next 12 to 24 hours.
otherwise available or published offshore/
high seas forecasts. This service is intended
Herb Hilgenberg & South Bound II
for extended offshore passages
A long-time source of outstanding weather
Primary area of coverage is the North At-
information to offshore sailors, Herb Hilgen-
lantic, between the Eastern Seaboard and
berg at South Bound II—known to countless
Europe, including the Caribbean Sea, the
mariners simply as “Herb”—provides a daily
Bahamas, Islands and the Gulf of Mexico.
r
ship-routing/weather forecasting service, as a
Limited coverage is available for the South
hobby, on marine HF/SSB frequency 12359.0,
Atlantic and the Eastern Pacific, subject to
starting at 2000 UTC until 2200 UTC, or until
HF propagation
e
athe
completion of traffic. 8294.0 and 16531.0 are
Due to time constraints and the nature of
W
used as alternate frequencies as announced
Herb’s hobby, forecasts are not available via
from time to time, subject to propagation.
e-mail, fax or telephone, except in the event
Vessels are welcome to check in between
of lack of propagation for a logged on vessel,
1940 and 2000 UTC, and should then stand
or in case of an emergency.
by until contacted again once their area gets
c
es
For other information, contact Herb via
covered. New check-ins should provide a
e-mail: hehilgen@sympatico.ca.
o
ur
short description of their location on check-
ion S
mat
or
I
nf
807