When we first set sail on Avocet, our single sideband radio (SSB) was just another piece of gear, a rather mystifying communications device that sat dormant alongside our heavily used VHF and other nav station electronics. It wasn’t until four years into our liveaboard and cruising life that we had the opportunity to sit down, learn, and fully grasp its value, thanks to our friend Baron from S/V Remedy.
While anchored in the Sea of Cortez, Mexico, Baron taught us how to tune into various nets, including the one that he and his wife were controllers of, the Amigo net. Within minutes, familiar voices of friends en route to French Polynesia filled the airwaves. Despite having Starlink at our fingertips, there was something nostalgic and magical about the radio’s crackling feedback and screenless interaction—it was just us and our friends, connected by the timeless radio waves.
However, the value of SSB radio is often overshadowed by debates about its relevance in the modern maritime world. In an age where satellite communications and internet connectivity reign supreme, how can SSB, a technology more than a century old, continue to prove itself as an indispensable tool for sailors and cruisers? While modern gadgets and Starlink offer instant connectivity, following are some examples of how SSB provides unique advantages that newer technologies can’t fully replace.
Global Reach and Reliability
One of SSB radio’s greatest strengths is its ability to enable communication over vast distances without relying on satellite networks or terrestrial infrastructure. Operating on high-frequency (HF) bands, SSB can transmit signals over thousands of miles, particularly when bounced off the ionosphere. This long-range communication is invaluable for sailors who venture far beyond the reach of coastal VHF signals and cellular networks.
For those crossing oceans or navigating remote areas, SSB provides a lifeline to other vessels, coast stations, and marine networks worldwide. Unlike satellite phones, which may fail due to technical issues or lack of coverage, SSB’s reliance on tried-and-true radio wave propagation ensures its dependability in emergencies.
“If all else fails, a properly installed SSB with a 12-volt battery will transmit, something that can’t be said for more advanced tech,” says our friend Brent of S/V Scuba Ninja. Brent and his wife, DeeDee, are net controllers for the Pacific Voyagers, or PacVoy, net—a group that provides information to cruisers looking to make the leap to French Polynesia and beyond. The best part? The resources are free.
Independence From Commercial Networks
Speaking of free, a significant appeal of cruising is the freedom it offers—from the constraints of land, conventional society, and, crucially, commercial networks. Satellite communication, while effective, ties sailors to commercial services that require subscriptions and, in some cases, expensive equipment.
SSB radio, on the other hand, operates independently of these networks. Once the equipment is installed, there are no ongoing costs, making it a cost-effective solution for long-term cruisers. (That said, it is important to acknowledge that installation of an SSB system can be expensive. If you find a new-to-you boat that already has one, keep it in place! Some of the older radios are still the best.)
SSB doesn’t rely on external infrastructure, which can be a crucial advantage during emergencies or in regions where commercial services are disrupted. In these situations, SSB provides an unfiltered, direct line of communication, allowing sailors to stay informed and connected without the limitations imposed by commercial providers. And for all of its touted advantages, Starlink still requires a lot of electricity to operate its antennas. When the power goes out, so do the comms.
“Starlink has significantly changed the way people are cruising now,” says Heather from S/V Remedy. “It’s just standard equipment. People used to always be in the cockpit reading, watching nature around them, or going out for a walk. With Starlink, people stay inside for days and text.”
This contrast between the old and new cruising experience reinforces the idea that while SSB required more patience and community interaction, it also fostered a deeper connection with the environment and fellow sailors. After all, we ditched the norms of society and the rat race for a reason, right?
A Reliable Backup
In the world of sailing, redundancy is key. Sailors understand the importance of having backup systems for navigation, power, and communication. While modern satellite communications are excellent, they are not infallible. Equipment can fail, subscriptions can lapse, and satellites can experience outages. SSB radio provides a reliable backup that doesn’t depend on these factors, ensuring that sailors have a means of communication even in the worst-case scenarios.
Likewise, SSB radios also serve as receivers for various weather broadcasts, including NOAA weather fax transmissions and NAVTEX messages. They can be interfaced with Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) systems, allowing for automated station-to-station connections, further enhancing their utility. Their ability to integrate communication, weather monitoring, and emergency services into a single, reliable system makes it a vital part of any long-distance cruising setup.
“SSB will never disappear from the cruising fleet, and it should be understood to enhance the effectiveness of more advanced alternatives,” says Brent from Scuba Ninja.
SSB’s relevance today is not about resisting change or holding onto the past; it’s about understanding the value of having multiple tools at your disposal. In the unpredictable environment of the open ocean, having a diverse communication toolkit can make all the difference.
Community Building
Beyond being a communication tool, SSB is a community builder. The solitary and challenging cruising lifestyle is enriched by the camaraderie fostered through SSB nets. These organized radio networks allow cruisers to check in with each other daily, share weather updates, discuss navigational challenges, and even swap sea stories. For many, tuning into an SSB net becomes a comforting routine that provides not just practical information but also a sense of connection with others sharing their journey.
“The Amigo net and the Sonrisa net were great,” Baron says. “We used to give weather updates and relay info to many boats in the Sea of Cortez, PV [Puerto Vallarta] area, and boats up and down the Pacific side.”
Unfortunately, the Amigo net has been disbanded due to lack of participants, a trend seen among many well regarded nets. And those who appreciate the SSB nets’ special sense of community find themselves missing it where the nets have dropped.
“SSB was a hassle for some, especially those uncomfortable with public speaking,” Baron says, reflecting on the unique camaraderie that SSB fosters—something not easily replicated by modern technology. “But once you got over it, it was a lot of fun.”
Others have shared stories of meeting fellow sailors in person after first connecting over SSB, supporting one another on long passages, and fostering that sense of cruising community by regularly talking with one another.
“Anything we can do to sustain these communities helps all cruisers when the low-tech option is the only one available,” Brent says.
The Timeless Relevance of SSB
As technology continues to evolve, it’s easy to overlook older systems like SSB radio. Yet its ability to connect sailors across oceans, provide critical weather information, and offer a reliable, independent communication method continues to make it a valuable tool for sailors and ensures it will continue to have a place in the cruising life.
While some beloved SSB networks like the Amigo net may fade away due to waning participation, the essence of SSB—its ability to connect, inform, and provide solace—remains undiminished. The enduring presence of other nets, such as the Pacific Voyagers Net, ensures that this legacy of communication and community continues.
SSB radio is more than just communication equipment; it embodies the self-reliance and resilience at the heart of the cruising lifestyle. If Elon Musk ever decides to pull the plug on Starlink or make prices unsustainable, we are glad we have our SSB to stay connected. As long as there are sailors who seek adventure in the world’s most remote waters, SSB will remain a trusted companion on their journeys.
April 2025
