Radio room page 2
Above: another view of the radio console.
Below: the "guts" of the main transmitter, an ITT Mackay Marine model 2012C
which is capable of delivering 500 watts of radio-telegraph power.
The radio room looking aft at the workbench area.
In late 1999, very few Morse signals could be heard originating from aboard ship. In recent years the federal law that required ships to carry a radio officer has been struck down. Radiotelegraphy is essentially obsolete now and has been replaced with a new system called the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System. Since many if not most ships have now eliminated the radio officer's position, the mate on watch on the bridge is responsible for using the GMDSS console for safety and emergency communications. Still, there are many "sparkys" sailing today, continuing in their role as shipboard communicator and electronics technician.
GMDSS utilizes satellite communications as well as HF and VHF radio.
Below: the bridge GMDSS console.
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