PILBARA Ports is upgrading its internet service for visiting seafarers. It is phasing out the current mechanism of supporting individual SIM card recharges for seafarers and replacing it with a more inclusive initiative.
A notice from Pilbara Ports Harbour Master East (Port Hedland), Behrouz Daei Zadeh, said under the new program, Pilbara Ports will support a ship-wide mobile WiFi system, providing free data top-ups to participating vessels on each return to the Port of Port Hedland.
The new system will be in place from Monday 12 May and will provide broader internet access to all crew members, which Mr Zadeh said ensured greater connectivity with families and loved ones, supporting both mental health and wellbeing.
Ships are encouraged to acquire the designated Ship WiFi Pack, which includes a mobile WiFi router (Telstra SIM enabled) and a Mesh WiFi extender. Once installed, data will be remotely topped up by the Port Hedland Seafarers Centre for the duration of each port call or anchorage stay.
“This initiative reflects Pilbara Ports’ continued commitment to promoting and supporting seafarer welfare and fostering an inclusive, supportive maritime community,” the notice said.
A note from the Port Hedland Seafarers Centre said the current personal mobile phone recharge system is being replaced by a single mobile WiFi system for the ship to set up general WiFi access to the crew.
For ships that install the system Pilbara Ports will provide a data recharge each time the ship returns to Port Hedland.
The WiFi Pack for ships retails for $190 including GST and includes a mobile WiFi router (fitted with Telstra data SIM) (USB cable and AUS pin transformer), and Mesh WiFi extender (with US pin).
Data is free to the ship with Pilbara Ports financing the data recharge.
The Port Hedland Seafarer Centre will top up the data when the ship arrives at the anchorage and for the duration of their stay.
The note said the benefit of the new system was that ships can access data from anchorage as the Telstra network extends to sea—typically of 3-4 days; the extender is capable of providing a signal through three decks of the ship; data will be monitored and topped up by the Seafarers Centre which means there is no need for the crew to monitor; the router is unlocked – the Telstra SIM can be replaced and the system will work with another provider; and any residual Telstra data can be used at another Australian port—the ship can purchase data recharge by communicating with Port Hedland Seafarers.
The Seafarers note said vessels should be aware that mobile reception at the outer anchorage is at the limit and the mobile WiFi router will need to be located on the land side of the ship. Reception at the eastern anchorage and harbour is good.
“The system has only a moderate baud rate and so may slow with high use. The system is purposed for seafarers to communicate with families through VOIP apps — not for multiple users streaming video. A more powerful mobile WiFi router is available for $349 if ships wish to upgrade.
“Ships will need a USB transformer to power the mobile WiFi router as the kit only has an AUS plug.“
