Below is a list of things to check off your TO-DO list well before leaving Port to ensure you have everything set up correctly and can receive weather updates at sea.
The Iridium GO! unit is charging correctly and the battery visually looks in good condition and appears to hold a charge.
The Iridium GO! SIM card is activated, and you know your Iridium phone number. The Iridium phone number changes every time you activate a new SIM card for the Iridium GO!, so it could have changed.
Check the Iridium GO! unit can receive 4 to 5 bars of signal strength. Testing ideally needs to be done at sea, at least 1 NM from shore, to ensure you replicate the offshore situation. Testing in harbors and marinas may not give good signal strength.
Made a successful voice call using the Iridium GO! and the Iridium GO! App.
Tested sending an SMS message via the Iridium GO! App.
Download GRIBs and Weather Routing via the Offshore App with Iridium GO!
Check SOS/ IERCC setup is correct. Have you tested it directly with IERCC?
Set up your overage alerts on the Satellite Portal to ensure you don't suffer bill shock and large overages. (Not necessary on the Iridium GO! Unlimited Airtime plan)
GPS tracking is working via the Iridium GO!, your tracking page should reflect your current position by now, if you are still off the coast of Africa this is not a good sign.
DataHub setup if you are tracking via the DataHub and have PredictMail.
PredictMail setup if you have PredictMail, tested on the Iridium GO! ?
You have back up devices with the Offshore App and Iridium GO! App downloaded and you have tested, remember electronic devices and salt water are not a good mix.
Take note of the email address below, this will allow you to contact the PredictWind Support Team whilst offshore on email or SMS message via the Iridium GO! support@predictwind.com
Make sure you download the Weather Routing, GRIBs, GMDSS etc at least twice a day when the models update. Have a great safe passage.