Starlink Changes Yachtsmen Need to Know About

point of no return

You can relate to Elon Musk in different ways, but one of the main achievements of the billionaire's company - Starlink - remains undeniable. Thanks to the system of low orbit satellites, many people around the world have the opportunity to establish communication even in the most remote regions.

Starlink can often be found on boats as yachtsmen are increasingly resorting to this technological solution in order to stay connected. Starlink has become especially popular among cruisers and long-distance cruisers. 

Relatively affordable satellite communications can greatly simplify the search for wrecked yachts. So, in March, when whale destroys yacht Raindancer and the crew had to hastily evacuate, several boats that went in search of the victims learned about the shipwreck precisely thanks to the Starlink connection.

Many yachtsmen do consider Starlink a point of no return. Since the launch of satellite communications (2.5 years have passed), the coverage area continues to expand. Some of the yachtsmen who crossed the Atlantic last year confirmed that Starlink provides reliable communication even in the middle of the ocean. With the Pacific Ocean, things are a little more complicated. However, some yachtsmen say that the connection “breaks through” even in remote regions of the Pacific Ocean.

Updating plans

Boaters most often use the Starlink Roam plan, which used to be called Starlink RV. This plan is designed for people who live in touring cars and travel overland. 

Why didn't the sailors use the "sea" plan? Because previously there was only a Maritime plan for commercial use and it cost an impressive $6255. Such a cost was unbearable for many yachtsmen, but ingenuity came to the rescue - Starlink was actively "hacked" and used the Starlink Roam plan. According to the user agreement, such actions were illegal, but the sea plan was too expensive.  

This could not go on for long, and more recently, users (sailors) began to receive a notification about the termination of the current Roam plan on their antennas. Due to violations of the terms of use, Starlink has been disconnected from the current plan and sailors are requested to upgrade to the appropriate plan, which is specifically designed for the oceans and seas. After May 9, 2023, land plans were to stop working at sea.

However, some yachtsmen report that their Starlink is still running on an outdated plan. Seafarers are now offered a Mobility plan, which is more expensive than Roam, but cheaper than the aforementioned Maritime. Another important point is that the company does not limit the place of use of the antenna, but only requires compliance with the terms of the tariff plans. 

How were violators calculated and which plan to choose?

Starlink divides the planet's surface into 24-kilometer hexes; the system then determines whether the hex is land or water. If the system detects that you have a Roam plan, but you are somewhere in the Atlantic, then the plan will be suspended. Places such as islands, capes, peninsulas, etc. the system is usually not recognized by land. 

After Musk's acquisition of Twitter, we all saw how quickly new subscriptions began to roll out. A similar situation is gradually happening with Starlink. Starlink is now offering users to upgrade to a Mobile Priority plan. 

As an option for cruisers, use the Priority subscription, which can be turned on and off while moving between land and water. In addition, Starlink Martime and Starlink Mobility packages are now available on the site starting at $310.  

What will happen next?

At the moment, it remains unclear how geolocation technology determines the presence of a yacht at anchor. One of the emails from the maintenance department states that a travel antenna must be used for travel. 

If you initially use a fixed antenna on board, then, from the point of view of the company, this is a violation of the warranty. However, the official FAQ says that a conventional antenna can be used in the sea and ocean, but "in a stationary state and with an appropriate plan."

The only option in which you will avoid unnecessary headaches is to contact Starlink directly before buying and clarify which antenna option is right for you. 

An option for yachtsmen who have not yet bought Starlink for themselves and doubt its necessity is not to rush into buying. If you don't run a business, don't need uninterrupted communications, or can afford to be off the radar for a while, then purchasing a Starlink antenna is not a first necessity.

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16.05.2023