The Broadcasting Fleet

A large part of the texts published here are based on the great “Encyclopedia of Offshore Radio” by Jim Parkes. We are very grateful to Dr. Adrian Peterson from Adventist World Radio. And we also received valuable information from Mike Brand, Paul Rusling, Andy Sennitt, Bernhard Beck, John S. Platt, Raoul Verolleman, Prince Holman, Leendert … Read more

Radio Brod: Freedom of Speech in the Adriatic

A detailed review by Martin van der Ven (March 2025) Radio stations on ships in international waters (often incorrectly called pirate stations) have been associated for decades with radio stations in the North Sea that broadcast pop and rock music, such as Radio Caroline or Radio Veronica. Accordingly, countless publications deal with the well-known phenomenon. … Read more

Radio Brod: Redefreiheit in der Adria

Ein ausführlicher Rückblick von Martin van der Ven (März 2025) Radiostationen auf Schiffen in internationalen Gewässern (oft fälschlich Piratensender genannt) werden seit Jahrzehnten mit Pop- und Rockmusik verbreitenden Rundfunksendern in der Nordsee wie Radio Caroline oder Radio Veronica assoziiert. Entsprechend beschäftigen sich zahllose Publikationen mit dem hinlänglich bekannten Phänomen. Doch im Jahr 1993 tauchte mit … Read more

Radio Brod: Vrijheid van meningsuiting in de Adriatische Zee

Een gedetailleerd overzicht door Martin van der Ven (maart 2025) Radiostations op schepen in internationale wateren (vaak ten onrechte piratenstations genoemd) worden al tientallen jaren in verband gebracht met radiostations in de Noordzee die pop- en rockmuziek verspreiden, zoals Radio Caroline of Radio Veronica. Daarom behandelen talloze publicaties het bekende fenomeen. Maar in 1993 ontstond … Read more

Another setback: The MV Fury V

In 1993-94, American magazine W5YI Report reported in detail on an new radioship in Boston Harbour.   W5YI Report 01-08-1993 PIRATE TO BROADCAST FROM THE HIGH SEAS Do you remember Radio New York International, a pirate radio station that was operated some years ago by Alan Weiner from international waters outside the U.S. three mile … Read more

Ambitious, but failed: The MV Electra

In the second half of the 1980s, American radio magazines reported extensively on another new radioship in Boston Harbour. Radio World – 1996-07-24 Vessel to Broadcast Message of Peace Former Radio Pirate Says He Will Play by the Rules When Broadcasting from the High Seas by Alan Haber KIOWA, Kan. A new offshore shortwave and … Read more

The ‘Deep Diver’ went down the drain

The Deep Diver was built in 1945 as a supply vessel for the Admiralty. Less than 100 feet long, she had a more powerful engine than the MV Mi Amigo. In 1977, the ship was partially equipped as a floating radio station in Belfast Harbour, Northern Ireland, under the guise of a film lighting vessel—an … Read more

HMCS Wasaga

Ship details: Builder Burrard Dry Dock Co. Ltd., North VancouverLaid down 3 September 1940Launched 23 January 1941Commissioned 1 July 1941Decommissioned 6 October 1945Identification Pennant number: J162Honours and awards Atlantic 1944, Normandy 1944[1]Fate Sold 1947 for scrapClass and type Bangor-class minesweeperDisplacement 672 long tons (683 t)Length 180 ft (54.9 m) oaBeam 28 ft 6 in (8.7 … Read more

M.V. Maria (Scheveningen 33)

Ship details: The stern trawler SCH33 Maria was built in 1966 at T. van Duijvendijk’s Scheepswerf in Lekkerkerk under building number Z.79 for the account of Rederij Jaczon in Scheveningen. The SCH33 Maria entered service in October 1966. Gross dimensions: 643,74 reg. tons, net 353,84 reg. tons.Dimensions: 49.84/46.27 x 8.52 x 5.30 mSpeed: 13 nautical … Read more

S.S. Catalina

KBIG AM 740: The Floating Radio Station on the S.S. Catalina Introduction KBIG AM 740 began broadcasting around June 1952 and became a notable station in Southern California’s radio history, particularly due to its broadcasts from the S.S. Catalina in the early 1950s. The station aired its programs while en route to the port of … Read more