[Elecraft] very small antenna

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Those are good observations, Fred.

The Captain of a passenger vessel doesn't have any leeway about using the
ship's radio gear or antennas, even the spare antennas. They are all an
integral part of the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulated gear and must
not be used for anything but their stated purpose. Even old-time Radio
Operators (SPARKS) on ships who were Hams could NOT use the Ship's gear or
antennas for Ham operation, even spare antennas they were personally
responsible for maintaining. Those who had Ham gear on board had the
Captain's permission and a completely independent antenna system, rig and
power source (they could plug into the ships "mains" but could not use the
radio batteries). Sparky's advantage is that he had some options for
stringing a wire that you don't <G>. 

There are a lot of interesting ideas for antennas on large ships, including
some really bizarre ones that I'd love to try such as a wire from the
fantail that connects to a metal plate that drags in the water below, but
they all require access to parts of the ship not normally available to
passengers. About the only practical thing that comes to mind is some sort
of telescoping whip that can be clamped to a rail or port opening. For a
ground, a piece of metal or foil taped to the wall or deck would form a
capacitor through the paint to the main hull of the ship. 

I think I'd just enjoy the sea air, view and the experience. That's what I
usually end up doing on a trip anyway <G>.  

Ron AC7AC