I have to second or third the service of Al Golden's IMIS. I have been using Al for about 5 or 6 years with excellent service. The SSCA discussion board is an excellent suggestion. SSCA has been thru the wringer with insurance. Initially they had some arrangements with an insurance company just for liveaboard cruisers. Unfortuantely after Hugo, that company folded, and left many cruisers sort of "high and dry"--some literally, in remote parts of the world, with no way to get insurance, and not covered for a peroid where the premiums had been paid. Eventually that was all settled, and then SSCA allied with a certain marine insurance broker (when I was on the BOD) and there were some complaints--eventually this association was terminated. There is a lot of good information from people who are out cruising the world on this site. As for navigation gear--two GPS plotters, Radar, AIS reciever, Two VHF radios, One depth sounder and one fishfinder. I have enjoyed doing my own weather for many years, so I have had dedicated weather fax units. A HF radio and a computer program will do almost as well. A general coverage reciever will do for the weather and other reception, although I prefer Ham radio. Finally two Epirbs--one automatic 406 for the boat, and one personal to be carried by the skipper or person on watch, along with a hand held waterproof VHF radio. Bob Austin