Iridium Only for Pacific Crossing - Is SSB Necessary?

[Panamajames]

My friend is moving a boat from Panama to Tonga with only a Iridium for weather. I told him he should absolutely have an SSB. He has no problem with cost the Iridium minutes.. Any suggestions please for my friend?

[idpnd]

From what I've heard, it's really an either or decision, some people seem to rely on one device only. Allegedly it's even been done without either before!

[dana-tenacity]

I've done it with nothing, with SSB with iridium, I would choose iridium if my wife wasn't with me. nothing if she was.