I mentioned to my wife that I had read this thread and thought I better get back into Ham Radio again.
I did it extensively when I wintered over in Antarctica in 1968-1969 with the MARS network relaying messages from us to our families in the States.
We could go over to Scott's Base and make direct radio contact with friends in New Zealand.
Long before satellite communications.
I would go for my General license, but I don't think I know morse code anymore - haven't used it since 1970.