International phone cards that work on a ship
 

This isn't really directed to Europe as much, but since I kind of "know" you guys and its an active board I decided to post here.

My co-worker just called to ask me about international phone cards. Her son is in the Navy and is on a Naval ship in the Persian Gulf right now. He needs an international phone card that works with the satellite phones on the ship. I assume that any international phone card should work, but I told her I would do some research and get back to her. So my question is, will he need a special phone card to make international phone calls from the ship, or will any international phone card work?

By the way, I am green with envy! So far he has traveled, by ship, to Portugal, Sicily, Greece, and Bahrain and he is on his way to Hong Kong and this is only his first year. Maybe I should have joined the Navy! ;)

Thanks for all help!
Tracy

Anybody?

1) The Persian Gulf is in the Middle East not Europe
2) Surely her son's shipmates will know
3) Surely the ship's shop will sell them
4) Trying a military forum might be a better option - after all what works in say Qatar may not work on board a US Navy ship

I agree totally w/ alanRow -- the one who have the best info are right there on the ship w/ him.

The satellite phone system is a totally separate system from the cellular phone system.

As such, a SIM card would not work...unless the phone itself is capable of satellite AND cellular operation, and I think that would be a rare beast.

Michael_Paris: I assumed the OP was asking about phone cards - not SIM cards for a cell phone . . . . .

Thank you all for your replies.

Alan, yes, I know that the Persion Gulf is not Europe. I guess you missed my first sentence?

My co-worker asked me for advice. Since I would assume that he asked her, I would also assume that he cannot buy the card on the ship and/or he does not know where to get this info.

Thanks,
TRacy