When I FCC-tested the receivers on shipboard lifeboat radios, back in my
working days, I'd string out a wire from a 90-foot spool of #22 stranded, with
yellow insulation for good visibility, that I had bought from Radio Shack. I
had cut off a foot or two for tying off the spool, with the remaining wire, out
of the way at a higher deck hand rail, cable, or pipe.

I still have that spool of wire in my tool bag. I had also used bits of it for
emergency splicing of burned open circuits. LOL

On a cargo vessel, your B-i-L will have more latitude. He should get familiar
with the radio officer. G

73,
Bill, K5BY