The link below is for a wonderful interactive graphic concerning the Titanic’s role in radio reform.

Spark-gap transmitters running 5,000 watts make me feel all tingly inside!

Nowadays, I suspect an FT-817 running 5 watts and a Buddipole clamped to a railing could accomplish the same thing those big Marconi rigs and hundreds of feet of wire antenna did, and so much more.

After a series of maritime accidents in the early 20th century, the need to standardize procedures and systems for wireless maritime distress became increasingly apparent. The Titanic’s sinking accelerated a process that to this day continues to improve communications technology at sea.

via The Titanic’s Role in Radio Reform – IEEE Spectrum.