Lost Comm prior to Shanwick NAT Entry
From my Jeppesen Airway Manual Chapter 9 (Emergency) Ireland page 2 communications failure (also located on the Jeppesen Atlantic Orientation Charts 1/2 panel 11):
"...Communications Failure prior to Entering NAT Oceanic Airspace.
Due to the length of time in oceanic airspace, it is strictly recommended that a pilot experiencing communications failure whilst still in Shannon FIR/UIR/SOTA does not enter the Shanwick Oceanic Control Area but adopts the procedure specified at para a) below.
However, if the pilot elects to continue then, to facilitate the provision of adequate separation, adopt either the procedure at para b) or c) below...."
At my last continuing qualifiacation training, the instructor was asked to clarify what we were to do. He said the company way is to comply with this recommendation from Shanwick (do not enter Shanwick). However, he acknowledged that it is the Captain's decision.
As far as inability to get a clearance when comm is operational, I have not seen that to be a problem, either with ACARS or voice.