VHF Radio channels?

[FishFinger1977]

Hi all,
I have heard it was done before but having just recently put a VHF radio in my boat I was wondering what the main channels were? I have heard these do vary with location due to the repeaters being used. I fish mainly from bribie to offshore Moreton, Straddy and occasionally DI, any ideas on the channels to be used would be great. Regards Scott

[Any_Weather]

Mate i think they are CH16 for Emergency and 22 for chatting

[Steven78]

I would be a good idea if your able to do a radio course as this will help

Here is a copy of the radio handbook which has alot of detail and which will help
http://www.amcom.amc.edu.au/handbook/handbook2003.pdf


Thanks Steve

[Lucky_Phill]

16 and 73.

16 is an emergency channel and 73 is the Calling channel
There are repeaters up and down the coast, but ch21 is widely used offshore.

Clubs have their own ch.

Good idea to do the course. further, any VMR will have a sticker to put on ya boat with all the details necessary.

Cheers Phill

[Jeremy]

16 is also a calling channel, but most people call up the local VMR or CG or 73 to keep 16 free.

Jeremy

[Black_Rat]

Do a course through Subzero down a Vicky Point.

http://www.ausfish.com.au/cgi-ausfish/yabb2/YaBB.cgi?num=1129460860/0#0

[subzero]

Gidday Fishfinger,
you can usualy contact most of the Rescue Groups to log on/off on VHF 73 as Jeremy was saying.

If you are unsure if the group you are wishing to talk to is on that chanel or have not been answered, you can call up on CH 16 to initiate the call. (VHF 16 is officialy classified as Calling/Distress/Safety). Once establishing comm's you should move off to a working Chanel to give/recieve the full message. (This will in most instances be VHF Ch 73).

For a list of the official frequencies and their purpose go here
http://www.amcom.amc.edu.au/handbook/Frequencies_01012004.pdf

For the most comprehensive site with full contact details and Rescue Unit locations geographicly sorted from the top of Qld down including both VMR and Coastguards go here

http://www.leisure-marine.com.au/UsefulInfo/marineradios.asp

It is not 100% accurate, (Our phone number is wrong, they do not list we monotor Ch73 and our summer time hours are extended by an hour to 6am but it is pretty good just the same).
I have asked permission to update and amend it and post it on our site but havent heard back from them as yet.

Key VHF Ch are

VHF Ch16 Distress Safety and calling
VHF Ch 67 Supplementary to above (May be used for safety messaes such as weather warnings etc).
VHF Ch 12 and 13 Port Operations, North and South Brisbane River (Harbourmaster)
VHF Ch 6 Ship to Aircraft
VHF Ch 63 Water Police (Only call as a last resort, they are very busy)
VHF Ch 73 Local working, usualy monotored by VMR's Coastguards etc
Repeaters Ch 80/81/82 (Coastguard also frequently use Ch21). Remember to release the PTT button (Microphone button) at least once every 30 sec's or the repeater may drop out (stops people yacking on them for extended periods).
VHF Ch 70 Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

Off the top off my head, I think that covers most of the important ones.

Hope it helps

Cheers Lloyd

P.S Gidday Black_Rat, I think you should join as our Publicity Officer. Thanks for plugging us along. Must catch up again sometime. Tight lines
Cheers Lloyd

[Dignity]

Lloyd, I just purchased a VHF radio and am registered for your course but last week as I was on the water and wanted to test the radio I called up Mooloolaba Coast Guard and advised them accordingly and sought a radio check. They came back on ch73 but as I was listening later in the day I heard them tell another boatie that they were having trouble with his reception and that if they were south of the lighthouse to use ch 73 but if north to use another channel - missed the number though. Is this normal or were the CG using another channel to try and establish a connection.

Sam

[subzero]

They may have asked them to go to one of the repeater Chanels, probably CH 21 at a guess. I dont know Malloolabah at all but am guessing that North of the lighthouse is further away from them hence a likely request to go to a repeater.

Sorry cant be more helpful, fly out early Tuesday to NZ otherwise I would give them a ring to find out.
Cheers Lloyd

[MAD-MIC]

G'day Subzero,

Are there anymore VHF courses at the VMR Vic Point this year?

I have finally decided it is time to get my licence.