Question about using vhf radios

[white patch]

Also 21 at northern end of bay if 73 reception is difficult

[TheRealAndy]

Can someone define 'working channel' as applied to VMR/CG units? Are 'working channels' used for log on/off and other routine communications with boaties, or are they used for something else?

Can you give me examples of a VMR/CG station in SEQ which prefers to use a different chanel to 73 for log on/off?

Trying to get to the bottom of this.

Jeremy

All VMR/CG stations will direct you away from channel 16 to their 'working channel'. The idea is to keep channel 16 free for emergency use.

I am a member of VMR Brisbane (Sandgate), who use channel 67 as a 'working channel' for logging on/off. I dont call in on 16, only 67.

Recently I was in lucinda, the Coast Guard there used a different working channel to where I am used to. If Ihad gone offshore or needed assistance I would have called in on 16 then moved to their preferred channel. IF everyone in brisbane used the same channel it would get quite busy on the particular channel.

[Mindi]

Ch 16 is the international calling and distress channel so everyone is supposed to monitor it. The container ship which is about to run you down is monitoring Ch16 or breaking the law if he isnt... thats why 27 meg wont save your bacon in that situation.

[Jeremy]

All stations monitor 16 and 67 VMR and CG

That may be so, but not according to the table of volunteer rescue organizations and their channels you posted the link to.

[Jeremy]

All VMR/CG stations will direct you away from channel 16 to their 'working channel'. The idea is to keep channel 16 free for emergency use.

Interesting experience I had on ch16 one day. I called up VMR Southport to log on one morning and was told that ch16 is for emergencies only. I believe this is incorrect. Channel 16 and 67 are listed as the VHF calling frequencies in my handbook (p25), so it is legitimate to make contact on these stations and then switch to another channel.

Jeremy

[TheRealAndy]

Interesting experience I had on ch16 one day. I called up VMR Southport to log on one morning and was told that ch16 is for emergencies only. I believe this is incorrect. Channel 16 and 67 are listed as the VHF calling frequencies in my handbook (p25), so it is legitimate to make contact on these stations and then switch to another channel.

Jeremy

You got it Call in on 16 then move to the VMR/CG chan. If you know the working chan use that. They will tell you, that is their job. No doubt their will be one or two cronies that will get upset, but they are the ones who sit on the radio tower and never get out in a boat. Nothing bad about that, they are doing a great job, just cop it on the chin and do what they say! Take a listen to Southport on 16 on a weekend, you will get the idea. Dont be afraid to use chan 16 to make contact, if you dont you are dumb.