Radio Freq. What do you use?

[MulletMan]

Southern part of the Bay down to Southport is:

27 MHz: # # Ch 88 can be used for initial contact with VMR or AVCG If you can't raise them on Ch 90
# # # # # # # # Ch 86 being the standby for 88 can also be used if a last resort

# # # # # # # # Preferably try on Ch 90 first as this is the "working channel"

# # # # # # # # Even though Ch 88 is often referred to as the "emergency channel" it is still quite OK to use
# # # # # # # # for making an initial contact but you must move off it to a "working channel" once comms with
# # # # # # # # the other station are stablished.

# # # # # # # # You can use Ch 96 for chit chat between boats but even Ch 90 is OK for BRIEF calls
# # # # # # # # between boats, just don't hog the channel with excessive and unnecessary chatter.

VHF: # # # # #Channel 16 the same as Ch 88 above
# # # # # # # # Ch 73 the primary "working channel"
# # # # # # # # Ch 67 the secondary "working channel"

# # # # # # # # 73 is usually the best all over the Bay and you rarely have to go to 67 but worth trying if you
# # # # # # # # can't get any action on 16 and 73.

# # # # # # # # There is also a VHF repeater station on Ch 81 that is much longer range and can also be
# # # # # # # # used if you are having contact difficulties. It is "time limited" to about 30 or 60 seconds I think
# # # # # # # # so you will get chopped off if you babble on too much!

Northern part of the Bay:

27 MHz: # # As above but Ch 91 becomes the primary

VHF: # # # # #As above. 73/67

If any doubt try them all as most VMR and AVCG units listen out on them all anyway and will soon set you straight on the best channel for the day.

In an emergency, who cares? Use 16 or 88 primarily but yell on whatever works for you at the moment!

Send Subzero a PM as he runs some pretty good marine radio courses at Victoria Point and well worth the couple of nights and a few bucks to attend.

[fish2eat]

bump

[mark221263]

Hi All,

Appart for the distress VHF 16 and 27Meg 88 channels what frequencies do you normally use for general chat and logging in duties with your normal coast guard/rescue crowd?

Cheers Mark

[Stu]

I recommend doing the VF/VHF course.
I'm on the north side of Bris so did mine with the QF3 Redcliffe Volunteer Coast Guard.
It greatly improved my marine skills and knowledge.

Cheers
Stu

[Meat]

I agree with Stu and thePinkPanther. The course not only tells you what frequencies to use, but how to report different situations (eg. just logging in to life threatening emergencies) and your obligations if you hear someone in distress, etc.

The course is cheap - and you need to do it anyway if you want to use a VHF radio (legally) on your boat.

The handbook for the course is at: http://www.amcom.amc.edu.au/handbook/

Meat

[mark221263]

Thanks Guys, all good advice

[Jeremy]

On VHF, Ch16 is considered by most to be reserved for emergencies. Most use VHF 73 to contact coast guard or VMR to log on or log off etc. 73 should not be used for general chit chat, but can be used to call up another vessel and arrange to switch to another channel.

Channels like 21, 81, 82 can be used for ship to ship chat. (yes I have done the course but I am not reading the book right now). I usually use VHF77 for ship to ship as it is for club events.

Jeremy