Significant changes are taking place on 1st July, particularly to the operation of coastal stations. 27mhz radio will be ok
for boat to boat chat. Ship to Shore channels on 27mhz after
1st July will be limited to the Volunteer Organisations such as the Coastguard and the Fishing Clubs. The Coastguard
& Clubs of course monitor both 27mhz and VHF. If you want
reliable near offshore ship to shore communications,
particularly during the weekdays or at night you will have to
invest in a VHF Set. The VHF will enable you to call the
Marine Police, and to access the VHF Repeaters on various
high points which link to the VHF Monitors at both the
Voluntary Coastguard and the Official 24 hours Emergency
Channels. This will provide a greater range Offshore.
To Operate a VHF set you need an Operating Licence.
This Licence is nothing to do with the transmitter, which does
not require a licence, But is a Personnel Licence, Valid for
Life, which entitles you to operate on the VHF Frequency.
If a Boat fittied with VHF set does not have a Licenced
Operator on board you may be Fined.
To get this Licence you must complete a short course, of
four sessions of a couple of hours each, and pass a test.
Courses are run by Coastguard and by TAFE Colleges.
The Course is designed to ensure that you know how to use
the set, and also the Proper Calling Procedures.
VHF does not itself have a greater range then 27mhz, but
due to the overall height of the VHF Repeater Stations
aerials above sea level a reliable line of sight range of about
40miles can be achieved.
VHF Sets are generally a lot clearer, and are also much less
prone to interference, such as that created by your motor.
As Emergency calls are nearly always made in a hurry, and
probably under stress, it is sometimes difficult for the Shore
station to establish your identity.
It is suggested that you at least learn to use the Phonetic
Alphabet to give the names and rego number of your boat.
As Shore Stations may be busy with other calls, do not
expect them to reply Immediately. If you do not get a reply
wait 3 minutes and then call again.
Frequencies that you should know are listed below.
27MHZ Emergency 88 (86); Club Events 94
Working Channels ship to shore etc 90/91
Ship to Ship 96
VHF Emergency 16 (67); Working Channels 73
Water Police (VKR) 63
Repeater Stn Moreton Is 21
Repeater Stn Noosa 22
Repeater Stn mt Glorious 81
Repeater Stn Mt Staplyton 82
D S C on VHF Operates on 70
You can also raise the Water Police Direct by Phone
38950333 (Brisbane) or 38299459 (Redlands)
You should Record the Above Info and carry it on your Boat
at all times.
You should also be aware that for 3 mins past each hour
you much maintain Radio Silence on all VHF Channels
in order to give Shore Stations a better chance to hear
Remote Emergency Calls.
If you intend going offshore at night or outside the usual
holidays and weekend periods, and you dont want your
family to prematurely collect your life insurance it is highly
desirable that you invest the time to get yourself a Radio
Operatior Licence. the costs about $300-350 to install
a VHF radio in you boat. While your at it, make sure that
you have some sort of reliable battery backup, ie two batteries. as the radio will not operate on a flat or defective
battery.
regards
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