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Marine Radio
The possibility that it may save a life is the best reason to install
a marine radio in your boat.
The ocean can be a frightening and lonely place, especially if you
are in trouble.
Unlike other forms of radio communication, a marine radio transceiver
is specifically designed for the marine environment. It enables
you to monitor distress frequencies and
make contact with other vessels that may
be able to offer assistance. It also enables contact with shore-based
stations which can co-ordinate a rescue.
A marine radio can also keep you up-to-date with weather
information and navigational safety warnings
Further information on marine radio weather broadcasts may be found
in the current TIDE
TABLES for South Australian Ports and by following the appropriate
link on the Bureau of Meteorology web page BoM
- Marine Weather Services (follow the Marine Radio and
: Satcomms link). The following link
provides details about HF marine radio distress
safety and weather services.
Marine radio equipment
There are three types of marine radio equipment that you may install
in your boat
- 27MHz marine (commonly called 27 'meg')
- VHF marine
- MF/HF marine.
27MHz marine are relatively cheap transceivers, popular for use
on recreational boats, providing short-range communications
but not the range or performance of a VHF radio. They would be suitable
for operating in protected and semi-protected waters,.or in unprotected
waters within the range of a coast station.
27MHz Marine may be monitored by other recreational vessels or
at various locations and hours of operation by Volunteer Marine
Radio Base stations, details may be found in the current TIDE
TABLES for South Australian Ports.
VHF marine transceivers are also relatively inexpensive
, and whilst still short-range , offer
greater range and performance than a 27MHz radio. They are suitable
for operating in protected and semi-protected waters, or in unprotected
waters within the range of a coast station or a VHF Marine
repeater station. VHF channel 16 is monitored 24hrs per day in the
Outer Harbor area by the Flinders Ports Authority. All commercial
ships operating at sea are required by law to carry and monitor
VHF channel 16. VHF channel 16 and repeater channels may be monitored
by other recreational vessels, and at various locations and hours
of operation by Volunteer Marine Radio Base stations, further information
including repeater locations and channels may be found in the current
TIDE
TABLES for South Australian Ports.
MF/HF marine transceivers whilst more expensive, offer medium
to long range communications. Installation of a MF/HF
transceiver capable of operating on the HF voice distress frequencies
is highly recommended where operating in unprotected waters up to
200 nautical miles offshore. State/NT Coast Radio stations provide
24hr monitoring of the HF voice distress frequencies.
HF DSC (GMDSS compliant) marine transceivers
are recommended where vessels may be operating in excess
of 200 nautical miles offshore , further information may
be found at GMDSS
Services Provided by AMSA
Operational procedures
In a boating emergency, unless correct radio procedures are followed,
things can become chaotic.
It is important that you know how to effectively call for help and
also to recognise that another boat is calling for assistance.
Standard radio procedures have been laid down and are used by vessels
of all nationalities.
You should be familiar with them.
If your vessel is fitted with marine radio equipment, you should
carry a copy of the Marine Radio operators handbook.
This handbook is available for a small charge from the Australian
Maritime College (AMC).
A read only version of the handbook and the handbook order form
is available online along with other marine radio licensing and
examination information, refer:
Office of Maritime Communications
- Australian Maritime College
Some operating points to remember
- know and observe regulations
- use standard radio procedures
- always identify yourself on air
- be familiar with your radio equipment
- be brief and watch your language
- listen before you talk
- always monitor the relevant distress frequencies
Licensing and operators certificates
VHF & 27 MHz Marine radios are covered under a class licence
for the equipment.
No operator's licence is required to use a 27 MHz Marine radio.
An operator's licence is required to use a VHF
Marine radio.
HF Marine radios require licenses for both the equipment and the
operator.
To avoid the risk of an on-the-spot fine or prosecution , ensure
that if you have an MF/HF marine radio transceiver on board your
vessel it is covered by a current apparatus licence.
Additionally, if you are operating either VHF marine or MF/HF marine
radio equipment, somebody on board must hold a marine radio operator's
qualification: either a Marine Radio Operator's VHF Certificate
of Proficiency (MROVCP) for VHF equipment, Marine Radio Operator's
Certificate of Proficiency (MROCP) for VHF, MF/HF equipment or alternative
minimum operator qualification as defined in the Marine Radio operators
handbook.
Further information on Marine radio operator and equipment licensing
can be obtained from the Australian Communications and Media Authority
(ACMA) refer:
Media
Release No 56 of 2003: All operators of marine radios should hold
a certificate
Marine
Radio
ACMA
Licensing: Maritime Ship Stations - 27 MHz and VHF Information Paper
ACMA
Licensing - Maritime Ship Licence Information
Distress frequencies
- MF/HF Transceivers 2182, 4125, 6215 & 8291 kHz.
- VHF Transceivers Channel 16, with Channel 67 as a supplementary.
- 27 MHz Transceivers 27.88 MHz (Channel 88) with 27.86 MHz (Channel
86) as a supplementary.
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Sun 6th Jul 08
