Marine Safety Equipment - Marine Radio

Marine Radio

VHF & Marine CB are covered under a class licence.

Only HF Marine Radios require licenses of the equipment and the operator.

HF licensing details, further information and location details can be obtained from the Australian Communications Authority (ACA).

There can be no better reason for installing a marine radio in your boat than the possibility that it may save a life. 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.

Marine Radio Equipment

There are three types of marine radio equipment that you may install in your boat

• 27MHz marine (commonly called 27 ‘meg’) transceivers
• VHF marine transceivers
• MF/HF marine transceivers.

27MHz and VHF marine transceivers are relatively inexpensive and provide short-range communications. Either of these would be suitable if you only use protected and semi-protected waters.

If you take your vessel into unprotected waters then you may need to install a MF/HF marine transceiver to have the communication range that you require.

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 then you should carry a copy of the Handbook for Radiotelephone Ship Stations Operators. This handbook is available for a small charge from the Australian Communications Authority.

Licensing and Operators Certificates

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 Certificate of Proficiency (MROCP).

You may obtain more information about licensing and operator’s certificates from the Australian Communications Authority

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

Distress frequencies

• MF/HF Transceivers 2182, 4125, 6215, 8291, 12290, 16420 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.