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We expect to be able to contact people when we’re at home or work and take for granted that we will be able to contact emergency services by phoning 111 when we need them. It’s just the same on the water – but there we only have the resources on board with us.
Reliable communications equipment is an essential part of safe boating – because if you can’t call for help and say you’re in trouble, nobody can rescue you.
MNZ’s maritime radio service maintains VHF (very high frequency) and HF (high frequency) radio services for New Zealand’s coastal waters and much of the South Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea. These services include monitoring radio frequencies for distress messages around the clock. MNZ also broadcasts maritime safety information, including weather information and navigational warnings.
MNZ’s services are complemented by a network of volunteer private VHF radio operators located around New Zealand and its offshore waters. The radio network consists of 28 coastal stations covering New Zealand coastal waters and two covering the Chatham Islands.
Each of these stations has a designated channel (see the coverage map on page 12). Channel 16 is monitored at all times by staff working at MNZ’s Maritime Operations Centre. The private operators’ radio network, including Coastguard radio, usually has operators who are very familiar with their local area. Some operate 24/7.
Channels 20, 21, 22 and 23 provide continuous weather forecasts and reports from key weather stations. This service is operated by New Zealand Coastguard.
Channels are publicised at vessel launching points.There are a total of 55 channels available for marine VHF radio use. While many channels are dedicated to specific use, there are also channels that provide ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communications. These channels are not monitored.
The MF/HF (medium and high frequency) maritime radio service is provided by Taupo Maritime Radio, from a site near Lake Taupo. HF and MF (often referred to as SSB or single sideband) frequencies are used for long range marine communication.
VHF distress calls are broadcast on VHF channel 16. This channel is monitored at all times, and is dedicated to distress, safety and calling. All VHF stations provide a separate working channel for other communications.
Special calls are used in cases of distress, urgency and safety, and must be properly understood and used. There are three levels of call:
The use of MAYDAY is prohibited except to indicate distress. The distress call has priority over all other transmissions. All vessels hearing it must immediately cease all transmissions that could interfere with the distress communication and maintain a listening watch on the frequency being used.
MAYDAY is a request for immediate assistance. If you hear a MAYDAY call, listen, and if possible write it down. Do not transmit any message that is not associated with the mayday situation. Determine if you’re in a position to help. If not, maintain radio silence. If no other station acknowledges a MAYDAY call, acknowledge it and do as much as you can to assist the vessel and communications.
Distress and urgency calls and messages must be cancelled if assistance is no longer required or when the incident is over.
Radio distress calling is available as a free sticker for your vessel. Phone 0508 22 55 22 or email publications@maritimenz.govt.nz.
The maritime radio service consists of 30 coastal VHF stations, with 28 providing coverage around the coastal waters of New Zealand. There is no VHF coverage on many of New Zealand’s inland waterways.
VHF marine channels is available as a free sticker for your vessel. Phone 0508 22 55 22 or email publications@maritimenz.govt.nz.
Maritime radio users need to be licensed (except in an emergency or distress situation) and hold a minimum of a marine VHF operators qualification. Contact Coastguard Boating Education (CBES) on 0800 40 80 90 or visit www.cbes.org.nz to find out more.
Requirements for radio operators on commercial vessels will vary depending on the radio equipment installed, number of passengers and requirements of current safety legislation. Contact your safe ship management company or MNZ on 0508 22 55 22 for more information.
Vessels travelling overseas have different requirements, which are outlined on the CBES website.
There are penalties for improper use of a VHF radio.
A call sign is a unique identification code and is a legal requirement for all radios. A call sign for your boat is the best way of making sure each radio transmission is individually identifiable. It is registered on a national search and rescue database and means that search and rescue authorities can access information about your vessel to help locate you faster in an emergency.
Radio call signs for commercial and recreational vessels are issued by the Ministry of Economic Development (MED) or their appointed agents (listed on the MED website). CBES is one of these
and provides tutorials and learning resources
for people who want to study for the Marine
VHF Operator qualification. Contact CBES on
0800 40 80 90 or visit www.cbes.org.nz.
If you sell your vessel, you can either keep the call sign or transfer it to the new owner. In both cases, you must inform the new owner and MED or one of its agents..
It depends on your vessel type and the radio’s intended purpose. There are a number of handheld and fixed VHF radios available at a range of prices, with some cheaper than a cell phone.
A fixed VHF radio has a greater range than a handheld radio and is better for regular communication, but you will not be able to access it or use it in an emergency where it is damaged by water, such as a capsize.
If attached to your person, a waterproof handheld radio will be able to used even if you end up in the water. You should carry at least two reliable forms of communication at all times.
Reliable communications equipment is an essential part of safe boating – because if you can’t call for help and say you’re in trouble, nobody can rescue you.
Read the free publication Radio Handbook: Your guide to marine communication [ PDF, 72 pages, 1.42Mb] format or in hard copy by phoning 0508 22 55 22 or emailing publications@maritimenz.govt.nz.
Contact CBES on 0800 40 80 90, visit www. cbes.org.nz
