Coastguard Radio Changes Its Channel to 83

15 June 2012

Coastguard Radio Changes Its Channel to 83

Coastguard is sending a call out to all boaties in the region, letting them know its radio service for the wider Whangarei area is undergoing a channel change.

From 1800 on July 1, calls to VHF channel 64 will be broadcast over marine VHF channel 83.

Formerly monitored by a team of dedicated local volunteer radio operators, the management of the channel was recently moved to Coastguard Northern Region’s Operations Centre at Mechanics Bay in Auckland.

John Haselden, President of Coastguard Whangarei, says he wants to emphasise that during the change over period there will be no difference to the quality of service or the coverage of either Coastguard channel.

“This change is being implemented as part of Coastguard’s ongoing upgrade programme. We’re excited that the channel will be managed by a professionally trained team who will man the channel 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This will help us ensure the safety of those on the water at any time.

“We would also like to take this time to publically express our gratitude for the dedication of the many volunteers who have given their time over the years to help keep local boaties safe in the Whangarei area,” he says.

While Channel 83 will be the primary Coastguard marine search and rescue channel, the previous channel, VHF channel 64 will be retained as a Coastguard-owned local service channel for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communciations for local boaties. It may also be utilised for select public events such as fishing tournaments and sailing regattas.

Services that will only be availble on VHF channel 83 from July 1 include:
• Distress, Search and Rescue (SAR) and incident control communications
• Trip reporting, SAR watch and bar watch services
• Marine weather broadcasts and navigation warnings
• Member notices and station notices

The Whangarei Harbour and surrounding area is serviced by 40 dedicated and professionally trained Coastguard Search and Rescue volunteers who form the Coastguard Whangarei Unit.

NB - Channel 16 remains the international VHF channel for maritime distress and making initial contact.

About Coastguard Northern Region:
Coastguard is the charity that provides New Zealand’s primary maritime search and rescue service. The organisation operates from a network of four regions and 71 affiliated units, located around the coastline and major lakes of New Zealand.

Coastguard Northern Region operates the area from Thames across to the Mokau River and everything north and is based at the Auckland Marine Rescue Centre (AMRC) in Mechanics Bay. Each year the operations room at the AMRC receives over 100,000 VHF marine radio calls.

Coastguard Northern Region however, does more than daring rescues at sea. Generations of dedicated people have established an organisation that provides a wealth of services to every person using our harbours and beaches.

• We provide a 24 hour a day, 365 days a year service.
• Install and maintain VHF radio repeaters throughout the Northern Region to enable mariners to communicate with each other over long distances.
• Provide a 24 hour continuous weather forecast on marine radio VHF channels 20, 21, 22 and 23.
• Accept trip reports from any vessel able to make radio contact.
• Provide a range of boating education courses to ensure that boaties have a sound knowledge of their boats and the rules of the road at sea.

Coastguard’s Northern Region Maritime School gives boaties the skills they need for a safe and enjoyable time on the water. They have a range of theory-based and practical (RYA) courses available. These are aimed at encouraging people to get to know the boating rules and regulation whilst gaining the skills and experience to keep safe.

ENDS

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