This document summarizes marine radio communication procedures in Australia. It outlines that maritime communication stations in Wiluna and Charleville monitor distress frequencies on HF radio and do not monitor MF, VHF, or 27 MHz frequencies. Coast radio stations operated by states and territories provide HF and VHF coverage up to 200 nautical miles offshore. They monitor distress frequencies on HF and VHF 16, and broadcast navigation warnings and weather reports. Proper radio channels and procedures are described for distress, safety, routine calls, and ship to ship communication.

1. Marine Radio Communication in Australia Use this presentation with latest edition of Marine Radio Handbook

2. Maritime Communication Stations Based in Wiluna and Charleville Continuous watch kept on DSC High Frequencies (4,6,8) reserved for Distress, Urgency Safety Do not keep watch on MF (2187.5 KHz ) DSC frequency

3. Maritime Communication Stations contd. Do not provide aural monitoring Do not operate on VHF radio Do not operate on 27 MHz radio MMSI is 005030001 Call sign is ‘RCC Australia ’

4. State and NT operated HF (Coast Radio Stations) and VHF stations Provide service on selected HF frequencies covering up to 200 nautical miles seaward of Australia Provide service on VHF CH 16 and Ch 70 (DSC) in certain coastal waters Service provided through network of Radio stations viz. Coast Radio Sydney, Coast Radio Cairns Coast Radio Perth etc

5. State and NT operated HF (Coast Radio Stations) and VHF stations contd . Following services are provided on HF: 24 hour listening watch for Distress Urgency and Safety on: 4125 KHz 6215 KHz 8291 KHz Broadcast of Navigation Warnings on 8176 KHz

6. State and NT operated HF (Coast Radio Stations) and VHF stations contd . Distress, Urgency, Safety and Routine calling frequencies are: 2182 KHz 4125 KHZ and 6215 KHz are supplementary frequencies If possible avoid using 4125 KHz and 6215 KHz for routine calling

7. State and NT operated HF (Coast Radio Stations) and VHF stations contd. 8291 KHz is used for announcing safety traffic Do not use 8291 KHz for routine or general calling Navigation Warnings are broadcast on 8176 KHz as per schedule Commencing 3 minutes prior to the hour

8. State and NT operated HF (Coast Radio Stations) and VHF stations contd . Services provided on VHF are: 24 hour monitoring of VHF Ch 16 for Distress, Urgency and Safety Regular broadcast of weather information on VHF Ch 67 VHF Ch 16 is primarily for Distress and Safety

9. State and NT operated HF (Coast Radio Stations) and VHF stations contd . VHF CH 16 can be used for routine calling but where possible use working channels or demand channels For Ship to Ship Maritime Safety information Ch 13 is used

10. Limited Coast Stations Volunteer Coastal Patrol Stations, fishing clubs, harbour authorities etc Limited hours of Operation Service provided about safety, movement and operation of vessels. Generally not permitted to handle public correspondence Offer service to vessels on 27 MHz and VHF