Do you need a license for a VHF radio in Australia?

While the VHF Radio itself does not need to be licenced or registered with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), the Operator of the Radio requires a Certificate of Proficiency.

How do you use a VHF marine radio in Australia?

The steps for using a VHF radio in an emergency are simple:

  1. Change to channel 16.
  2. Call “mayday, mayday, mayday” three times.
  3. Give the name of your vessel three times.
  4. Give your position as accurately as possible, as well as local conditions.
  5. Describe the problem, the assistance needed and the number of people on board.

What are the channels on a VHF marine radio?

The most important channels on your VHF radio are 13, 16, 19, 22, and 70. Channel 13 is used by commercial shipping to communicate their actions and confirm passage. Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) VHF-FM is designated by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) as the national distress, safety and calling frequency.

How long does a marine radio licence last?

ship radio licences last a lifetime, but must be revalidated every 10 years.

How do you check a marine VHF radio?

Turn radio to one-watt power setting, and key the microphone. Call “radio check” three times, followed by your boat name and location. Wait for a reply confirming someone has heard your transmission.

What are the VHF radio channels in Australia?

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has a handy, short video on How to Use Your VHF marine radio for weather information. Listening to VHF Channel 16 will alert you to any distress and safety calls. If you need to call or work with other boats, use channels 72, 73 or 77.

What are the VHF radio frequencies for boats?

Listening to VHF Channel 16 will alert you to any distress and safety calls. If you need to call or work with other boats, use channels 72, 73 or 77. The ACMA also has a video you can watch for more information on frequencies and How to Use VHF Marine Radio.

How many channels are in the VHF maritime mobile band?

* Channels 24, 84, 25 and 85 may be merged in order to form a unique duplex channel with a bandwidth of 100 kHz in order to operate the VDES terrestrial component described in the most recent version of Recommendation ITU-R M

What is the frequency of a VHF radio?

The frequency depends on the type of radio you own. For 27MHz the frequency is 27.88. For VHF the frequency is channel 16. All Sea Rescue Groups monitor Channel 88 and VHF Channel 16.