[Paddlewise] Oz Communications

Peter O writes
 "...in Australia, the government has just started shutting down its
VHF repeater stations. Seems as though shortwave radio and digital selective
calling, are becoming standard for larger boats, but VHF or mobile phones
are the only practical survival communications for kayakers. (Or is there an
alternative?)"
Peter:
Some thoughts on alternatives
1. CDMA network mobile phones have a much wider range than the GSM network,
e.g. from much of Wilson's Promontory, and from the higher points on islands
in the Nuyts Archipelago, South Australia.
2. Satellite phones. Although they cost $2,000 for the phone, and calls are
expensive, they apparently operate anywhere in Oz.
3. VHF seems to operate to other vessels OK.
4. In Tasmania, Lionel Whish-Wilson operates Mersey Radio, a weather and
fishing vessel service relayed through repeater stations, which has been
used by Bass Strait crossers. This service will apparently relay via
Maatsuyker Island, and other remote places. Broadcasts at 0720, 1910 on 4535
KHz.
5. Marine and Safety Tasmania website reports that VHF radio scheds are
operated privately:
"VHF Radio
Warnings and forecasts are broadcast by a number of volunteer groups in
Tasmania. The following information indicates the volunteer organisation and
the sked times when weather forecasts are broadcast on Channels 16 and 67.
Volunteer Organisation Weather Sked Times
St Helens Coastal Patrol 0810 hours and on request
Lady Barron Coastal Patrol 0840 hours
King Island Coastal Patrol 0810 and 1710 hours
Tasmar Radio (Hobart) 0745, 1345 and 1903 hours
Mersey Radio (Devonport) 0710 and 1910 hours
Tamar Coastal Patrol 0750, 1150, 1350, 1850 hours (weekdays)
0820, 1220, 1620, 1850 hours (weekends)
6. In Victoria, Marine Safety website claims:
"VHF distress monitoring
>From July 2002, vessels in and around Port Phillip and Western Port Bays can
continue to make distress calls on VHF channel 16. Arrangements in place
across the rest of Victoria will be unaffected.
Distress calls made from VHF radios in and around Port Phillip and Western
Port Bays will be monitored by communications officers at Point Lonsdale."
7. The EPIRB.
Where did you learn that VHF repeaters are to be closed down?
VHF seems to be uncertain, and relies on line of sight or suitable
transmission conditions. The recent Bass Strait rescue is a case in point.
The two paddlers were lucky to have a naval vessel nearby which relayed
communications. Read all about it in the next VSKC newsletter (and join up,
we need the subscription fee!). I think a write up is to appear in the NSW
newsletter as well.
Cheers, PT.






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