Marine Radio Guidelines & Protocol
Skippers and crews are reminded to observe proper radio etiquette. If we all observe the following guidelines and protocols, then the airwaves will remain clear and available for their proper purpose.
Very high frequency (“VHF”) marine radio in Australia is considered an effective broadcast communication tool up to 20 nautical miles offshore. It can be used to obtain weather information, hail other vessels, and report emergencies. It is a line of sight radio technology, in that the signal does not typically propagate beyond visual distance from the antenna.
VHF License
To operate a marine radio, you must have completed Marine Radio Operators VHF Certificate of Proficiency, commonly known as the MROVCP, this certificate required to legally operate a Marine VHF Radio while on inland waterways or at sea within Australia.
The Marine Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency, commonly known as the MROCP is the certificate required to legally operate a Marine VHF MF/HF Radio while on inland waterways or at sea.
Unnecessary Communications
Transmissions should be as brief as possible. Non-essential remarks, bad language and unnecessary conversations should be avoided. It is an offence under the Radio Communications Act 1992, to use a transmitter in a manner that is likely to cause a reasonable person to be seriously alarmed or affronted, or for the purpose of harassing a person.
Obscene or objectionable language, transmission of music and subversive transmissions are forbidden. VHF radios should not be used on full power unless necessary.
Many Game fishing clubs have designated working channels such as channel 80 or channel 21 and calls between vessels and the home station can be initiated on those channels without the need to switch.
VHF radio is a working radio and is not intended for general conversation. For general conversation, use a mobile phone.