THE latest generation of ‘smart’ VHF marine radio technology is starting to flow onto the market from the leading radio manufacturers.
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Most people are aware that our mobile phones have GPS - Global Position System- capability in them and now so do VHF marine radios.
Therefore the boating community doesn’t need an expensive separate GPS receiver to be attached to their radio.
At the time of writing, one of these new generation radios, the IC-M323G from iCOM is available for $360 from a Sydney supplier.
The radio operators at Marine Rescue Narooma are especially interested as this technology is compatible with the new “nautical electronic charts” capability at Marine Rescue units.
“So, why are we so interested?” Narooma unit commander Eric Hibbett said.
“Well, when a distress alert is activated on the radio, using what is called DSC (Digital Select Calling), an accurate position of your latitude and longitude is transmitted, received by our system and displayed as a red flashing boat symbol on our electronic chart at your precise location.
“In the event of a breakdown or medical emergency this information is invaluable to Marine Rescue as your potential rescuer.
“Therefore it is a very affordable solution in managing the risk of operating on the ocean and a bonus for your family knowing that you have taken the best possible precautions for your safety.”
In light of this technology, Narooma “radio coach” Ian Noormets, has developed a three-stage plan to allow the boating community to take full advantage.
Marine Rescue Narooma offers three levels of tuition and assistance; the first is coaching, using electronic presentation, covering all subjects of the VHF Radio Certificate of Proficiency syllabus as set out by the Office of Marine Communication (OMC).
This would require attendance at the base on a Tuesday evening, starting at 6.30pm for about two hours, for four weeks.
Over this period participants would be practised in multi-choice questions similar to those used by the OMC. There is no cost for this course.
Having had an excellent foundation in stage 1, and for those wanting to continue, the second stage is to gain their Marine Radio Certificate of Proficiency.
The examination will be held at the Narooma base with completed papers being returned to OMC for marking.
This stage will incur a fee of $89 and a passport photograph is required to be supplied by the student.
The third and final stage will be to assist those who have gained their MROCP, and have a DSC enabled VHF radio, to obtain the unique 9-digit MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) identification code, similar to a mobile phone number, from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), which will need to be programed into their VHF radio.
“Marine Rescue Narooma is a team of volunteers who want to allow our local boating community the opportunity to benefit from this latest technology and thus manage the risk associated with the operation of vessels at sea,” Mr Hibbett said.
To find out more and enrol, please contact Marine Rescue Narooma on 4476 1443 leaving your contact details.
