There are four main types of marine communications equipment:
• VHF: This is the preferred radio for short range marine communications and is listened to by all large vessels.

Maritime Safety Queensland and volunteer marine rescue stations monitor VHF channel 16 (distress frequency) for most of the Queensland coast 24hours/ 7 days and can respond to emergency calls. Weather information is broadcast on VHF channel 67.

• 27MHz: This has a very limited range, so you should check that a limited coast station is in your immediate vicinity before relying on this equipment for your safety. Most larger vessels at sea DO NOT listen to this radio.

• HF: These radios have a greater communication range if travelling long distances from shore, but they rely on atmospheric conditions and hull material. They can be difficult to operate.

• Satellite Equipment: Satellite equipment and telephones have excellent coverage and are preferred for long range communications. Training and operator certification are necessary before using this type of equipment.

Participants of the Marine Radio course can access the Marine Radio Operator’s Handbook online. Please note this is required reading.

View Handbook

Mobile phones are only back-up devices, not substitutes, for emergency marine radio communications, as:

• The cellular system does not have distress priority alerting.

• Mobile phones may be out of range, have low batteries or become water damaged.

• Marine radios are used to broadcast so that all parties involved can listen. Mobile phones only call point to point. If you don’t know a number, you can’t call for assistance even if the boat is in sight.

• Rescue organisations cannot use a radio direction finder to trace a mobile telephone call