Coastal distress marine radio network
In 2002 the responsibility for the VHF/HF marine radio network was transferred to state jurisdictions from Telstra. At that time Telstra operated two coast stations which provided VHF radio communications from the New South Wales border to Fraser Island and an area adjacent to Townsville.
Since 2002, Maritime Safety Queensland has expanded the service to cover all adjacent coastal waters between Cooktown and the New South Wales border, providing a 24 hour listening watch on VHF channels 16 and 67 for distress and urgency calls.
The establishment of vessel traffic service operations in Cairns, Mackay and Gladstone have provided the opportunities to enhance marine safety to the small commercial and recreational boating communities through making available 24 hours monitoring of VHF and HF radio for urgency and distress calls.
Volunteer marine rescue organisations (Australian Volunteer Coast Guard and Volunteer Marine Rescue) play an important role in delivering the coastal distress marine radio network service. They maintain a listening watch during their operating hours which is then handed over to vessel traffic service centres after hours.
Map showing areas of coverage in Queensland (PDF, 560 KB).
Carrying a VHF marine radio when going boating can be an added safety measure. Unlike mobile phones, it allows for all vessels in the area to hear a distress call should an emergency happen. Mobile phones are good as a back up but can easily be out of range or have a flat battery.
Find out more information about marine radios.
