RADIO MONITORING
 The VMR Mackay Radio Room is staffed by Volunteer Radio Operators from 0800hrs (8:00am) until 1800hrs (6:00pm) every day.

You can contact us via VHF Radio, in person by coming up to the radio room, or via phone or email at our  CONTACT US page.

VMR Mackay Monitors the following VHF Radio Channels during our operating hours, and weather updates are available upon request.

Channel 21: Brampton Island Repeater – North of Prudhoe Is. extending North beyond Brampton Is.

Channel 80: Knight Island Repeater – South of Prudhoe Is. extending South beyond Curlew Is. towards the Percy Group.

Channel 22: Penrith Island Repeater – an approx. 35nm radius from Penrith Is. extending East to Chauvel, Credlin, Cole and Stevens Reef areas.

Emergency Channels 16 & 67, which as also monitored after hours by VTS Hay Point.

*As a general rule VHF radio range is approx. 35nm radius from the repeater

*Be aware your radio strength, aerial height, and weather conditions can effect radio range.

Our Trip Log Service is for ALL BOATERS, NOT JUST MEMBERS.
If we ever need to come look for you, the basic info you provide by logging on can be critical in finding you as fast as possible. Please make logging on a habit as part of your boating trips. Make it a habit to tell family or loved ones your basic plans too, please!
 

You can logon via VHF Radio during our operating hours (8am – 6pm), or if you depart the Mackay Marine outside of those hours, you can complete a trip sheet located near the front door in the covered shelf. Our staff will collect this at 8:00am and place you onto the log.

AND PLEASE LOGOFF AT THE END OF YOUR VOYAGE.

Ensure all other communications are completed and initiate the call:
Here is an example call to logon

VMR 448, VMR 448, VMR 448, this is "Your Boat Name, Your Boat Name, Your Boat Name" calling on channel 21, OVER.
Response from VMR 448:
"Your Boat Name, Your Boat Name, Your Boat Name", VMR 448, VMR 448, VMR 448 receiving OVER.
Your response:
VMR 448, "Your Boat Name", I would like to be placed on the trip log today, we are departing Mackay Harbour, our destination is Brampton Island, my estimated time or return will be at 1400hrs, I have 4 people on board, my registration details are 448MKY, my phone number is 0412 345 678, I'm a white 6 metre Haines Hunter, OVER.
Response from VMR 448:
"Your Boat Name", VMR 448, I have logged you on, you are heading to Brampton Island, ETR 1400hrs, POB 4, phone number 0412 345 678, OVER.
Your response:
VMR 448, "Your Boat Name", that is correct, thankyou VMR 448 OVER.
Response from VMR 448:
VMR 448 OUT.
 
PLEASE REMEMBER TO LOG OFF WHEN YOU HAVE RETURNED BACK FROM YOUR VOYAGE TO PREVENT UNNECESSARY CONCERN OR POLICE INITIATION OF A SEARCH AND RESCUE MISSION AND AVOIDABLE COSTS.
 
If you would like to be trained in the use of marine radios, please click on the following link to show your expression of interest in a nationally recognised MROCP course. CLICK HERE.
 
If you would like to view the Australian Maritime College Handbook for the MROCP course, please CLICK HERE.