RADIO MONITORING
The radio room is open every day from 8:03am to 6pm.
To CONTACT US either come up stairs to the radio room use the numerous methods of communications available.
After hours, VHF channel 16 is monitored by VTS Hay Point for emergencies only. If you depart the Mackay Marine after hour you can complete a trip sheet located near the front door of the base in the covered shelf. Our staff will collect this at 8:30am and place you onto the log.
Every time you depart, log on and log off your voyage details with our radio room. You do not need to be a VMR 448 Mackay member to use this service. We monitor your voyage to ensure you return safely every time. Its peace of mind when you know someone is looking out for you, it may just save your life.
VHF channels covered in the Mackay region are VHF channel 16 (Emergency and calling only), channel 21 repeater is located on Brampton Island, coverage extends in an arc in line of sight from the repeater, to approximately north towards the south side of Shaw Island and in line of sight to VMR 448 Mackay base at Mackay Harbour. Channel 80 repeater is located on Knight Island, coverage extends in an arc in line of sight from the repeater, to approximately the north side of Middle Island and in line of sight to the VMR 448 Mackay base at Mackay Harbour. The coverage will vary dependant on many environmental factors and the particular set up of the VHF marine radio itself.
The primary communication method is via VHF radio. VMR 448 Mackay monitors channel 16 (Emergency or Calling only), 21 and 80. Follow the following method as an example to call up on the VHF radio.
Ensure all other communications are completed and initiate the call:
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 your voyage 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.
