Community
26 August, 2024
Marine radio courses
WITH the approach of the 2024-25 spring and summer boating seasons, the safety of boaters comes to the front of mind among the region’s Coast Guard volunteers.
NQ Squadron training projects vice-captain Don Alexander said marine VHF Radio provided the most reliable method of communications between vessels operating in coastal waters and to Coast Guard radio shore bases.
“Some boaters rely on their mobile phone system for offshore communications, however, this has been shown not to be reliable all circumstances,” he said.
“They do not contact other vessels in VHF range, provide weather or navigational warnings nor do they invoke timely responses to breakdown or distress situations.”
He said the cost of the course of $250 was relative to the cost of boats worth thousands of dollars.
Coast Guard, via the QF15 Innisfail flotilla, will be running one-day marine VHF radio licence courses for the boating public on Saturday and Sunday, September 21 and 22. Registrations close September 8. It includes a radio licence, handbook and full training sessions.
Register interest by email to: fao.qf15@coastguard.com.au
