1. Marine Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency
WELCOME TO
RADIO TELEPHONY
Marine Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency

2. MROCP QUALIFICATION
Marine Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency is required to legally operate:
MF/HF radio (Medium/High Frequency)
VHF radio (Very High Frequency)

3. What sections are relevant?
Chapters 1-11 inclusive
All paragraphs listed in the Examination Syllabus
(Pages 2 to 5

4. About your Assessment
50 Multiple Choice
= 70% pass rate
When?
Day 2

5. Must be able to:- Send: Distress Call & Message Urgency Call & Message
- Distress Relay
- Response to Distress Call
Urgency Call & Message
Safety Call & Message
Initiate the above via a DSC (Digital Selective Call)

6. What format does the course take?
Several trial exams
Revision & Final Assessment on day 2

7. MARINE RADIO OPERATORS HANDBOOK
Chapter One
Section 2 Page 6

8. SHIP STATION LICENCES Required for all vessels fitted with MF/HF radio
Licence contains details of Licensee, Name & Call Sign of Vessel
“Home Base” operation NOT permitted

9. Types of Radio fitted aboard Vessel(Section 11/Page 34)
27 MHz Radio
No Operator Licence required
No Ship Station Licence required
VHF (Very High Freq) Marine Radio
No Ship Station Licence Required
Operator Licence required
MF/HF (Med/High Freq) Marine Radio
Ship Station Licence required
Operator Licence required

10. 27 MHz - Ground Wave (line of sight)
VHF Ground Wave (line of sight)
MF/HF - Sky Wave & Ground Wave

11. Use of radio only under authority of Master (or person responsible for safety of vessel)

12. International Secrecy Regulations
A person must NOT divulge contents of:
Radiotelegram
Radiotelephone call or
Radiotelex
No secrecy regulations apply to DISTRESS, URGENCY or SAFETY ALERT, or any message addressed to “all stations”

13. Acceptance of DISTRESS Calls
All Distress Calls must be accepted with priority over all other calls

14. LOG BOOK ENTRIES
Details of DISTRESS alerts and messages transmitted or received must be made in Ship’s Log
Copy of which is on page 100

15. Avoid Interference ALWAYS Listen before transmitting
Select minimum transmission power
Observe purpose for which frequency assigned
Keep Test calls to minimum

16. Ship Station Call Signs and Identities
An MF/HF ship station will be allocated an international call sign consisting of:
3 letters, followed by 4 numbers or
4 letters
The first letter is usually “V”

17. Ship Station Identification
NEVER Transmit without identification
Use official Call Sign and Ship’s Name
Call Signs are only issued where MF/HF radio fitted
If no Call Sign issued, use Name of Vessel and some other means of identification (Registration Number, Home Port...)

18. Lengthy Voyages
For SAFETY:
Operators are encouraged to advise Land Based Radio Station of movements, even on short trips
Give DAILY position reports (i.e., at Start, During & End of voyage)

19. Use of Radio of Equipment on Ships - Restrictions
When Anchored/Moored – use on low power communications with nearest land based stations
No radio use when refuelling, loading/discharging flammable cargo
Some overseas authorities prohibit use of radio equipment when in “port limits”

20. DOCUMENTS TO BE HELD ON BOARD
Ship Station Licence
Operator’s Certificate
Radio Log book (or similar)
Copy of Marine Radio Operators
Handbook

21. MARINE RADIO OPERATORS HANDBOOK
Chapter Three
Maritime Communications,
Coast Radio and Limited Coast Stations

22. First, a little about RADIO WAVES

23. RADIO WAVE CHARACTERISTICS
WAVELENGTH = Distance between successive crests
CYCLE = One complete oscillation
FREQUENCY = Number of cycles passing a given point per second (Hz)

24. RADIO WAVE CHARACTERISTICS
FREQUENCY
1 Hz (hertz) = 1 cycle passing a given point per second
1 kHz (kilohertz) = 1,000 cycles passing a given point per second
1 MHz (megahertz) = 1,000,000 cycles passing a given point per second

25. Common MF/HF Radio Frequencies
2182 kHz (kilohertz) = 2,182,000 radio wave cycles passing a given point per second
2182 kHz (kilohertz) = 2 MHz (megahertz) band
4125 kHz (kilohertz) = 4,125,000 radio wave cycles passing a given point per second
4125 kHz (kilohertz) = 4 MHz (megahertz) band
6215 kHz (kilohertz) = 6,215,000 radio wave cycles passing a given point per second
6215 kHz (kilohertz) = 6 MHz (megahertz) band

26. Australian Land Based Radio Stations (as of 1st July 2002)
2 Maritime Communication Stations
9 Coast Radio Stations
Numerous Limited Coast Stations

27. 2 Maritime Communication
Stations
24 hour coverage on DSC Frequencies only
kHz
6312 kHz
kHz
12577 kHz
kHz
(No Public Correspondence)
After initial DSC contact, voice communications are established on an associated HF Radio-telephony frequency
Free Emergency Medical advice available (After initial DSC contact)

28. 2 Maritime Communication
Stations
24 hour coverage on DSC Frequencies only
kHz
6312 kHz
kHz
12577 kHz
kHz
(No Public Correspondence)
Assoc RT
…….4125
…….6215
…….8291
……
……
DSC
4207.5
6312
8414.5
12 577
MF/HF
After initial DSC contact, voice communications are established on an associated HF Radio-telephony frequency
Free Emergency Medical advice available (After initial DSC contact)

29. 9 Coast Radio Stations Distress & Safety Continuous listening watch
(No Public Correspondence)
Distress & Safety
Continuous
listening watch
(a) HF 4125 kHz
6215 kHz
8291 kHz
(Navigational warnings
on 8176 kHz)
(b) VHF Ch 16
(Weather Ch 67)
Safety traffic is only announced on 8291 kHz, before transmitting on a working frequency
Coverage out to 200 nautical miles

30. COAST RADIO STATIONS
Useful sites for information on frequencies /times may be obtained from:
Transport SA (
AMSA (
Bureau of Meteorology (

31. Limited Coast Stations
(No Public Correspondence)
Safety, movements &
operations of vessels
Distress, Safety &
Calling (Main Frequencies)
VHF: Ch 16
27 MHz: Ch 88
MF/HF: kHz
kHz
kHz
(Check Appendix 3 and your local area for other MF/HF frequencies)
Fishing
Charter
Commercial
Tugs
Club events etc...
No fixed hours of
operation
- Determined by local
requirements

32. Total Maritime Coverage
*Note – No Public Correspondence (Radio Telephone)
services available from any of these stations
2 Maritime Communication Stations
9 Coast Radio Stations
Various Limited Coast Stations

34. Radio Telephone (Public Correspondence) Services are available from:
Penta Comstat ( ) for HF Radphone
(coverage for Australian east coast and part of
Pacific Ocean)
Satellite Phone
Inmarsat-M, Optus MobileSat, Vodaphone Globalstar and Iridium provide voice, fax and data communications
VHF Seaphone

35. VHF MARINE REPEATERS Communications dependant on aerial height
Repeater Stations increase range (aerials on high points of land)
Limited Coast Stations monitor VHF repeater channels relevant to area
To minimize congestion, use non-repeater channels where possible
Note - not all coastal areas covered by VHF marine repeaters

36. MARINE RADIO OPERATORS HANDBOOK
Chapter Three
Operating Procedures for Routine Communications

37. General Radio Protocols
Keep Test Transmissions to Minimum
Obtain consent from nearby Coast Station before making test call (if call likely to interfere)
Ship Stations not to interfere with Coast Station communications
Frequencies should only be used for the purpose for which they are assigned

38. General Radio Protocols
Between ship & shore, the Coast Station controls radio traffic
Between ship & ship, CALLED SHIP controls radio traffic

39. FREQUENCIES CALLING Frequencies - to establish communications
WORKING Frequencies
for exchange of
messages
Once communications are established on CALLING frequency, change to WORKING frequency for exchange of messages
Appendix 3 (handbook) lists all Calling and corresponding Working frequencies
Majority of Calling frequencies are also assigned for Distress, Urgency & Safety calls

40. Main Frequencies for establishing routine communications with: An Australian Limited Coast Station or Another Ship
MF/HF
2182 kHz
kHz
kHz
VHF
Ch 16
(Ch 67)
27 MHz
27.88 MHz (Ch 88)
[27.86 Mhz (Ch 86)]

41. RADIOTELEPHONY WORKING
FREQUENCIES
All frequencies are listed in Appendix 3
Weather Broadcasts are on automatic
schedule - Frequencies used by Maritime
Communication Stations to broadcast
weather forecasts are not to be used
as Working Frequencies (See Appendix 3)

42. Simplex
All Distress frequencies in Australia operate in SIMPLEX mode
(Transmission and Reception on same frequency)
Duplex
Most Working frequencies operate in DUPLEX mode
(Transmission and Reception on different, but paired frequencies)

43. Phonetic Alphabet
For difficult conditions (transmission / reception conditions are poor)
e.g. “Kestrel” = Kilo Echo Sierra Tango Romeo Echo Lima
Important when handling radiotelephony messages concerning safety of life at sea

44. For difficult conditions
(poor transmission or reception)
To clarify messages re Safety at Sea
Example
“Kestrel” = Kilo Echo Sierra Tango Romeo Echo Lima

45. Calling Procedures Select correct frequency
Listen for other traffic before transmitting (so as not to cause interference to other stations)
Carry out correct calling procedure as follows:-

46. Typical Calling Procedure for MF/HF Radio
Fremantle Sea Rescue
This is
Spindrift VLW1234
Position Report
Over
(Fremantle Sea Rescue will designate appropriate “working” channel/frequency)

47. Typical Calling Procedure for VHF Radio
Sandringham Coast Guard
This is
Saucy Sue VLV Saucy Sue VLV4567
Position Report
Over
(Names/Call Signs not repeated as often as MF/HF due to clarity of VHF Radio)

48. NOTE:
When contact is established, Station Names/Call Signs are spoken once only
Avoid reverse calling:
e.g. “Tempest VLS5678 calling Coast Radio Darwin”
Always say Name/Call Sign of station being called first, followed by “this is” (YOUR Name/Call Sign)

49. Replying to Calls
The Name/Call Sign of the calling station (spoken 3 times)
The words “this is”
The Name/Call Sign of your station (spoken 3 times)
The word “over”

50. Communication Difficulties
If you are busy, reply “wait .... minutes”
If not sure that call is intended for you -wait for repeat call
If you are certain that call is for you, but not sure of caller’s ID, reply immediately and request ID of calling station

51. Call Unanswered
If no answer after 3 attempts, wait 3 minutes before repeating call
Keeps airwaves free for other vessels wanting to communicate
No repeat restrictions apply to DISTRESS or URGENCY calls

52. Radio Silence Periods On the Hour, to 3 minutes past the Hour, and
Silence periods on selected frequencies increase the chances of a distressed vessel’s signal being heard by other stations
On the Hour, to 3 minutes past the Hour, and
On the Half-Hour, to 3 minutes past the Half-Hour

53. Radio Silence Periods International Distress and Calling Frequencies
- Silence Periods monitored in Australia (not required Internationally)
MF/HF VHF
kHz Ch 16
kHz
kHz
kHz
kHz
kHz

54. Radio Silence Periods Ship stations are encouraged to
keep maximum watch on Distress
and Calling frequencies
appropriate to their location,
particularly during Silence Periods

55. MARINE RADIO OPERATORS HANDBOOK
Chapter Four
Distress, Urgency and Safety Communications
Using Radiotelephony

56. DISTRESS, URGENCY & SAFETY
CALLS
Speak slowly and clearly
Use Phonetic Alphabet if necessary
For maximum number of stations to hear
your call, use “AM” (“H3E”) mode on
2182 kHz
Where “SSB” is fitted, “AM” mode also for
27 MHz radios

57. Understanding “SSB” and “AM” modes
SSB(J3E) can receive both “AM” and “SSB” transmissions 
CARRIER SIGNAL
UPPER SIDE BAND
LOWER SIDE BAND
AM BANDWIDTH
AM(H3E) cannot intelligibly receive “SSB” (J3E) transmissions
CARRIER SIGNAL
UPPER SIDE BAND
SSB BANDWIDTH  or
CARRIER SIGNAL
LOWER SIDE BAND
SSB BANDWIDTH 

58. Understanding “SSB” and “AM” modes
SSB is a very effective manner of transmission/reception and
will improve chances of successful communications under poor
conditions, or at extremes of range
SSB transmission/reception is mandatory on all
MF/HF frequencies except 2182 kHz
(International Regulations)
Ship stations calling a Coast Station on 2182 kHz may use
either AM (H3E) or SSB (J3E) mode

59. Understanding “SSB” and “AM” modes
SSB(J3E) can receive both AM and SSB transmissions 
CARRIER SIGNAL
UPPER SIDE BAND
LOWER SIDE BAND
AM BANDWIDTH
Distress calls on 2182 kHz should be made in the AM (H3E) mode to enable the maximum number of stations to hear your call

60. Large Penalties apply for:-
False or deceptive
DISTRESS
URGENCY or
SAFETY signals
Misuse of radio equipment (i.e. harassment to others)

61. RADIOTELEPHONY ALARM SIGNAL
Fitted to many HF/MF sets in Australia
Indicates an important message will follow
2-tone warbling sound
Should precede Distress call if time permits

62. RADIOTELEPHONY ALARM SIGNAL
Note:
The Radio Telephony Alarm Signal was replaced by Digital Selective Calling in 1999 with the introduction of GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress & Safety System), and consequently is no longer required to be carried aboard large trading vessels
A number of MF/HF radios with RT alarm features are still in use in Australia and as such will continue to be a useful procedure for small vessels for a number of years

63. RADIOTELEPHONY ALARM SIGNAL
May also be used by:
Ship Station
To precede Urgency message for;
Person overboard
When grave and imminent danger is threatening a person/persons
Coast Station
To precede a Safety message for:
Urgent Cyclone Warning
Note: An RT alarm transmitted by a Maritime Communication Station will be followed by a Single Low Tone lasting for 10 Seconds

64. INTERNATIONAL FREQUENCIES FOR DISTRESS
MF/HF: , 4125, 6215, 8291,
12 290, kHz
VHF: Ch 16

65. ADDITIONAL AUSTRALIAN FREQUENCIES FOR DISTRESS
VHF: Channel 67 (supplementary to Channel 16)
27 MHz: Ch 88 (27.88 MHz) Ch 86 (27.86 MHz - supplementary to Channel 88)

66. DISTRESS COMMUNICATIONS
Absolute priority over all other transmissions
Distress calls must be accepted over all other radio communications
RT Alarm, Distress Call & Distress Message - only on authority of MASTER (or Person responsible for safety of vessel)

67. DISTRESS CALL & MESSAGE
Sent only upon authority of Master (or person responsible for safety of vessel)
Sent on Distress frequency

68. DISTRESS COMMUNICATIONS
Distress Signal
= “MAYDAY”
Distress Call
= “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY
This is
Name/Call Sign (x3)”
Distress Message
= “MAYDAY (x1)
This is
Name/Call Sign (x1)
Position
Problem
P.O.B.”

69. Distress Signal “MAYDAY” Sent only when VESSEL or
PERSON using it is threatened by Grave
and Imminent Danger, and requests
immediate assistance
A Distress Signal does NOT apply when immediate assistance is sought on behalf of another PERSON (e.g. medical emergency), in which case an URGENCY Signal (Pan Pan) would be used

70. Example of Distress Call and Message
Mayday, Mayday, Mayday
This is
Scamp VL2345
Mayday
Position
Problem
(Number) Persons on Board and any other information to assist rescuers
Call
Message

71. Distress Call / Message
May be repeated as often as necessary
If no answer on Distress frequencies, use any other frequency where attention may be attracted
E.g.
Professional Fishing channel
Commercial Operations channel
Port Operations channel
Pleasure Craft Club channel

72. Distress Position Information
Either by:-
GPS (Latitude & Longitude)
True Bearing & Distance
from a known geographical
point (specify correct distance,
i.e. Nautical Miles or Kilometres)
Precise geographical
location (in case of vessel aground)

73. Obligation to Acknowledge Distress Message
Ship Stations which receive a DISTRESS message from another vessel which is definitely in their vicinity, should IMMEDIATELY ACKNOWLEDGE
Where reliable communication with a Coast Station is practicable, acknowledgement should be deferred for short time to allow Coast Station to respond

74. Acknowledgement of Distress Message
If not in vicinity, defer acknowledgement to allow closer vessels to respond
If a long distance away, no need to acknowledge, unless message has NOT been acknowledged by another station

75. Acknowledgement of Distress Message
If:
DISTRESS message is NOT
acknowledged by another Station
and
You are NOT in a position to provide
assistance
YOU SHOULD:
Acknowledge DISTRESS message
Inform a Coast Station (or other vessels which could assist)

76. Acknowledgement of Distress Call
MAYDAY
Scamp VL Scamp VL Scamp VL 2345
This is
Pronto VZN Pronto VZN Pronto VZN 6789
RECEIVED MAYDAY
In position 35 N.Miles east Point Danger. Proceeding at 15 kts. Estimate your position in one hour

77. DISTRESS TRAFFIC Consists of:
Communications relating to immediate assistance required by vessel in distress
Search & rescue and on-scene communications
The Distress signal “MAYDAY” should
precede each call and message

78. Control of Distress Traffic
Controlled by Vessel in Distress
Control may be delegated to another Vessel or Coast Station

79. Control of Distress Traffic
Station controlling Distress Traffic may impose silence periods
“SEELONCE MAYDAY”

80. Control of Distress Traffic
Another Station near a Vessel in Distress may impose silence periods
“SEELONCE DISTRESS”,
followed by its own Name/Call Sign

81. Distress Traffic
If unable to provide assistance, monitor radio until it is obvious assistance is being provided
Do NOT transmit on distress frequencies if not taking part in distress traffic

82. Distress Traffic
When Distress traffic is established, Ship Stations not involved may resume normal radio traffic on other frequencies

83. Resumption of Restricted Working
“PRU-DONCE”
When complete silence is no longer
required
Issued by Station controlling Distress
Traffic

84. Resumption of Restricted Working (Example)
Mayday
Hello all Stations Hello all Stations Hello all Stations
This is
Coast Guard Oyster Bay
(Time message originated)
(Name/Call Sign of Vessel in distress)
PRUDONCE

85. Resumption of Normal Working
“SEELONCE FEENEE”
When Distress traffic has ceased
Issued by Station controlling Distress Traffic

86. Resumption of Normal Working (Example)
Mayday
Hello all Stations Hello all Stations Hello all Stations
This is
Kestrel VZS 123
(Time message originated)
(Name/Call Sign of Vessel in Distress)
SEELONCE FEENEE

87. Summary “SEELONCE MAYDAY” = SILENCE (Issued by Vessel in distress)
“SEELONCE DISTRESS”
= SILENCE (Issued by
another station)
= Resumption of
restricted working
“PRUDONCE”
“SEELONCE FEENEE”
= Resumption of normal
working

88. Distress Message Relay
Can be sent when:-
Vessel in Distress cannot itself transmit distress message
Master of other Station believes further help is needed
Not in a position to help, Master of other Station has heard a Distress message, but no acknowledgement

89. Distress Message Relay
Essential to follow correct radio procedure to avoid confusion as to which vessel is actually in distress
Procedure should be as follows……

90. Distress Message Relay
Mayday Relay Mayday Relay Mayday Relay
This is
Misty VLW Misty VLW Misty VLW 3456
Mayday Seadog VNW 6789
Position 50 Nautical Miles Northwest of Cape Inscription. On Fire. 2 Persons on board. Abandoning into liferaft. EPIRB activated.

91. URGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
Urgency Signal
= “PAN PAN”
= “PAN PAN, PAN PAN, PAN PAN
This is
Name/Call Sign (x3)”
Urgency Call
= “Position
Problem
Other details”
Urgency Message

92. URGENCY (Pan Pan)
Urgency Signal has priority over all other communications except Distress
Urgency message concerns the SAFETY of a Vessel, Aircraft or Person

93. URGENCY CALL & MESSAGE
Sent only upon authority of Master (or person responsible for safety of vessel)
Sent on Distress frequency
(If lengthy message, change to “working” frequency)

94. URGENCY CALL AND MESSAGE
May be addressed to:
ALL STATIONS or
A Particular Station
When sent to ALL STATIONS, originating Station must cancel message when action is no longer necessary

95. URGENCY Call & Message (from Ship Station)
PAN PAN, PAN PAN, PAN PAN
Hello all Stations Hello all Stations Hello all Stations
This is
Hawk VL Hawk VL Hawk VL 2345
30 Nautical Miles West of Cape Borda. Lost propeller. Drifting South West at 3 Knots. Require tow urgently.

96. URGENCY Call & Message (from Coast Station)
PAN PAN, PAN PAN, PAN PAN
Hello all Stations Hello all Stations Hello all Stations
This is
Ocean Rescue Lakes Entrance Ocean Rescue Lakes Entrance Ocean Rescue Lakes Entrance
15M Yacht Standfast overdue on voyage from Port MacQuarie to Hobart. Last radio contact 4 June in position………………………… All vessels keep sharp lookout and report any sighting

97. SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS
Message concerning important Navigational or Weather Warning
Initial call made on Distress frequency, then content of message made on Working frequency

98. SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS
Safety Signal
= “Securite”
Safety Call
= “Securite, Securite, Securite
Hello all Stations (x3)
This is
Name/Call Sign (x3)
Announce message to follow
on Working channel”
Safety Message
= “Securite, Securite, Securite
Hello all stations
This is
Name/Call Sign
Content of message”

99. SAFETY Call & Message (From Ship Station)
(Distress Frequ kHz)
Securite
Hello all stations Hello all stations Hello all stations
This is
Seafox VL Seafox VL Seafox VL 9876
Navigational Warning Listen on 2524 kHz
(Change to 2524 kHz)
Securite
Hello all stations
This is
Seafox VL 9876
Shipping container floating just below surface in position 030 degrees 12 nautical miles from Cape Arnhem. Danger to navigation.

100. SAFETY CALL AND MESSAGE (From Coast Radio Station)
(Distress Frequ kHz)
Securite Securite Securite
Hello all stations Hello all stations Hello all stations
This is
Coast Radio Darwin Coast Radio Darwin Coast Radio Darwin
Gale Warning
Listen on 2201 kHz
(Change to 2201 kHz)
Securite Securite Securite
Hello all stations
This is
Coast Radio Darwin
Daly River to Torres Strait North Easterly winds in excess of 30 knots are expected to persist for another 24 hours

101. REVISION DISTRESS CALL from Kestrel VZS 123? Mayday Mayday Mayday
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT of
Distress Call by Scamp VM 456?
Mayday Mayday Mayday
This is
Kestrel VZS Kestrel VZS Kestrel VZS 123
Mayday
Kestrel VZS 123
(Position)
(Problem)
(P.O.B.)
Mayday
Kestrel VZS Kestrel VZS Kestrel VZS 123
This is
Scamp VM Scamp VM Scamp VM 456
Received Mayday
(Current position & ETA at distressed vessel)

102. REVISION URGENCY CALL by Kestrel VZS 123? Pan Pan, Pan Pan, Pan Pan
Hello all stations Hello all stations Hello all stations
This is
Kestrel VZS Kestrel VZS Kestrel VZS 123
(Position)
(Problem)
(Other information)

103. REVISION SAFETY CALL by Seafox VL 9876? (Change to 2201 kHz)
Securite Securite Securite
Hello all stations Hello all stations Hello all stations
This is
Seafox VL Seafox VL Seafox VL 9876
Navigational Warning Listen on 2201kHz
(Change to 2201 kHz)
Securite Securite Securite
Hello all stations
This is
Seafox VL 9876
Safety Message (e.g., Shipping container floating just below surface in position 030 degrees 12 nautical miles from Cape Arnhem. Danger to navigation)

104. “MARINE RADIO FOR THE BEGINNING SKIPPER”
VIDEO
“MARINE RADIO FOR THE BEGINNING SKIPPER”
(Part 1)

105. MARINE RADIO OPERATORS HANDBOOK
Chapter Six Page 42
Marine Digital Selective Calling (DSC) Communications

106. Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
A semi-automated means of establishing initial contact between stations (Ship to Ship, Ship to Shore, Shore to Ship)
Once contact has been made, normal radiotelephony is used for communications

107. Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
Main use is for:
DISTRESS
URGENCY
SAFETY
Can also be used for routine calling between stations (VHF)

108. What is DSC?
A brief burst of digitised information transmitted to alert another station/s
Transmitted on MF/HF or VHF marine frequencies
DSC alert contains:
Identity of calling station (MMSI = Maritime Mobile Service Identity)
Type of call (Distress, Urgency, Safety)
Station being called (or All Stations)
Position (GPS) if Distress Alert

109. Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
Except for Distress Alert, the transmitting station may select which other stations receive call
DSC Distress alerts are automatically sent to, and decoded by, ALL stations

110. Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
Each DSC radio is programmed with a 9-digit identification number (MMSI -Maritime Mobile Service Identity)
The sending station’s MMSI is automatically included in all DSC transmissions

111. Frequencies for DSC Distress, Urgency & Safety Alerts
DSC Frequency
kHz………
 kHz……....
 6312 kHz………….
 kHz……….
 kHz………..
 kHz……..
VHF Ch 70…………..
( Monitored by Australian Maritime Communication Stations)
Associated RT (Distress) Frequency
2182 kHz
4125 kHz
6215 kHz
8291 kHz
12290 kHz
16420 kHz
VHF Ch 16

112. Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
All MF/HF DSC frequencies are only for Distress, Urgency or Safety Alerts
VHF DSC channel 70 may additionally be used for routine station-to-station DSC Alerts
Note: - No voice transmission is permitted on any DSC frequency

113. Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
In Australia
Continuous watch only maintained on MF/HF DSC frequencies by Maritime Communication Stations
( kHz, 6312 kHz, kHz, kHz, kHz)
No DSC watchkeeping is maintained on MF/HF kHz or VHF Channel 70

114. Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
There is a high probability that a
Distress Alert received on VHF Ch 70
or MF/HF kHz will be local
and it is recommended that these
channels/frequencies are monitored if
a DSC facility is fitted

115. DSC Alert Formats Distress Alert Distress Alert acknowledgement
The DSC system provides for the following types of Alerts:
Distress Alert
Distress Alert acknowledgement
Distress Alert relay
Urgency Alert
Safety Alert
Routine Alert

116. DSC DISTRESS ALERT PROCEDURES
Sent only on authority of Master
Should include vessel’s position and time when last updated
DSC Distress Alert is automatically repeated until:
terminated by operator, or
when a DSC acknowledgement from another station is received and decoded by Distressed vessel

117. Steps to transmit DSC DISTRESS Alert
1. Select DSC Distress channel
2. Initiate DSC Distress alert
3. Change to associated
Radiotelephony Distress channel
4. Transmit Radiotelephony Distress Call and Message

118. ON RECEIPT OF DSC DISTRESS ALERT (on 2187.5 kHz or VHF Ch 70)
Take note of display message and immediately listen on associated radiotelephony frequency for voice “MAYDAY” message
If able to assist:
Respond by radiotelephony (RECEIVED MAYDAY) and,
Advise appropriate Maritime Communication or Limited Coast Station

119. Where a Ship Station has received a DSC Distress alert on 2182 kHz or VHF Ch16 and:
No MAYDAY message heard within 5 minutes
No other station heard communicating with distressed vessel
DSC Distress alert is continuing
Immediately contact an appropriate Maritime Communication or Limited Coast Station and advise situation

120. ON RECEIPT OF DSC DISTRESS ALERT (on 4207. 5, 6312, 8414
ON RECEIPT OF DSC DISTRESS ALERT (on , 6312, , or kHz)
Take note of display message and immediately listen on associated radiotelephony frequency for voice “MAYDAY” message
If able to assist:
Contact appropriate Maritime Communication Station or Limited Coast Station with an offer to provide assistance

121. IF AFTER RECEIPT OF DSC DISTRESS ALERT (on 4207. 5, 6312, 8414
IF AFTER RECEIPT OF DSC DISTRESS ALERT (on , 6312, , or kHz)
No “MAYDAY” message has been heard within 5 minutes
and
No other station is heard communicating with distressed vessel
The receiving ship should transmit a DSC Distress Relay to a Maritime Communication Station or Limited Coast Station

122. Distress Alert Relay (DSC)
Maritime Communication Stations,
after having received & acknowledged a
DSC Distress Alert, will normally re-
transmit the information as a DSC
Distress Alert Relay

123. Distress Alert Relay (DSC)
Consider DSC Distress Alert Relay only when:
DSC Distress Alert is received on MF/HF frequencies of either , 6312, , or kHz,
and
No other stations are heard communicating
The DSC Distress Alert Relay must be addressed to a specific Maritime Communication Station, or Limited Coast Station (NOT to “all ships”)

124. To Cancel an Accidental DSC Distress Alert
Switch off transceiver immediately
Switch back on to frequency on which inadvertent alert was sent
Broadcast an “all stations” radiotelephony message giving your Vessel details, Call Sign, MMSI and advise cancellation of distress alert

125. To transmit DSC URGENCY Alert
1. Select DSC Distress channel
2. Initiate DSC Urgency alert
3. Change to associated Radiotelephony Distress channel
4. Transmit Radiotelephony Urgency Call and Message

126. To transmit DSC SAFETY Alert
1. Select DSC Distress channel
2. Initiate DSC Safety alert
3. Change to associated Radiotelephony Distress channel
Transmit Radiotelephony Safety Call and announce that Message will follow on Working channel
5. Change to Working channel
6. Transmit Radiotelephony Safety Call and Message

127. MARINE RADIO OPERATORS HANDBOOK
Chapter Six Page 20
Maritime Communications Stations

128. Radphone Services (HF)
Radiotelephone services previously offered through Australian Coast Stations have now been cancelled
Alternatives include Satellite Phones, Fax and Data communications or
Private service providers (i.e. Penta Comstat) (see handbook Section 15)

129. Auto Seaphone (VHF) Auto Seaphone - direct dial anywhere in the world
“999” is a supplementary emergency number if DISTRESS or URGENCY calls on VHF Channels 16 or 67 have been unsuccessful

130. MARINE RADIO OPERATORS HANDBOOK
Chapter Seven
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBS)

131. EPIRB’s Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
Battery operated
Watertight
Buoyant
Assists Rescue authorities in determining position of survivors
Once activated, do not switch off unless requested by Rescue Authority

132. EPIRB’s
406 MHz ( / MHz)
Capable of being detected and located by Aircraft and Satellites

133. Local User Terminals are located at Albany and Bundaberg
in Australia, and Wellington in New Zealand
EPIRB and LOCAL USER Terminal must be simultaneously
in view of Satellite for 121.5MHz EPIRB signals to be received

134. 406 MHz EPIRB
No geographical limitations - position information anywhere on Earth’s surface at any time
Accuracy better than 2.7Nm (5 Km)
Some fitted with GPS for pin-point accuracy
Unique Identity code is transmitted as part of signal
Manual or “Float Free” activation available
Also transmits on Civil Aeronautical frequency of MHz

135. EPIRB’s Test only in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions
If activated accidentally, advise RCC Australia in Canberra immediately
by phone ( ) or
by radio to a Limited Coast Station (for on-forwarding to RCC Australia)

136. MARINE RADIO OPERATORS HANDBOOK
Chapter Nine Page 62
Search and Rescue in Australia

137. SEARCH AND RESCUE
Australian Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) has responsibility for over 1/9th of the world’s oceans (Indian, Pacific & Southern Oceans)

138. SEARCH AND RESCUE
Coordination of Search & Rescue for small vessels is delegated to State & Territory Police Forces

139. SEARCH AND RESCUE
State & Territory Police Forces also utilise resources of recognised Marine Rescue Organisations (Volunteer Coast Guard, Sea Rescue etc)

140. Australian Ship Reporting System
(AUSREP)
Compulsory for majority of vessels
Optional for small vessels
Vessels must have access to required equipment,
including HF DSC and/or Inmarsat
AUSREP monitors movements of vessels anywhere
within Australia’s Search & Rescue area
To participate, voyage must be more than 24 hours
between ports, or greater than 200 N.Miles
Sailing plan must be lodged with RCC Australia, and
position reports given every 24 hours

141. MARINE RADIO OPERATORS HANDBOOK
Chapter Five
Marine Radio Communication Equipment

142. Types of Marine Radio fitted aboard Vessels
27 MHz
VHF (Very High Freq)
MF/HF (Med/High Freq)

143. 27 MHz Marine Radio Advantages Disadvantages Cheap & easy to install
Ideal for small vessels operating inshore & within range of Marine Rescue Organisations
Disadvantages
Limited range (Approx 30 N.miles)
Interference from atmospheric and ignition noise
No certificate of proficiency required

144. VHF Marine Radio Advantages Disadvantages
Relatively inexpensive & easy to install
Provides highest quality signals
Suffers least from atmospheric or ignition noises
Ideal for vessels within range of Coast Radio Stations/Marine Rescue Organisations
Auto Seaphone (where fitted)
Disadvantages
Limited range (Approx 30 N.Miles)
Suffers from blind spots (cliffs, hills etc)

145. MF/HF Marine Radio Advantages Disadvantages
Extended range (thousands of N.Miles)
Ability to select best frequency for range
Disadvantages
Expensive & complex to install
Requirement for greater operator expertise
Suffers from atmospheric & ignition noise

146. Radio Propagation - MF/HF
MF/HF - frequencies may be selected to suit distance between stations:
Lower frequency for shorter distances
Higher frequency for longer distances

147. 27 MHz - Ground Wave (line of sight)
VHF Ground Wave (line of sight)
MF/HF - Sky Wave & Ground Wave

148. Component parts of Marine Radio
Antenna
Transmitter/Receiver
Power Supply
Each part is dependant on the other.
A fault in any one of the above parts will not allow the equipment to function correctly.

149. Transceiver Controls On/Off and Volume
Often a combined control, used to turn equipment on or off, and to adjust the volume

150. Transceiver Controls Channel Selector
Used to select the channel or frequency on which transmission or reception is required

151. Transceiver Controls Squelch or Mute
To stop annoying background roar from receiver in the absence of an incoming signal

152. Transceiver Controls AM(H3E)/SSB(J3E)
Found on most MF/HF & 27 MHz receivers
Selects “SSB” or “AM” mode of transmission
“SSB” is a more efficient mode of transmission than “AM”

153. Some facts about AM/SSB (H3E / J3E)
SSB mode is mandatory on all MF/HF marine channels except 2182 kHz
A transceiver operating in the AM mode will receive SSB signals as an unintelligible garble
A transceiver operating in the SSB mode will receive both AM and SSB signals intelligibly
27MHz sets with SSB capability should always choose the AM mode when transmitting on the Distress Channel (88)

154. Transceiver Controls RF Gain
Varies the strength of the received signal (similar effect to volume control)
Found on some 27 MHz and MF/HF equipment

155. Transceiver Controls
Noise Limiter
To minimise static or ignition interference on received signals
Use with care, as may desensitise capability to receive signals

156. Transceiver Controls Power Selector Usually marked “Hi/Low”
Varies amount of transmitted power
Select lower output power for shorter distances - prevents unnecessary interference to distant stations
Low = 1 watt, Hi = 25 watts

157. Transceiver Controls Dual Watch (DW)
Allows operator to listen on one channel, and monitor Distress Channel (Ch16 VHF, or Ch MHz) at the same time
Found on some VHF & 27 MHz sets

158. Transceiver Controls Clarifier
Found on most MF/HF and 27 MHz sets fitted with SSB option
Provides means of fine tuning incoming signals that sound distorted or “off station”

159. Transceiver Controls Antenna Tuning Unit (ATU)
Only found on MF/HF sets
The ATU adjusts the “electrical” length of the antenna to ensure the maximum transfer of power from the transmitter on particular frequency bands

160. Transceiver Controls Radiotelephony Alarm Signal
Only on some MF/HF sets
Causes Radiotelephony alarm signal (two tone audio frequency warbling sound) to be transmitted

161. Transceiver Controls International/USA Found on some VHF sets
In Australia, do NOT use “USA” mode
(Control is provided by manufacturer
to permit communications in the USA
which do not conform to the
International VHF Channel plan)

162. Transceiver Controls
Press-to-talk
Spring loaded control located on microphone
When pressed, activates transmitter allowing transmission of signals
When released, radio
returns to receive mode

163. CARE OF MARINE ANTENNAS
Check periodically for
Cracking
Deterioration
Salt build-up

164. MARINE ANTENNAS MF/HF Long Wire or Vertical Whip VHF/27 MHz
Short Vertical whip

165. Care and Maintenance of Marine Radio Equipment
Fuses
On occasions a power supply fuse will blow for no apparent reason
Replace fuse with one of similar rating
If fuse blows again, this is a warning of a serious problem

166. Care and Maintenance of Marine Radio Equipment
In the event of a blown fuse:-
DO NOT replace with a higher rated fuse
DO NOT replace with “silver paper” or wire
OTHERWISE
There may be risk of expensive damage or even FIRE

167. Construction of Lead Acid Batteries
Lead and Lead Peroxide plates
Sulphuric Acid electrolyte
Voltage difference between plates allows current to flow when device connected across battery terminals
Recharged by passing a current in opposite direction
2 Volts per cell
Capacity of battery measured in either Ampere-hours (Ah) or Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)

168. BATTERY CAPACITY RATINGS
*COLD CRANKING AMPS The ability of a battery to deliver a specified current at low temperature. The rating is determined by the amount of current a fully charged battery can supply for 30 seconds at 0'F (- 17.8'C) without having the battery terminal voltage fall below 7.2 V.
*AMPERE HOUR (Expressed in ampere-hours, or Ah) is the amount of current a fully charged battery can supply for 20 hours without having the terminal voltage fall below 10.5 V. This test is made at a temperature of 80'F (26.7'C). If a battery can deliver 4 A under these conditions, it is an 80-Ah battery (4 A X 20 hours = 80 Ah).
RESERVE CAPACITY The length of time a fully charged battery that is at a temperature of 80'F (26.7'C) can supply 25 A before the terminal voltage falls below 10.5 V.
CRANKING AMPS This CA Rating is the same test as in the CCA rating, except it is calculated at a high temperature. A battery with a CA rating of 800 may confuse a technician who may assume it is a CCA rating number. To convert CA at 32 'F to CCA at 0 'F, divide CA by Example: a 650 CCA rated battery has the same current capacity as a 812 CA rated battery.

169. Lead Acid Batteries Series & Parallel connection
Series (positive to negative)
= increased voltage or
Parallel (positive to positive, negative to negative)
= increased capacity

170. Batteries – Series Connection+ _ + _
12 V
50 AH
12 V
50 AH
24 V
50 AH _ +
(Increased Voltage, same Capacity)

171. Batteries – Parallel Connection+ _
12 V
50 AH + _
12 V
50 AH _ +
12 V
100 AH
(Same Voltage, increased Capacity)

172. Essential Battery Maintenance
Keep clean & dry
To prevent current from leaking away
Corrosion at terminals (green-white powder) acts as
insulator
Electrolyte at correct level
Distilled or Demineralised water only
10mm above plates
Correctly charged
Over-charged or under-charged can seriously affect
battery performance

173. Care and Maintenance of Lead Acid Batteries
Battery condition may be determined by:
Measuring the Specific Gravity or
Measuring On-Load Terminal Voltage

174. Specific Gravity
Specific Gravity of electrolyte varies proportionally with amount of charge in battery
highest when fully charged (1.250)
lowest when discharged (1.150)
SG measured with Hydrometer

175. How to Measure Specific Gravity
HYDROMETER
1.250 = Fully Charged
1.150 = Discharged

176. Measuring ON-Line Terminal Voltage
Use Voltmeter
Must be measured when battery is supplying current to a load (radio, spot light)
Should not drop below 11.4 Volts
(Measuring Off-load voltage does NOT indicate true condition of battery)

177. LOSS OF CAPACITY Operating in low state of charge for long periods
Standing discharged for long periods
Insufficient charging
Excessive charging
Note: Many Lead Acid batteries have a shelf life of 2-3 years

178. Battery Hazards Risk of Explosion Chemical Burns
Hydrogen gas is given off during charging
Any spark may ignite when mixed with air
Use metal tools with care when working on battery connections to avoid short circuits
Chemical Burns
Electrolyte contains Sulphuric Acid
Most concentrated after charging
Ensure eye protection
Dilute spills with running water

179. Location of Batteries Protected from the elements
Readily accessible for maintenance
Reasonably close to transceiver
As high as practicable
Secured in box, with lid
Well ventilated to outside of vessel

180. Marine Radio Faults Faults can usually be divided into 3 categories:
Antenna System 
Transceiver 
Power Supply 

181. Antenna System Faults
Poor/broken connections in antenna or earth system
Broken/shorted antenna
Fracture inside whip antenna
Broken, deteriorated or contaminated insulators

182. Antenna System Faults Poor/loose connection
Will affect both transmitted and received signals
Received signals will be broken, and loudspeaker will “crackle”
Other stations may report broken transmitted signals

183. Antenna System Faults Broken connection Receiver hiss
Few or no received signals
Transmission not possible
Shorted Antenna
Symptoms as above

184. Antenna System Faults Faulty Earth (MF/HF radio)
May be evident by abnormal or changing ATU tuning positions
Often causes metallic parts of transceiver and ATU to become “live” during transmission. May cause a sharp, burning sensation when touched (not dangerous)

185. Transceiver Faults Will probably require specialist attention
A faulty microphone cord may prevent transmission, but not affect reception

186. Power Supply Faults Loose or corroded battery terminals
Discharged or defective battery
Loose or frayed connecting cables
Blown fuse

187. Loose Battery Connections
Evident by:
Intermittent operation of receiver and transmitter
Intermittent flickering dial lights

188. Defective Battery
May supply sufficient current to operate receiver, but NOT transmitter
Dial lights may dim when transmit button is operated
Badly corroded battery terminals will cause similar symptoms

189. “MARINE RADIO FOR THE BEGINNING SKIPPER”
VIDEO
“MARINE RADIO FOR THE BEGINNING SKIPPER”
(Part 2)

190. Frequencies you should know:
Assoc RT
….…2182
…….4125
…….6215
…….8291
……
……
DSC
2187.5
4207.5
6312
8414.5
12 577
MF/HF
DSC
Ch 70
Assoc RT
……Ch 16
VHF

191. REVISION Maritime Communication Stations (Australia)
24 Hour DSC monitoring
Distress & Safety
HF
6312
8414.5
12577
Coast Radio Stations
24 Hour Listening Watch
Distress & Safety
HF 4125
6215
8291
VHFCh16
Limited Coast Stations
No fixed Hours
Distress, Safety & Calling
HF
12 359
16 537
VHF Ch 16
27MHz Ch 88

192. REVISION VHF Ch 6 Ship & Aircraft re Search and Rescue HF 8176 kHz
Navigation Warnings by Coast Radio Stations
VHF Ch 13
Intership
Safety of Navigation
HF 2182 kHz
AM (H3E) mode required for Distress, Urgency and Safety calls
VHF Ch 72
General Vessel to Vessel Communications

193. END RADIO TELEPHONY