As the summer boating season approaches, Marine Rescue Narooma is preparing its volunteers and resources for another busy period both on and off the water.
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Marine Rescue Narooma’s Deputy Unit Commander Paul Bourke recommends that all boaters carry or install a VHF radio equipped with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and the Automatic Identification System on board.
Once active, a VHF radio with DSC will send a vessel’s unique radio identification number known as a Maritime Mobile Service Identity. If the VHF radio is connected to GPS, the vessel’s latitude and longitude or last known position will be transmitted.
Distress calls can either be general or one of 10 pre-defined designations such as ‘flooding’, ‘sinking’ or ‘man overboard’.
Boaters should always listen on VHF Channel 16 and make their initial call on Channel 16. The international channel is the “go to” channel for distress, safety and calling because it is constantly monitored.
Mr Bourke also encouraged all local and visiting boaters to join Marine Rescue Narooma’s (MRN) radio service and get a “N” (Narooma) call sign.
Contact Marine Rescue Narooma on telephone 4476 1443.