The High Frequency (HF) services provided by Tas Maritime Radio are:
1. Twelve hour, (0700-1900 hrs) 7-day monitoring of the International Distress and Calling frequencies of 4125, 6215 and 8291 kHz for distress calls from vessels.
2. “SECURITE” (Safety) broadcasts as necessary on 4125, 6215 and 8291 kHz.
3. Once per day broadcast of Notices to Mariners on 4146 and 6227 kHz at 0745 hrs Local Time after a pre-announcement on 4125 and 6215 kHz.
4. Weather forecasts and position skeds (see below).
Calling Tas Maritime Radio when an emergency exists:
Select the most appropriate frequency from 4125, 6215 and 8291 kHz. (As a general rule, lower frequencies are needed when closer to Hobart, and lower frequencies are needed during the night)
- Make your emergency call (MAYDAY or PAN PAN) in the recognised manner. In order that the most appropriate Coast Radio Station responds, ensure your vessel position is provided in the call.
- Tas Maritime will respond to your distress call and advise Tasmania Police. Tasmania Police will take control of any search and rescue (SAR) effort.
- Tas Maritime will relay messages between you and the SAR team.
- In cases where you require medical advice, information will be relayed to your vessel from Ambulance Tasmania by Tas Maritime Radio.
- If Tas Maritime does not respond to your distress call, another Coast Radio station will accept the call.
- If no station answers your call, repeat the call and if there is still no response, repeat on a higher distress frequency.
Tas Maritime Weather Forecasts and Position Skeds
Latest weather forecasts are provided at 0745, 1345 and 1733 hrs daily. These forecasts are simultaneously announced on VHF CH16, 4125 and 6215 kHz and then simultaneously transmitted on 4146 and 6227 kHz (and VHF Channels 67, 68 and 69).
Position reports are taken after broadcast of the weather forecast.
GMDSS /Australian Search and Rescue (AusSAR)
The Global Maritime Distress Safety System is also a valid way for vessels to meet their safety communication obligations. Vessels may therefore utilise satellite systems and digital selective calling systems for safety communications. Specific requirements for these systems should be sought from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
Further information
Marine and Safety Tasmania
Phone: 1300 135 513
Email: admin@mast.tas.gov.au
GMDSS/ Australian Search and Rescue (AusSAR)
a division of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)
GPO Box 2181 Canberra 2601
Website: www.amsa.gov.au
Tas Maritime Radio
GPO Box 1655 Hobart 7001
Phone: 6231 2276
Email: info@tasmaritime.com.au
Web: tasmaritime.com.au