Idiots on the airwaves: Comment

Every four years or so, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (better known by its acronym ACMA) creates a discussion paper about VHF marine radio communications.

The question is always raised: should the requirements for the operation of VHF be relaxed in light of the popularity of the marine radio on recreational craft, especially as VHF is standard fitment on most imported boats these days.

Previously, this writer has forwarded the case for making VHF more accessible by removing the current requirement for a Marine Radio Operator's VHF Certificate of Proficiency (MROVCP), which you can read about at https://www.amc.edu.au/marine-radio-operators-vhf-certificate-proficiency-mrovcp.

After all, VHF radios are as common as marine stereos these days. Shouldn’t we encourage their use rather than create impediments that might hinder communications at sea, discourage log-ins, reduce radio watches and, heaven forbid, rescues?

Alas, VHF radio practices or lack thereof have now become so abused off ports like Sydney you are left wondering if improving access would only open the way for more idiots on our airwaves. Poor marine-radio behaviour is now a hot and heated topic of discussion.

SKEDS AND RADIO REPORTS
Of course, boat-to-boat banter on the marine radio has always been a welcome part of life at sea, whether it’s from ‘invisible’ Japanese longliners somewhere over the horizon, cruising and racing sailors on a passage, leisure boaters logging in with volunteer groups, or fishing enthusiasts.

Certainly, the radio sked is a key part of most game-fishing tournaments and offshore yacht races and the live reports add to the enjoyment and excitement of time at sea, be it trolling a lure or tugging on sailing strings.

On the game-fishing front, at this time of year, the radio is especially frenetic. Someone hooks up a big marlin, they call it in, share the news, are congratulated for their tag or capture, and usually relay their location so other friendly boats can share in the action.

But for whatever reason, the VHF radio is attracting hordes of drongos these days. They give themselves away by making stupid noises over the airwaves, shout nonsensical drivel in the mic’, and carry-on like complete half-wits. Their indulgent stupidity and foul mouth is spoiling it for everyone else.

Perhaps due to the proliferation of cheap American imported boats with radios, it now seems that VHF has become the new 27 Meg. What is also a commercial radio communications tool is now a voice for the lowest form of boat fisherman hell-bent on killing everything in his wake including the enjoyment of the majority of boat users.

ABUSE OF THE AIRWAVES
Respect marine radio for what it is, a safety and communications tool for recreational and commercial operators, with dedicated channels, operating procedures and parameters for its use.

Of course, that Marine Radio Operator's VHF Certificate of Proficiency (MROVCP) requires that the graduate has a proper understanding of the correct radio operating and transmitting procedures.

So, from the status quo, one therefore deduces that the current system is not working. That leaves the big question: how do we remove the idiots from the airwaves? The last thing we need is more policing, but self-regulation is failing, too.

Game fishers and other boating clubs who have invested heavily in repeater stations and duplex channels for VHF (like Channel 21 and 80) are now lamenting the improved communications and have even raised the possibility of returning to HF or 27 Meg.

Some game clubs are also talking about creating their own channels, while one professional said idiots on the airwaves will remain a problem until such time they make it mandatory to hold a MROVCP before you can even buy a VHF radio.

Our in-house yachting expert Geoff Middleton also has strong views on the VHF issue and says it should be illegal to buy, sell, rent, hire or borrow a VHF or HF radio unless you have done the course and hold a licence. "The industry is its own worst enemy by selling VHFs to anyone without them knowing how to use it and the correct channels and protocols," he maintains.

This doesn’t answer the problem with bad operators of all those boats sold with radios already in them. There is constant ‘static’ and talk over the top of skeds, sledging, and some have even heard stupid talk over the top of a mayday call.

THE CLOWN FIX
Of course, you can turn off the radio. But then you might miss a mayday call yourself. And you have to pity the volunteers in the coastal patrol who have to listen to the clowns 24/7 as well.

A better solution might be the mandatory inclusion of Australian Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) numbers, which requires that your already have a Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency (MROCP) or a Marine Radio Operator’s VHF Certificate of Proficiency (MROVCP).

The MMSi number, which is required for ID purposes with today’s DSC VHF radios, includes ID information and therefore idiots could be traced. Then again, that doesn’t stop them from using VHF outside these parameters and ‘illegally’.

Meantime, all we can do is ask you to please help weed out the idiots from our airwaves. The voice of the majority can drown the minority. Any other ideas, please share them. – DL