South Coast NSW radio upgrade boosts boating safety

A $36,000 upgrade of marine communications equipment has significantly boosted VHF radio coverage and safety for recreational and commercial boaters on the South Coast cruising to and beyond places like Jervis Bay (pictured).

Marine Rescue NSW (MRNSW), in partnership with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Trusts, installed a new marine VHF radio repeater at Cambewarra Mountain late last month.

MRNSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos said that with coverage from Kiama to Kioloa and at least 22 nautical miles seaward, the channel 81 repeater would allow boaters to talk to Marine Rescue bases from much further away. 

"Marine repeaters are a vital safety tool in allowing boats to provide information about their movements and the safety of the boat and the people on board over a large area," Commissioner Tannos said. "This repeater provides a real boost for our bases in the region, allowing them to talk to boats in locations they may never have been able to access before."

The project was jointly financed by MRNSW and the SOLAS Trusts, which provided an $18,300 grant for the vital work.

“Without the generosity of the SOLAS Trusts, this project would not have been possible this year. SOLAS is a solid supporter of marine rescue all over Australia and we thank them for their support for this project,” Commissioner Tannos said.

CYCA SOLAS Ltd Chairman Matt Allen said the much-needed upgrade to the marine communications network was a vital piece of infrastructure for recreational and commercial boaters.

"Many of our members pass through the operational boundaries of the network, whether racing or cruising, and the Trustees of the CYCA SOLAS Trusts view the investment support provided as a natural fit to the objectives of the Trusts," Mr Allen said.

MRNSW Operational Communications Manager Ian Brown said the repeater was accessible to all vessels equipped with a marine VHF radio by selecting channel 81.