Hey guys

Missed the Wildcat planning action so far (Ithink I had swine flu) but back in action now. C u 6 September.

Radio Use Read as we are using 27MHz and VHF

Radio Services

Free Coastal Patrol Radio Services help boat owners stay in touch and enjoy safer boating. Since Telstra closed its marine radio service in 2002, the only marine radio network service for recreational boat owners is provided by volunteers.

Marine Radio Frequencies Monitored: 27MHz Channel 88; VHF Channel 16; MF/HF 2182kHz*.

*NB Most but not all bases monitor 2182kHz. For information about MF/HF services contact your local Coastal Patrol base.

Marine radios are compulsory in NSW on all vessels operating more than 2 nautical miles (3.7km) offshore and are strongly recommended for anyone using a boat inside that limit or in enclosed waters.

Every day Coastal Patrol radio bases help hundreds of boat owners get more enjoyment and greater safety from their boating. With twenty six bases located along the NSW coastline, including ten between Botany Bay and Newcastle, the Coastal Patrol provides a comprehensive range of free radio services for the boating community.

These include Radio Checks, Logging On, Offshore Tracking, Weather Forecasts and Warnings. If an emergency arises, trained Coastal Patrol rescue crews that can make a life-saving difference are deployed. Remember, calls on marine radios are heard by others and someone closer to your position may be able to help you faster in an emergency.

Coastal Patrol also offers its Marine Radio Safety Service (MRSS) for boat owners. This is a Coastal Patrol initiative that will save skippers a great deal of time when logging on and is available for a nominal fee.

27MHz marine radios are relatively cheap and widely available for general use, however they are short-range radios due to low power output. A licence is not required to use a 27MHz radio but training in how to use one correctly will give you a very useful skill. Some Coastal Patrol divisions offer short courses in 27MHz use. Contact your local Coastal Patrol division for details or see Education.

VHF marine radios use a different frequency band, have higher power output and are in very wide use within the boating community. Some vessels are also fitted with MF/HF (Medium Frequency/High Frequency) marine radios for long distance communications during lengthy coastal and blue water yacht racing and cruising.

A Marine Radio Operator's Certificate of Proficiency (MROCP) is required to use both MF/HF and VHF radios and a Marine Radio Operator's VHF Certificate of Proficiency (MROVCP) is required to use VHF radios only. Many Coastal Patrol divisions offer comprehensive courses at moderate cost to obtain these certificates.

The Coastal Patrol strongly recommends that anyone who goes boating obtain their MROCP or MROVCP. It's not difficult and it's a valuable competency to have.

Most Common Marine Radio Channels to use on your Pleasure Boat

Channel	Who I can talk to?	For what purpose?
27.880MHz (Ch 88)	Limited coast stations & boats	Distress, urgency, safety and calling
27.860 MHz (Ch 86)	Limited coast stations & boats	Distress, urgency, safety and calling (supplementary to Ch 88)
27.900 MHz (Ch 90)	Limited coast stations only	Calling and working
27.910 MHz (Ch 91)	Limited coast stations only	Calling and working
27.940 MHz (Ch 94)	Limited coast stations & boats	Calling and working (clubs)
27.960 MHz (Ch 96)	Boats	Calling and working
27.980 MHz (Ch 98)	Limited coast, boats and mobiles	Calling and working by safety organizations (eg Surf Lifesavers)
VHF Channel 16	Limited coast & boats or ships	Distress, urgency, safety and calling
VHF Channel 67	Limited coast & boats or ships	Distress, urgency, safety and calling (supplementary to Ch 16)
VHF Channel 72	Ships or boats	Calling and working (shared with professional fishermen, commercial vessels and port operations)
VHF Channel 73	Limited coast & boats or ships	Calling and working
VHF Channel 77	Ships or boats	Calling and working (shared with professional fishermen)
VHF Channel 80	Limited coast & boats or ships via repeater (Central Coast to Port Stephens)	Movement of vessels, safety of vessels and persons
VHF Channel 81	Limited coast & boats or ships via repeater (Sydney area)	Movement of vessels, safety of vessels and persons

KEY
For calling and working	For distress & calling	For distress & calling (supplementary)	Boat to boat

http://www.coastalpatrol.com.au/

2009 Wildcat is coming October 3-4-5

So- How has the weather been?

Below are two weather maps. The first map is of the weather so far in 2009.

The second is of 2008.

Note the graphs can be compared , but look closely at the scales. The Barometric pressure scales are different.

IF YOU WANT TO lok more closely at the graphs, right click on the graps and open in a new tab.

Or go to the midcoast water site. There is a link on the right.