Maritime 002 - VHF Maritime: Coastguard Channels

VHF Maritime: Coastguard Channels

Policy

From 27 May 1996 applications to establish repeaters operating on channels MM83, MM84, MM85, MM86, MM87 and MM88 will require the written support of The Royal New Zealand Coastguard Federation Incorporated.

Nothing in this policy diminishes the International Radio Regulations requirement that channel MM16 be used for distress, safety and calling in the VHF Maritime Service nor does this policy diminish the use of channel MM6 for primary intership working.
 

Specific Criteria

1. VHF Maritime channels MM83, MM84, MM85, MM86, MM87 and MM88 are reserved for Coastguard operations. Such operations are to be in accordance with the Royal New Zealand Coastguard Federation Operations Manual. The channels will be available to all vessels for contacting the coastguard but usage will be restricted to the following:-

• Search and rescue traffic during incidents
• Trip reports
• Weather reports
• Navigation Warnings
• Initial call to establish working frequency to use
• Station notices
• Safety information
• All station calls seeking information on missing vessels

2. Attention is drawn to the provisions of regulations 9, 10, 11, 12(1) and 15(a), (b) and (c) of the Radiocommunications (Radio) Regulations 1993 which are applicable. 

General Technical Considerations

Any radio equipment used on these channels must be compliant with specification RFS33.
(Land mobile equipment compliant with specifications RFS 25 and RFS 26 may also be used. Refer Policy Document No. 95008 issue 1 dated 30 August 1995)
 

4. General

The objective of this policy is to give the Coastguard and the general public access to defined radio channels on a basis that enhances safety of life and property at sea.

For a number of years coastguard services have had access to the above channels on a non exclusive basis. With increasing pressure on the international VHF maritime channels it is now considered desirable to formalise this access. The Ministry's

Discussion Paper DP2 issued in June 1994 sought public input on this issue. In those responses that addressed this point general support was given to the principle of specific channels being reserved for Coastguard purposes.
 

Approved By:
Manager
Radio Spectrum Policy