Whilst primarily used for boats traveling in partially smooth and open waters, a marine radio is a useful safety device to carry on all boats as it enables voice communication of distress, obtaining up to date weather forecasts, and general ship to ship and ship to shore communications. It is used extensively by the volunteer rescue organisations as a log on/ log off mechanism for recreational craft.

A marine radio is preferable to using a mobile phone, as it is a general broadcast communication, rather than one to one communication facility. This means that a vessel close to you may pick up your distress call and be able to render immediate assistance, rather than seeking assistance by phoning a distant source of help. We advise carrying both a mobile phone and a marine radio.

Example of a typical Login Call when reception is clear to Coast Guard/Marine Rescue. If reception was not clear the call signs would be repeated three times:

Using Channel 90 or 91 (Depending on Location) for 27Meg Radio, Channel 73 for VHF Radio

Boat Skipper: “Coast Guard Manly, Coast Guard Manly, this is (Boat Name, Boat Name, e.g. SeaQuest)”

Coast Guard Manly: “SeaQuest, SeaQuest, this is Coast Guard Manly”Boat Skipper: “Good Morning Manly, this is SeaQuest. Just wanting to log in for the day. We are a 5 Metre aluminium boat with 3 adults on board, departing from Manly Harbor and heading over to Tangalooma Wrecks. We plan to be back in Harbor about 5.00pm. Could you put us on the log please?”

Coast Guard Manly: “SeaQuest this is Coast Guard Manly. Romeo to that. We have you on the log. Have a nice day and remember to log off when you return, or call us to extend if you are staying out later.”

Boat Skipper: “Coast Guard Manly this is SeaQuest. Thanks very much. SeaQuest out”

Coast Guard Manly: “Coast Guard Manly Standing By”

Sacrificial Anode - Metal parts fitted to the hull of a vessel to provide a transfer of ions to t he cathodic part of an electrolytic coupling and so protect other parts of the vessel that would otherwise waste away through electrolysis
Schooner - A sailing vessel fitted with two or more masts carrying fore and aft sails. When it is fitted with two masts, the forward may be shorter than the other
Scuppers - Drains from decks to carry off rain or sea water
Shank - In an anchor, the straight section between the chain attachment and the flukes
Shoal Water - Shallow water
Sloop - A sailboat with a single mast and fore and aft rig, usually with a single jib and mainsail
Spring Line - A mooring rope oriented at a small angle to the vessels centre line
Starboard Side - The right hand side of a vessel when looking forward
Stays - Fixed wire ropes leading forward from aloft on a mast to the deck to prevent the mast from bending aft. Backstays lead from aloft to aft
Stern - After end of a vessel
Stow - To put away. To stow cargo in a hold
Tiller - An arm, attached to rudder stock, which turn the rudder
Transom - The stern cross section of a square sterned boat
Windlass - The machine used to hoist and lower anchors
Yawing - Weaving motion of a vessel to port and starboard off course

This is a basic text element.

This is a basic text element.

This is a basic text element.

This is a basic text element.

This is a basic text element.

This is a basic text element.