| |
|
|
| |
|
 |
|
From 30 June 2002, new arrangements for the provision of marine radio distress and safety services throughout Australia, currently provided through the Commonwealth Government, will be in place. MF/HF voice and selected VHF voice distress and safety services for non-SOLAS vessels (most recreational, fishing and small commercial trading craft) are currently provided through the Commonwealth-funded Telstra coastal radio station network. It is proposed that the provision of these services will move from the Commonwealth and Telstra to State and Territory marine authorities. Australian Transport Council (ATC) Ministers have tasked the Australian Maritime Group (AMG), an intergovernmental body representing Commonwealth, State and Territory officials, to develop proposals for a replacement service that maintains existing levels of service. Under the international Safety of Life at Sea Convention 1974 (SOLAS) the Commonwealth is obliged to provide safety radio communications to SOLAS vessels (generally vessels over 300 g.r.t). Accordingly, AMSA provides a distress and safety communications service (HF DSC and Inmarsat C) for SOLAS vessels. Non-SOLAS vessels may use this service if they fit appropriate equipment. The objective of the replacement service is to provide non-SOLAS vessels with nationally consistent marine radio communications including 24-hour monitoring of distress, safety and urgency calls and regular broadcasts of weather information. It is intended that the replacement service will consist of a coastal VHF Ch 16/67 network and an MF/HF radio service to provide coverage in offshore and remote sea areas. An information campaign to inform maritime stakeholders of the changes is currently being developed. The campaign will provide detailed information about the new non-SOLAS service and vessel equipment carriage requirements. Detailed information will be regularly updated and made available from:
|
||||||||||||||||
|
|
Last Updated: 9 June, 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
