Marine Radio Victoria
Marine Radio Victoria (MRV) replaces Coast Radio Melbourne and provides the marine distress and emergency monitoring system for Victorian coastal waters.
MRV uses a new VHF coastal network completed in 2017. Radio calls are monitored and recorded 24/7 along the entire Victorian coastline out to 20 nautical miles off shore.
This table provides a summary of the channel frequencies for each radio type.
| Radio Type | Channel Frequencies |
|---|---|
| VHF | 16 (67 alternative) |
| HF | 4125, 6215 and 8291 KHz |
Distress call format
A distress message is used only when there is grave and imminent danger to a vessel. It has absolute priority over all other transmissions and may only be transmitted on the authority of the master or the person responsible for the safety of your vessel. The distress call ‘MAYDAY’ (spoken three times) should be used to indicate that vessel is in grave and imminent danger.
| Distress signal (x3) | MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY |
| Words "this is" | THIS IS |
| Station calling (x3) | MAPLE MS742, MAPLE MS742, MAPLE MS742 |
| Distress signal | MAYDAY |
| Name/call sign | MAPLE MS742 |
| Position | 5 NAUTICAL MILES SOUTH OF FAWKNER BEACON |
| Nature of distress | SWAMPED AND SINKING, ESTIMATE FURTHER 10 MINUTES AFLOAT |
| Other information | SEVEN METRE HALF CAB WHITE HULL WITH BLUE AWNING |
| (if time permits) | THREE PERSONS ON BOARD EPIRB ACTIVATED OVER |
Urgency call
When a distress call is not fully justified, the urgency call ‘PAN PAN’ (spoken three times) should be used to indicate that a very urgent message follows concerning the safety of a vessel or person. The call details should be the same format as for a distress message except with the message beginning: ‘PAN PAN, PAN PAN, PAN PAN’.
Safety signal
Safety signals are used when a station wants to pass important information such as navigational or weather warnings and are identified by the word ‘SECURITE’ (spoken three times as SAY-CURE-E-TAY).
Digital selective calling (DSC)
VHF radios that are DSC enabled transmit a range of vessel identification information at the press of a button. This includes location information if connected to a global positioning system. If linked, search and radio agencies are able to get a good fix on your location, improving your chances of being located.
A DSC enabled radio must be linked to a mobile maritime service identity (MMSI) number for full functionality. The MMSI number is issued by AMSA and applicants must hold a minimum of an Australian Waters Qualification. Refer to Marine radio operator certification in Trip Preparation for more information.