New Zealand

Marine Radio Operator

Manual

For: Marine VHF Operators Qualification &

Maritime Restricted Operators Certificate

Copyright © Royal New Zealand Coastguard Education Service, August 2011 Version 2.05
 INDEX

Introduction 3
Radio Qualifications 4
Radio Callsigns 5
Chapter 1 GENERAL OPERATIONS 6
Radio Installation 8
Standard Features of a Marine VHF Radio 9
Radio Service Providers 10
VHF Channels 12
How to make a routine VHF radio call 16
Procedural Words & Phonetic Alphabet 18
Weather Forecasts 19
Coastguard Radio Services (& Trip Reports) 20
Medical Advice 22
Chapter 1 Questions 23
Chapter 2 DISTRESS, URGENCY & SAFETY 25
Distress call & message – Mayday 25
Urgency message - Pan Pan 30
Safety signal & message - Sécurité 32
EPIRBs 33
GMDSS & DSC 35
Chapter 2 Questions 36
Chapter 3 MROC 40
Radio Wave propagation 41
MF/HF Frequency Allocation 45
Silence Periods 46
Making an SSB Radio Call 46
Documents to carry 48
Weatherfax 48
Chapter 3 Questions 49
Answers to Questions 51

–2
 INTRODUCTION
This manual provides:
 Information that will enable you to operate a marine radio effectively at sea,
including how to call for help in an emergency
 Information and exercises that will assist you to obtain a radio operators
qualification
 Information on how to obtain a Radio Callsign and register an EPIRB
 Chapters 1 & 2 cover procedures common to the operation of both VHF
(Very High Frequency) and HF (High Frequency) radio, to assist you to
obtain a Marine VHF Operator Qualification (MVOQ)
 Chapter 3 covers procedures that apply specifically to MF/HF Single
Sideband operations, to assist you to obtain a Maritime Restricted Operators
Certificate (MROC)

Using this Manual

This manual contains information followed by related questions, with answers at

the back of the manual. Questions are typical of those asked in the radio
assessments. Learn the answers to the questions and you will pass!

After you have studied each subject:

 Answer the related questions at the end of the chapter in pencil
 When you have completed each section check the answers at the back of the
manual
 If an answer is wrong, find out why and work through the question again until
you get the right answer
 Ensure all the answers are filled in correctly as you go. You can then use the
manual for revision

Other Books
This manual should be read in conjunction with the Radio Handbook for
Coastal Vessels published by Maritime New Zealand (MNZ), included with this
manual and available free of charge from Coastguard Boating Education or any
MNZ office. The Radio Handbook should be kept aboard your boat as it covers
information not included in this manual such as the role of the crew during
helicopter rescue operations.

The NZ Marine Radio Handbook by John Allen is also highly recommended. It

details all radio services provided including channels/frequencies, coverage,
broadcasts timings and operating hours of all radio service providers around
New Zealand.

New Zealand Nautical Almanac

The NZ Nautical Almanac has a useful section ‘Radio Navigational Warnings’.

Radio Association Booklets

Many private Radio Associations produce a booklet showing their coverage,
transmitter sites and times of operation. Ask your local association for a booklet.
–3
RADIO QUALIFICATIONS

Who needs a Radio Operators Qualification?

Unless it is an emergency, anyone that wishes to transmit using a marine VHF or
HF radio at sea should hold the appropriate radio operator’s qualification.
Anyone can receive (listen only) or transmit using a radio in an emergency
situation.

Which Radio Qualification is for you, MVOQ or MROC?

The Maritime Restricted Operators Certificate (MROC) is required for use of

HF/SSB radio within New Zealand or overseas. If you intend to operate a VHF
marine radio in several overseas countries, you should obtain a MROC as it is
accepted internationally.

A Marine VHF Operators Qualification (MVOQ) allows you to operate a marine

VHF radio within the VHF radio coverage of New Zealand (roughly within 30
miles of the NZ coastline). It is also accepted in some other countries.

Assessments
The assessment for MVOQ is a written paper based on the VHF radio
information in Chapters 1 & 2 followed by a short oral session on the practical
use of a radio.
To obtain a MROC through CBES you will need to pass the MVOQ VHF radio
assessment and also pass a short additional (multi choice) assessment based
on the MF/HF information in Chapter 3.

–4
RADIO CALLSIGNS

Does my Boat Need a Radio Callsign?

It is a legal requirement for all marine radio transmissions to be individually

identifiable. The system that has been adopted is to identify yourself by using
your boat name and callsign when you transmit.

There may be 25 boats in New Zealand with the same name as yours; a radio
callsign uniquely identifies your boat. Information about your boat such as the
length, type of boat, colour, safety equipment aboard and emergency contact
details are stored on a national database and can be accessed if needed in a
search and rescue situation.

Obtaining a Marine VHF Radio Callsign for Your Boat

 Complete the appropriate callsign application form from the back of this
manual and post the completed form to the address shown on the form
OR

 Call Coastguard Boating Education on 0800 40 80 90 to obtain a callsign

over the phone with your credit card
OR

 Go to www.cbes.org.nz and fill out a form online paying with a credit card

Note: you must keep us updated if any of your details change or you sell
the boat

Radio Callsign Options when you sell your Boat:

 Keep the radio callsign: Advise Coastguard Boating Education and the new
owner that you are transferring the callsign to your new boat

OR

 Let the callsign stay with the boat: Advise Coastguard Boating Education
and the new owner that you are leaving the callsign with the boat. The new
owner must also inform Coastguard Boating Education of their name &
address etc, to tie these details to the callsign

–5
 CHAPTER 1
GENERAL OPERATIONS

Simplex Operation - Line of Sight

A simplex channel is one
that transmits and
receives on the same
frequency.

VHF radio waves (30-

300MHz) travel in a
straight line, so the two
aerials must be ‘visible’ to
each other (in line of
sight) for two radios to
communicate directly with
each other. VHF
communication between
two boats at sea is limited
by the curvature of the
earth. An island or other land mass will also obstruct a VHF radio signal. The
diagram shows boats A and B using a simplex channel to talk to each other, with
the aerials ‘in sight’ of each other. One single frequency is used for both
transmitting and receiving, so if one person is talking, the other must listen and
vice versa. Another boat listening would hear both sides of the conversation.

–6
Repeater Operations - Duplex
Duplex channels operate
on two separate
frequencies, one to
transmit and one to
receive. Your radio
automatically selects
pre-programmed ‘paired’
frequencies for all duplex
channels.

A duplex channel cannot

be used to talk directly to
another boat out at sea.
To be heard by another
boat, transmissions must
go via a repeater station.
The repeater instantaneously relays on another ‘receive’ frequency, so that they
can be heard by other boats over a much wider radio coverage area. When two
boats are close to each other, it is preferable to use a simplex channel.

VHF repeaters are mounted as high as possible on a hill top, to give maximum
range. In this way, two boats on different sides of the hill or island, or beyond the
curvature of the earth can communicate with each other.

Identify which channels are simplex and duplex from the table on page 13. There
are a number of duplex repeater stations along the country’s coastline and some
inland lakes. Find out which repeaters are available for use in your area.
Repeaters may be owned by someone e.g. a radio association. In this case
payment may be required in the form of a membership fee if you wish to use the
repeater and the services provided.

Cell Phone versus VHF Radio

Be aware of the limitations of a mobile
phone.

A call on a marine radio will be not only

be received by a marine coast station
but by all other boats listening on that
channel. On a mobile phone you are
only talking to one person.

‘Murphy’s Law’ says that a cell phone

battery will always fail at a critical time!
A radio wired to the boat’s power supply is less likely to have this problem.
Cell phone coverage is not good on many parts of the coast, with many ‘dead
areas’. Calls can also fail to connect due to overloading of the network.

Mobile phones cease to operate when they get wet. Rain or sea spray can
make them suddenly inoperable. Always keep them in a zip lock bag. This
simple tip can also save the day if your boat becomes waterlogged or capsizes –
rendering the boat’s fixed VHF out of action.

–7
RADIO INSTALLATION

A typical marine radio installation consists of a power supply, a microphone, a

radio, aerial and loud speaker. Take the following into account if you are
installing a VHF radio on your boat:
 Mount all parts of the radio system so that they are protected from the
elements
 Site the radio, speaker and microphone well away from the magnetic
compass
 Mount the aerial as high as possible
 Follow the manufacturer’s specifications for the length of the coaxial cable
connecting the radio to the aerial
 Check that the battery is installed and wired correctly
 Keep the terminals clean and tight
 Ensure all leads and connectors between the battery, radio and aerial are
tight and free from corrosion
 Keep the battery topped up with electrolyte, fully charged and maintained

Note: If in any doubt, have it installed by a professional.

Power Supply
A good power supply is essential to ensure that your radio will operate when
required and not let you down when you need it most. Lives may depend on it!

Handheld Radios
 These are ideal for small boats with no power supply or as a back-up
 If protected from the water, a handheld can be used after a capsize
 Handheld radio batteries have a limited life. Carry a 12 volt charger and
possibly a spare battery pack. Always keep it fully charged. Transmitting on
high power will quickly flatten the battery
 Keep the radio in a waterproof bag – even if it claims to be ‘waterproof’
 Keep it close at hand in case of emergency, so that you can take it with you if
the boat capsizes or sinks
 Operate with the aerial vertical/pointing straight up for maximum range

What Affects the Range and Operation of your radio?

 The higher your aerial the greater the range
 The power of your radio (use high power for long range). A 25 watt radio will
have a greater range than a 5 watt handheld radio if the aerials are at the
same height. If two boats call a station at the same time, on the same
channel, only the strongest received signal will be heard
 Shielding (by cliffs or hills) will prevent VHF signals from reaching a receiver
on the other side
 A repeater station on a hill top will allow you to communicate over a much
greater range, or with another station on the other side of the hill
–8
STANDARD FEATURES OF A MARINE VHF RADIO

Most marine VHF radios are either handheld (5 watts or less), or permanently
installed 25 watt models.

The general features are:

 The on/off/volume knob that turns the radio on and off and also controls the
volume
 The squelch function eliminates background noise when no speech is being
received. When the squelch is set correctly the radio will give maximum
reception with no background noise. With the radio on and volume set, turn
the squelch knob (normally anticlockwise) until a background ‘hash’ noise is
heard. Adjust the squelch by turning the knob slowly clockwise until the
noise just disappears
 Select the “International” setting if operating around New Zealand. This
selects the correct channel/frequency combination. The USA or Canada
setting will not work as some channels use different frequencies
 Low/High Power. Always use the low power setting (usually 1 watt for
handhelds, 5 watt for installed sets) when in harbour or close to other boats
or coast stations. Using low power saves battery life and avoids causing
interference. Use high power for distress or urgency calls or when long
range is required. Remember however that transmitting at high power will
quickly flatten a hand-held battery
 Channel Selection. This enables you to select the channel you wish to use.
A knob, key pad or buttons are used to scroll up and down – either on the
radio, or sometimes on the microphone
 The button marked “16”. Pushing this (usually coloured) button will
automatically select Channel 16, so you can immediately make a distress call
or call another station
 The Scan or Dual Watch Functions. Most radios allow you to save a number
of channels to memory so that when you select “scan” the radio will rapidly
cycle through all the stored channels. Most radios have a Dual Watch
function that allows you to monitor two channels (16 and one other). So read
the manual and see how your radio works!
 When the radio is set to ‘scan’ or ‘dual watch’ it will lock onto a channel when
a conversation takes place. For example, you might scan Channel 16, the
local Coastguard, and the port authority if you are close to a port. It is useful
to know what is going on around you
–9
Microphone Technique
 Hold the microphone close to your mouth and speak across the face of the
microphone. This avoids ‘popping’, the distortion caused by the percussive
nature of some letters. It also minimises moisture condensation in the
microphone
 Press the transmit button just before you speak. Keep it pressed in until you
have finished speaking and then release the button
 Use a normal firm voice that will project over the background noise but do not
shout. A quiet, weak voice will not transmit well
 Speak naturally. Repetition of words and phrases merely wastes time
 Return the microphone to the bracket so that the transmit button does not get
held in accidentally! If it is left on a bench, things may get dumped on top of
it. This is a major cause of radio interference. Be careful how you store your
hand-held radio for the same reason
 Note. Some radios have a feature that automatically selects Channel 16
when you return the microphone to the bracket. You may not want this to
happen. Consult the owner’s manual
 Get to know your own radio; how to get the best performance from it, and
how to use all its functions

RADIO SERVICE PROVIDERS (Coast Stations) – Who are you talking to?

New Zealand Marine Radio Handbook (Author: John Allen)

The services, frequencies, coverage and operating hours of all radio service
providers in New Zealand are contained in the ‘NZ Marine Radio Handbook’. It
is highly recommended. You should to be familiar with the ‘Coast Stations’ in
your area and the services they provide.

Maritime Radio
 Maritime New Zealand provides a comprehensive VHF service (30 coastal
stations) and an HF radio service via a remote transmission base at Taupo.
Their radio callsign is the name of the location you are operating in followed
by “Maritime Radio” (see coverage map on page 10 for locations). E.g.
“Stewart Island Maritime Radio”. All these stations are linked to, and
remotely operated from the Maritime Operations Centre located in Lower
Hutt, Wellington
 They provide:
1. A 24 hour listening watch on Channel 16
2. Working channels 25, 67, 68, 69 & 71. (Not monitored)
3. Search and rescue communications
4. Safety information in the form of weather and navigational warnings
5. Weather forecasts at scheduled times
6. Medical advice

Consult the Maritime New Zealand Radio Handbook for Coastal Vessels for
full details.

– 10
Note: Taupo and Rotorua Lakes have no Ch 16 coverage.

Radio Service Providers Continued:

 Coastguard provides a network of radio stations and repeaters around much
of the coast and some inland lakes (see pages 13 & 14)
 Ports. Most major ports provide radio services within their area of authority.
Call them before entering a port
 Private Radio Stations - run by associations serving recreational boats or
privately for commercial entities. Some private stations provide excellent
services including the initiation of search & rescue should the need arise.
Find out what radio services are provided by Coast Stations in your locality

– 11
VHF CHANNELS - Which channel should I use?

VHF radio uses a numbered channel system of pre-set frequencies. You need
to know which channels to use but you do not need to know the actual
frequencies involved. Channel 16 should be used as shown below. Other
channels have other uses. See the table on page 13.

VHF Channel 16 (Distress, Safety and Calling)

Used for:
 Distress (Mayday), Urgency (Pan Pan) or Safety (Sécurité) messages
 Making an initial call to another boat or coast station that is within range prior
to moving to a working channel
 Maritime Radio or Coastguard to announce that weather forecasts are about
to be broadcast on a working channel
 Port radio or other stations for “All Stations” broadcasts such as shipping
movements through narrow channels etc
 Contacting Maritime Radio for any reason such as the inadvertent activation
of an EPIRB or reporting a navigation hazard

When at sea, monitor Channel 16 all the time

Inter-ship/Working Channels
Channels 6 and 8 (Simplex channels) are known as inter-ship channels. Anyone
can use these channels to talk to other boats as long as the boats are in sight of
one another.

If the other boat is out of sight there are a number of duplex channels that allow
you to contact another boat via hilltop repeaters. Use the appropriate repeater
channel to which you have access. Do not block these channels for long periods
as other boats also need to use them. Keep it brief!

Rather than calling your friends on Channel 16, you may agree that you will talk
to each other directly on say Channel 8 if you will be in line-of-sight range. If you
do this, scan channels 8 and 16 so you don’t miss any distress calls.

Port Radio Stations

Scan the appropriate Port Authority channel if you are in or near a port, so that
you can keep track of the movements of large ships. The channel used by port
radio stations can be found in the NZ Marine Radio Handbook.

Note: Never use Channel 70 as this is a channel reserved for digital

transmissions only.

Other Channels
You need to know the channels mentioned above but refer to the New Zealand
Marine Radio Handbook or MNZ Radio Handbook for all the other radio
services country wide including the VHF channels, coverage and times of
operation etc.
– 12
VHF Channel allocation table

Channel Usage VHF Channel

International Distress, Safety and Calling Channel 16

Inter-ship navigation safety (simplex) 13

Primary inter-ship (simplex) 6&8

Coastguard ‘Nowcasting’ (continuous weather) 20, 21, 22, 23

Coastguard talk-through repeater channels (duplex) 80, 81, 82, 83,

84, 85, 86
1, 3, 4, 5, 60,
Other talk-through repeater channels (duplex) 61, 62, 63, 64,
65, 66

Maritime Radio working channel (duplex) 25

Coast radio station working channels (simplex) 67, 68, 69,

71, 74

Port Operations/ship movement working channels (simplex) 9, 10, 11,

12, 14, 19

Surf Lifesaving (simplex) 69

Marinas (simplex) 73

Aquatic events/yacht clubs (simplex) 17 & 77

Digital Selective Calling (DSC) only 70

Note: For more information on which channels are allocated to which area,
consult the diagrams on pages 11, 14 & 15 or the NZ Marine Radio Handbook.

– 13
– 14
– 15
HOW TO MAKE A ROUTINE VHF RADIO CALL

There are things you need to know when using your VHF radio for every day
calls:
 Listen before you transmit
 How to test that your radio is actually working
 How to identify your transmissions
 How to call up other boats or coast stations
 How to move to a working channel
 How to conduct the actual message
 How to finish the message

Listen Before you Transmit

Having selected a channel on your radio, listen for at least ten seconds to make
sure nobody else is using the frequency. Be careful not to jump into the middle
of a conversation that is already in progress.

Testing your Radio

One of your safety checks before you set off in your boat should be to check that
the radio is working. Select the channel of a coast station that you know will be
on watch and within range, and then make a brief call. Use both the name of
your boat and your callsign when conducting a ‘radio check’.

Note: simply calling another boat at very close range is not a robust radio check.
They would probably still hear you if your aerial was broken or disconnected!

Example:

“Bluff Fisherman’s Radio, Bluff Fisherman’s Radio,

This is Princess 2, ZMR 1234, for a radio check, over”

The station that you have called will give you an assessment of the strength and
clarity of your radio signal.
– 16
How to call up another boat or Coast Station
To establish communication with another boat or coast station select Channel 16
or other appropriate channel and use the following format:
 Name and radio callsign (if known) of the other station (up to 3 times)
 “This is”
 The name and radio callsign of your boat (up to 3 times)
 “Over”
Use the name and callsign of the other boat 2 or 3 times. They may not be
listening closely, so it provides more chance of them hearing your call.

Moving to a working channel

Once you have established communication with another station on Channel 16,
the conversation must move to a working channel. If you are calling a coast
station they will give you a working channel to change to. If you are calling a
friend, initiate the move to channel 6 or 8 or an appropriate repeater channel as
soon as you have established contact. E.g. “Change to Channel 8 – I’ll call you”
(stating who will call first).

How to conduct the actual message

This is the easy bit. Just speak as if you were having a normal conversation.
Keep the conversation brief and to the point so that others can use the channel.
Use ‘pro-words’ (procedural words with specific meanings) where appropriate to
abbreviate or clarify messages.

How to finish the message

When you have finished your conversation, state your boat name followed by the
word “Out”. Some coast radio stations handling lots of traffic use the word
“Clear” which has the same meaning. This tells other people that you have
finished and the frequency it is now available for their use, e.g. “Tuffy out”

Example: Calling another station and passing a message:

Select Channel 16
 “Tuffy ZMP 4646, (up to 3 times), this is Fisherman ZMS 2345 (up to 3
 times), over”
 “Fisherman this is Tuffy, go Channel 6, over”
 “Tuffy, this is Fisherman. Roger, switching Channel 6, I’ll call you, over”

Select Channel 6
 “Tuffy, this is Fisherman, over”
 “Fisherman this is Tuffy, go ahead over”
 “Tuffy this is Fisherman we have the bait you asked for and will be at
 Moana Rock at 1100. What is your ETA over?”
 “Fisherman this is Tuffy. Thanks for getting the bait. We will see you
 there at about 1200 over”
 “Roger Tuffy, Fisherman out”
 “Tuffy out.”

– 17
PROCEDURAL WORDS
Over This is the end of my transmission. I will listen for and
expect your reply.
Out (or Clear) This is the end of my transmission. No reply is expected.
The frequency is now free for others to use.
The words Over & Out have very different meanings and should never be
used together.
Romeo or I have received your message and it is understood
All Copied (“Roger” is also commonly used).
Say again I did not hear or understand your message. Please repeat.

Correction I have made a mistake; this following version is correct.

Wait or I will call you back soon (sometimes a time period in

Standby minutes is also given).
Affirmative & These expressions are less easily lost in noise than the
Negative single syllables of ‘Yes’ and ‘Right’, or ‘No’ and ‘Wrong’.
“I spell” I will spell the word or name using the phonetic alphabet.

Radio Check This is a request to confirm that your radio is operating

correctly, including an indication of the strength and
clarity.
PHONETIC ALPHABET
When radio contact is poor you may have to spell out a message, letter by letter
to get the message across. The phonetic alphabet is used for clarity. It is also
used when speaking a radio callsign on the radio e.g. “Zulu Mike Romeo 5432”.
In the assessment you will be asked to spell two or three words using the
phonetic alphabet.
Written Spoken as Written Spoken as
A Alpha al-fah N November no-vem-ber
B Bravo brah-voh O Oscar oss-car
C Charlie char-lee P Papa pah-pah
D Delta dell-tah Q Quebec keh-beck
E Echo eck-oh R Romeo row-me-oh
F Foxtrot foks-trot S Sierra see-air-rah
G Golf golf T Tango tang-go
H Hotel hoh-tell U Uniform you-nee-form
I India in-dee-ah V Victor vik-tah
J Juliet jew-lee-ett W Whiskey wiss-key
K Kilo key-loh X X-ray ecks-ray
L Lima lee-mah Y Yankee yang-key
M Mike mike Z Zulu zoo-loo
– 18
WEATHER FORECASTS

Obtaining a Marine Weather Forecast by Radio

A marine weather forecast can be received on your marine VHF radio from a
number of sources while at sea:
 The VHF coastal stations of Maritime Radio provide navigational and weather
warnings plus marine weather forecasts daily at:
01330533 07331033 1333 1733 2133
The 0733 broadcast is a repeat of the 0533 forecast, and the 2133 a repeat of
the 1733 forecast. The 1033 broadcast includes all warnings in force and reports
from coastal stations, but no situation or forecast.

A preliminary announcement is made on Channel 16 advising that the latest

weather forecasts are about to be broadcast on the Maritime Radio working
channel for your area, either 25, 67, 68, 69 or 71 . The weather forecasts are
then broadcast by sea area. The sea areas and working channels are shown
below.

Weather forecasts are also provided by:

 Some Coastguard Radio stations
 Coastguard ‘Nowcasting’ channels
 Some private coast stations/user groups

Forecast Areas:

– 19
COASTGUARD RADIO SERVICES

Trip Reports (‘TR’s)

A trip report is a message that you pass to a coast station to advise them of your
intended boating activity or voyage. The recorded information is then available
to help identify your location and provide other details if search and rescue is
required. In most cases if you fail to close your TR, a search will not necessarily
be instigated, however always close your TR when you arrive/return safely from
your trip.

Trip Report Format (having established communications):

 Name and callsign of your boat

 Point of Departure
 Destination, route and ETA
 Number of people on board (POB)

Note: you can break up a TR if you are going fishing; one TR to the fishing area,
then another when you depart again with an updated ETA.

Example:
Establish communications before you pass the “TR’ information, either with an
initial call on Channel 16 (for Maritime Radio), or direct on a Coastguard or other
duplex repeater channel:

 “Coastguard Radio (up to 3 times), this is Seabird ZMQ 8088 (up to 3 times)
for a TR. Over”
 “Seabird ZMQ 8088, Coastguard Radio - go ahead”
 “Coastguard Radio this is Seabird, departing from Westhaven Marina,
destination Gulf Harbour via some fishing at Tiritiri, ETA Gulf Harbour 1800
this evening, 4 POB. Over”
 “Thanks Seabird, I have all that copied. Coastguard Radio out”

Note: Always close your TR when you arrive at your destination.

Closing Your TR on arrival:

Establish communications, advising that you’d like to close your TR, then:

 “Coastguard Radio (up to 3 times), this is Seabird ZMQ 8088 (up to 3 times)
to close a TR. Over”
 “Seabird ZMQ 8088, Coastguard Radio - go ahead”
 “Coastguard Radio, this is Seabird ZMQ 8088. We have arrived at Gulf
Harbour. We’d like to close our TR Over”
 “Thanks Seabird, I have all that copied. Coastguard Radio out”

Note: Lodge your TR with the most appropriate coast station;

 Generally Maritime Radio for extended coastal or offshore trip
 For local/day trips the local Coastguard, private coast station/user group or
local port authority may be the better option
– 20
Nowcasting
Coastguard’s ‘Nowcasting’ Service broadcasts real-time marine weather
information and forecasts continuously for the locations shown below:
Bay of Islands Ch 21
Inner Hauraki Gulf & Manukau Harbour Ch 21
Outer Hauraki Gulf Ch 20
Kaipara Harbour Ch 23
Raglan/West coast Ch 22
Wellington Ch 23
Nelson Ch 22
Kaikoura, Lyttelton, Akaroa & Timaru Ch 21
Nowcasting may include:
 Actual wind conditions at various locations (peak gust, average, and direction
– in degrees true)
 Latest local recreational marine area forecast
 Latest local sea area (and adjacent areas) marine forecast
 Tide times and heights at various locations
 Safety information
 Sponsorship advertising

Search and Rescue

Search and Rescue in New Zealand is the legal responsibility of Police or
Maritime New Zealand. Coastguard rescue vessels and aircraft are commonly
deployed as a SAR resource following a distress call or EPIRB alert. Action is
then undertaken to coordinate the necessary search and rescue resources to aid
the people/vessel in distress.
Because of the sheer volume of TRs received, Maritime Radio or Coastguard
Radio will not normally initiate search and rescue if you fail to close a TR that
you have logged (except for bar crossings) - so don’t rely on a TR as your
primary trigger for search and rescue.
 Tell a responsible person where you are going and when you will return
 Always ensure you carry at least two forms of communication, so that you are
able to call for help if/when you need it
Note: some private coast stations/user groups will initiate SAR if you do not
close a TR. Find out what action your local station will take in this event.
Safe Boating Courses
Coastguard Boating Education offers a wide range of boating courses. Have
you attended a Day Skipper or Boatmaster course? GPS, Radar and other
specialty courses are also available.
Practical Courses
Put theory into practice with a practical RYA Sail Cruising, Motor Cruising or
Powerboating course. Theory is best learnt in the classroom but it is amazing
how much practical boating skill you can pick up during a short practical course
with a qualified instructor. For help in deciding which the best course is for you,
visit our website, e-mail or call us for further information:

Web: www.cbes.org.nz Tel: 09 489 1850 / 0800 40 80 90 Email: info@cbes.org.nz

– 21
MEDICAL ADVICE

Obtaining Medical Advice

Medical advice can be obtained from Maritime Radio through any of their VHF
coast stations or from Taupo Maritime radio on SSB. Your message will be
passed to the appropriate medical authority whose reply will be sent back to you.
If there is a very serious medical emergency you can be patched through to a
doctor. There is no charge for this service.

Privacy Law

Any conversation overheard on a marine radio (not intended for you), is

confidential and must not be repeated.

Documents You Should Carry On Your Boat

Commercial vessels are required to display a “distress sticker” with the vessel’s
name and call sign near the radio. The radio operator’s certificate and MNZ
Radio Handbook should also be carried. Although it is not compulsory for
recreational craft, it is recommended to carry/display the same documentation.

– 22
 CHAPTER 1 QUESTIONS

1. Which VHF channels can you use for boat to boat communication?

2. Describe the function of ‘squelch’:

3. In New Zealand, what setting would you select to make your radio work
correctly; International, USA or Canada?

4. On a VHF radio, when should low power be used?

5. Before making a radio call, what do you do just before you transmit?

6. In what situation can a person who does not hold a radio operators
qualification use a marine VHF radio?

7. What is the “Scan” function for?

8. Why should you always return a microphone to its bracket after use?

9 Which coast stations broadcast marine weather information?

– 23
10 You are off Napier in your boat ‘Tuffy ZMP 4646’. Write down the channel to
use and the call you would make to Maritime Radio to check your radio is
working properly:

11 What procedural word would you use to let others know you have ended a
conversation?

12 Write the phonetic alphabet words next to these letters:

B
O L
A O
T S
T
O
N R
U
R D
O D
C E
K R
S
13 Name three things that will ensure maximum range of your call when using a
hand-held VHF radio:

– 24
 CHAPTER 2

DISTRESS URGENCY & SAFETY

DISTRESS CALL & MESSAGE - MAYDAY

In a Distress Situation the Mayday prefix precedes a message when:

A SHIP or PERSON is threatened by GRAVE AND IMMINENT DANGER and
requires IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE. (Please learn this definition)

“Grave and imminent danger” as far as a person is concerned is any life

threatening situation.

Examples of a distress situation include:

 A boat on fire
 A boat is sinking
 Engine failure and drifting towards rocks
 A person suffering a serious heart attack (life threatening)
 Severe bleeding that cannot be stopped (life threatening)

Try ‘MIPNANOO’
It can be useful to use a mnemonic for distress and urgency messages to help
you remember the order and content of the messages. The distress message
mnemonic is MIPNANOO. See below:

Give your position in Latitude & Longitude from your GPS, or if close to the coast
use a range & bearing from a prominent land mark to describe your position e.g.
5 miles east of Flat Point, then listen for acknowledgement.

– 25
Distress Call and Message

Saying “Mayday” 3 times, then the vessel name 3 times and call sign once is
known as the ‘Distress Call’. It sounds very long and protracted but you want
people to drop what they are doing, go to the radio, find a pencil and paper and
be ready to write down your ‘Distress Message’ that follows the ‘call’, it takes
time! Speak clearly and slowly as you transmit the ‘distress message’ so that
people have time to write the message down.

Situation: A vessel called Seabird has caught fire. There are 4 people onboard
and they are abandoning the vessel into a liferaft. The boat is 2 miles west of
Kapiti Island. The radio callsign of Seabird is ZMQ 8088.

The distress call and message would be spoken as follows:

On Channel 16:

 “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday”

 “This is”
 “Seabird, Seabird, Seabird, ZMQ 8088”

 “Mayday” (Mayday)
 “Seabird ZMQ 8088” (Identity)
 “2 miles west of Kapiti Island” (Position)
 “On fire” (Nature of distress)
 “Immediate assistance required” (Assistance required)
 “4 POB” (Number of POB)
 “Abandoning to liferaft” (Other info)
 “Over” (Listen for an acknowledgement) (Over)

Note: The first question in the exam gives you a situation similar to the one
above and you are required to write down the distress call and message as it
would be sent. You must get this question 100% correct to pass the exam.
Please learn the order and format above. Write down ‘MIPNANOO’ to help you
remember. A combined mark of 70 % is required for all other questions.

What to do when you hear a Distress Message

 Listen carefully
 If possible, write it down and note the time
 Listen for an acknowledgment from a coast station
 If nobody acknowledges the distress call, acknowledge it yourself then relay
the message to a coast station
 If you are in a position to offer help get underway immediately, wait for a
break in the radio transmissions and then call up and offer your help
 Continue to listen and monitor the situation

– 26
ACKNOWLEDGING A MAYDAY

In most cases a distress message will be picked up by a coast station such as

Maritime Radio or Coastguard who will take control of the situation and activate
search and rescue if required. Occasionally, because of radio problems or lack
of coverage, a distress message is not heard by a coast station. You might be
the only person who hears the distress message. You have a responsibility to
respond and pass on that message to a coast station. So always write down a
distress message if you can, wait a short period (10 – 15 seconds) to see if
anyone else replies. If there is no response, acknowledge the call. A person in
distress is far more likely to survive if they know help is on the way.

Mayday Acknowledgment Format:

On Channel 16:

 “MAYDAY”
 “Name of the vessel sending the distress message” (3 times & callsign once)
 “This is”
 “Name of YOUR boat” (3 times and callsign once)
 “Received Mayday” (and what action you intend to take)
 “Over”

Example:

You are in a boat called ‘Kiwi ZMS 4444’ and you hear the distress message
from ‘Seabird ZMQ 8088’ (see page 24). Nobody replies, so you acknowledge
the message.

This is the message you would send:

On Channel 16:

 “Mayday”
 “Seabird, Seabird, Seabird, ZMQ 8088”
 “This is”
 “Kiwi, Kiwi, Kiwi, ZMS 4444”
 “Received Mayday” (“and will relay”)
 “Over”

If you are able to help, you would also let Seabird know your own location,
approximate distance from them, and your ETA.

Note: to avoid any confusion the word “Mayday” must only ever be spoken ‘on
air’ by the station in distress or the station handling the distress. A Mayday Relay
or acknowledgement is the only exception. If for some reason you need to refer
to a distress situation on air use the term “Distress” – not “Mayday”.

– 27
MAYDAY RELAY

Having acknowledged the Mayday message, immediately repeat (relay) the

message to a coast station. Other boats in the vicinity will then also hear the call
and respond if possible.

Mayday Relay format:

On Channel 16:

 “MAYDAY RELAY” (3 times) “ALL STATIONS” (3 times)

 “This is”
 “Name of your boat” (3 times & callsign once)
 Relay the distress message as you received it, including the word Mayday
and name of the vessel in distress. Use ‘MIPNANOO’ to remind you of the
message content if you did not write it down
 “Over”

Note: Keep attempting to relay the message until a coast station acknowledges
Continue to listen in. You might be needed to relay further information.

Example:
You are on ‘Kiwi ZMS 4444’ and have acknowledged the distress message from
Seabird. You are now going to relay the Mayday message.

This is the relay message you would send:

On Channel 16:
 “MAYDAY RELAY, MAYDAY RELAY, MAYDAY RELAY, ALL STATIONS,
ALL STATIONS, ALL STATIONS”
 “This is”
 “Kiwi, Kiwi, Kiwi, ZMS 4444”

 “Mayday” (Mayday)
 “Seabird ZMQ 8088” (Identity)
 “2 miles west of Kapiti Island” (Position)
 “On fire” (Nature of distress)
 “Immediate assistance required” (Assistance required)
 “4 POB” (Number of POB)
 “Abandoning to liferaft” (Other info)
 “Over” (Listen for an acknowledgement) (Over)

Note: Keep attempting to relay the message until a coast station acknowledges
Continue to listen in. You might be needed to relay further information.

Let Seabird know when you have successfully relayed their message and pass
on any comments to them from the coast station (if Seabird is unable to
communicate directly with the coast station).

– 28
CANCELLING A MAYDAY
Cancellation of a Distress Message
A Distress Message must be cancelled if you fix the problem and no longer
require assistance. Ensure that the coast station dealing with your distress
situation acknowledges your cancellation.

Radio Silence during a Distress Situation

When a vessel is in distress, Channel 16 must to be kept clear for all vital radio
communication regarding the situation to be heard. Radio silence may be
imposed by the vessel in distress or the station managing the distress situation
using the words “Seelonce Mayday”.
If someone accidentally interrupts distress related communications, the phrase
“Seelonce Mayday” will again be used to indicate that radio silence is required.
Alternatively “Seelonce Distress” may be used if necessary by another station
(boat) in the area. When the distress situation is under control, the word
“Prudonce” will be used to indicate that people can now go ahead and use the
channel with care but keep quiet if things start up again. You can use the
channel ‘prudently’.
When the distress situation is over the phrase “Seelonce Feenee” is used to
indicate that the need for radio silence is ‘finished’ and the frequency can now be
used normally.
Distress Sticker
A distress sticker should be attached to your boat where it can easily be seen
from the radio position for use in a distress situation. The sticker provides a
visual guide to help you or your crew broadcast a correct and accurate Mayday
call and message. Write the name of your boat and radio callsign in the boxes.
These stickers are contained in the Maritime New Zealand Radio Handbook,
available free of charge from Maritime New Zealand (0508 22 55 22) or
Coastguard Boating Education (0800 40 80 90).

– 29
THE URGENCY MESSAGE – PAN PAN

In an Urgency situation, the Pan Pan prefix is used when a boat has a very
urgent message to transmit concerning the safety of a ship or person.
(Please learn this definition).

Examples of an ‘urgency’ situation include:

 Loss of propulsion (engine failure or dismasting) or other situation where you
are seriously concerned for the safety of your vessel and urgently require
assistance – but it is not a life/vessel threatening situation
 You urgently need advice regarding a medical emergency – but it is not a life
threatening situation (the prefix ‘Pan Pan Medico’ can be used)

The mnemonic PIPNANOO can be used for the Urgency message – but note the
difference in format from a Mayday – it is normally addressed to ‘all stations’ and
the urgency ‘call’ and ‘message’ is rolled into one.

Listen for an acknowledgement.

Note: The Pan Pan call is usually to ‘All Stations’ in a situation where you are
making a general call for assistance, however it can also be addressed to a
specific station e.g. Pan Pan (x 3), Coastguard Radio (x 3), this is …. Etc.

– 30
Example:
You’re aboard ‘Seabird’ with steering failure. There are 4 people onboard
including 2 young children. You are well offshore, but are drifting towards rocks
and require a tow. Your position is 2 miles east of Quail Island. Your callsign is
ZMQ 8088.
The urgency message would be spoken as follows:

On Channel 16:

 “PAN PAN, PAN PAN, PAN PAN, All stations, All stations, All stations” (Pan Pan)
 “This is Seabird, Seabird, Seabird ZMQ 8088” (Identity)
 “2 miles east of Quail Island” (Position)
 “We have steering failure” (Nature)
 “We require a tow” (Assistance rqd.)
 “4 people onboard” (Number/POB)
 “2 young children on board” (Other info)
 “Over” (Listen for an acknowledgement) (Over)

Cancellation of an Urgency Message

As with a Mayday, an Urgency message must be cancelled if the situation
resolves itself and is now safe.

Difference between Distress and Urgency call formats

Compare the format for Mayday and Pan Pan calls.
A Mayday is by default addressed to all stations; anyone hearing it is required to
take action if necessary and able to do so.
The Pan Pan is directed to:
 All Stations or a particular station (3 times)
 Having made the initial part of the call including your identity (name & callsign),
go straight into giving your position and the rest of the message. Use ‘MIPNANOO’
& ‘PIPNANOO’ to help you remember the order

Note: In a Distress or Urgency situation ‘Position’ is always given first – as

the most important piece of information. Your radio/battery may fail at any
moment so it is important to prioritize.

Preventing false distress Alerts

Ensure that ALL on board are briefed on the proper use of the radio equipment
and explain that distress calls must only be made in a situation of grave or
imminent danger. If you report a false call immediately to Maritime Radio there
is no penalty. However, intentional hoax calls may be identified and this may
lead to prosecution by Maritime New Zealand.
Non Urgent Situation When Help Is Required
There are many situations where help is required but there are no safety
concerns e.g. the weather is calm and you have broken down, got a flat battery,
run out of fuel or your anchor is stuck. In these situations just call a coast
station, advise them of the situation and ask for assistance.

– 31
THE SAFETY SIGNAL & MESSAGE – SÉCURITÉ

For safety messages the prefix is ‘Sécurité, Sécurité, Sécurité’ (pronounced

“Say-cure-e-tay”) and is broadcast on Channel 16. If you hear this, listen
carefully as a ‘navigational’ or ‘meteorological’ warning will follow.

After the safety signal you will be normally be directed to a working channel to
hear the detailed safety warning information.

Example:

On Channel 16:

 “Sécurité, Sécurité, Sécurité

 “All Stations, All Stations, All Stations”
 “This is”
 “Maritime Radio Zulu Lima Mike”
 “For Coastal Navigation Warning No 123 please listen on the appropriate channel for
your area, either 25, 67, 68, 69, or 71”

After hearing this broadcast, change your radio channel to the working channel
for your area and listen for (and write down) the detailed warning information.

General warnings are addressed to “All Stations”. Warnings may be addressed

to a specific area, where the warning only affects that particular area.

Navigation and Meteorological Warnings

Meteorological warnings such as ‘strong wind’, ‘gale’ & ‘storm’ warnings are
issued by Met Service and subsequently broadcast by Maritime Radio or
Coastguard Radio, and may also be broadcast by other coast stations.

Navigational warnings are issued by Maritime New Zealand and the NZ

Hydrographic Office.

They include:

 Damage or maintenance to lights, buoys & beacons

 Changes to, or new aids to navigation
 Ships that require others boats to keep well clear (e.g. an unwieldy tow or seismic
survey)
 Areas to be avoided (firing or bombing ranges, search and rescue, pipe or cable
laying or other potentially dangerous operations)
 Radio communication outages

All warning information is available from Maritime Radio on request.

– 32
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs)

An EPIRB is a portable, battery operated (at least 72 hours) emergency radio

transmitter. Once activated, satellites receive the distress signal, and relay it to
the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ), Lower Hutt.
Fixing your approximate position may take some time, depending on the EPIRB
type and its position in relation to the satellites. A second ‘homing signal’ is also
transmitted from an EPIRB so that search aircraft can pin-point your exact
location when they get to the search area.
It is recommended to carry an EPIRB on any coastal or offshore voyage.
There are two main types on EPIRB:
 Analogue 121.5/243MHz (not monitored from 1st February 2009)
 Digital 406MHz
A 406MHz EPIRB is available with or without an internal GPS. An EPIRB with
GPS provides much faster and more accurate position information. The 406MHz
model also sends a unique code identifying your boat, so must be registered in
advance.

Satellites are either ‘Geostationary’ (GEO) or ‘Low Earth Orbit’ (LEO). The UHF
signal emitted by an EPIRB must be line-of-sight with a satellite to be received.
At least two good passes from a LEO satellite are required for a fix. A 406
EPIRB with internal GPS that can ‘see’ a GEO satellite (positioned over the
equator) will provide an almost immediate alert, identification and position.
Without GPS, a 406 EPIRB still requires two LEO passes to generate a fix.

Mountains (or the curvature of the earth) can block the signal between EPIRB
and satellite in the same way as VHF radio signals can be blocked.

– 33
EPIRB Performance summary:
EPIRB Type 121.5/243MHz 406MHz 406MHz (+GPS)

Performance
Approximate time
for alert to be 1 hour 5 minutes 5 minutes
received by RCCNZ
Approximate time to
generate a fix > 2 hours < 2 hours 5 minutes
Approximate fix
accuracy 100km² 20km² 100m²

EPIRB Procedures:
 Ensure that ALL on board are familiar
with the proper use of the EPIRB and
when it should used
 If in distress, switch on your EPIRB,
release the aerial and make sure it is
upright and leave switched on until the
rescue is complete. Some EPIRBs
activate automatically when they float
free after a vessel sinks
 If you have to enter the water, take it
with you. Undo the cord, let it float free
and tie the EPIRB to yourself or the life
raft
 Take care that the EPIRB is stored
where the switch will not be
inadvertently turned on. There are many
false alerts of this kind
 If your EPIRB is inadvertently activated,
leave it on and then advise Maritime
Radio on Channel 16, phone RCCNZ
(0508 472 269) or the Police and let
them know what has happened. Only
turn it off when they tell you to. No
prosecution or cost is involved
 Maintain the EPIRB and have the
batteries replaced as required by the
manufacturer
 Become very familiar with the operation
of your EPIRB – read the instructions!

Note: you must register your 406 EPIRB and notify Maritime NZ of any vessel
or ownership change. This service is provided free of charge by Maritime New
Zealand. Complete and submit the registration form at the back of this manual
and send it to Maritime New Zealand at the address provided or visit
– 34
www.beacons.org.nz

– 35
GMDSS and DSC

Note: This information does not fall within the syllabus of MVOQ or MROC and is
not part of the assessment. It is included for your information only.

The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is designed to

provide an international integrated system to assist with maritime and
aeronautical safety and search and rescue. Included in this, is the concept that
distress messages can be sent via VHF or HF/MF marine radio as a digital ‘text
message’ known as Digital Selective Calling (DSC). This DSC alert, contains
a stream of pre-programmed information, and is received by similarly equipped
boats and coast stations within range. It identifies the vessel in distress and
provides other details including position, type of distress etc, as with a normal
verbal ‘Distress Call’.

Many new marine radios are DSC compatible. Channel 70 is the designated
DSC VHF channel for digital information. A DSC radio must be networked to the
GPS to provide position information, and registered with a ‘Maritime Mobile
Service Identifier’ (MMSI number) to provide identity – like a callsign.

If in distress in New Zealand Coastal waters a ‘Mayday’ on VHF Ch 16 is your

best option. If you receive no response (as a last resort), if your radio is DSC
equipped, send a DSC alert on Channel 70. Other DSC equipped vessels in your
vicinity will hear the audible alarm signal, receive your digital text message, and
know who is in distress and where (and be obligated to respond).

Monitoring of DSC distress alerts in New Zealand

 Maritime Radio monitors and responds to HF/MF DSC alerts only

 Maritime Radio does NOT have VHF DSC Channel 70 coverage of the New
Zealand coastline and therefore cannot respond to VHF DSC alerts

 Only SOLAS Ships (over 300t) are legally required to be DSC equipped in New
Zealand

Warning: VHF DSC should not be relied on as the sole means of calling for
assistance when in distress in New Zealand waters!

Maritime Mobile Service Identifier (MMSI)

To fully utilise a DSC equipped radio, it must be pre-programmed with a

registered nine digit MMSI number allocated to you.

For further information on the GMDSS system and use of DSC radios, contact
one of the training institutions offering training and examination for the GMDSS
Operators Certificate.

To obtain an MMSI number contact:

Coastguard Boating Education
0800 40 80 90

– 36
 CHAPTER 2 QUESTIONS

1. In what situation should you make a Mayday call?

2. In what situation should you make a Pan Pan call?

3. You and two crew members are aboard a white 10m launch called ‘Hawk’
that has struck rocks and is sinking. Your radio callsign is ZMZ 2468. You are
abandoning the vessel into a liferaft. There are three metre seas and you are 1
mile south of Flat Rock. Write down the message you would send to get help
and what channel you would use.

– 37
4. You are 10 miles East of Flat Rock when at 1445 you hear the distress call
from ‘Hawk’ (see question 3). Your boat is called ‘Challenger’ callsign ZMS
2323. No one has replied to the distress call, so you have acknowledged it.
Write down the message you would now send to get help and what channel you
would use.

5. What does “Seelonce Distress/Seelonce Mayday” mean?

6. What does “Prudonce” mean?

7. What does “Seelonce Fenee” mean?

8. What is the International VHF Distress, Safety and calling channel?

9. Which of the following situations warrants a Mayday call? Engine failure in a

calm sea, rope around the propeller, your boat is sinking, out of fuel.

– 38
10. What is the most important item of a distress message?

11. What should you do when you hear a Distress Message?

12. You have sent a distress call but the situation has improved and you no
longer need assistance, what should you do?

13. You are aboard ‘Lucky’ a 10m blue launch and have engine failure. There
are 4 people onboard in rough seas. You are well offshore, but are drifting
towards Farewell Spit and require a tow. Your position is 43° 30’ S,
172° 25.5 E. Your callsign is ZMS 3579. Write down the message you would
send to get help and what channel you would use.

– 39
14. What is the advantage in saying everything 3 times at the beginning of a
Distress or Urgency call?

15. What type of information is contained in message prefixed “Sécurité”?

16. What should you include in a Trip Report “TR”?

17. What is the purpose of a Trip Report “TR”?

18. When an EPIRB is detected, who is responsible for coordinating a

response?

19. What should you do if your EPIRB is inadvertently activated?

– 40
MROC
MEDIUM AND HIGH FREQUENCY SSB RADIO

To obtain a MROC you are required to pass the MVOQ assessment and the additional
MF/HF radio test. All information required to obtain a MROC can be found in this
manual.
Note: The explanations of Single Sideband (SSB) radio wave propagation are purely for
your information to assist you understand how to operate a SSB radio. This topic is not
included in the assessment.
What is Single Sideband (SSB) Marine Radio

The SSB radio is used for long range HF & MF communications for offshore and oceanic
passages. SSB is also used in coastal mountainous areas where high terrain may block
VHF communications. HF signals are refracted (bent) down by the ionosphere and also
reflect off the surface of the earth. In this way the signals can “bounce” thousands of
miles to provide effective long range communications.

Single sideband marine radios operate in the frequency range 1.7–27.5MHz. This is
known as the ‘HF band’ extending down into the ‘MF band’. The frequencies 3–27.5MHz
are within the HF band. The frequencies 1.7–3MHz are in the upper MF band.

Single sideband radio is a modification of Amplitude Modulated (AM) double sideband

(DSB) radio. In AM radio the speech information is added to a carrier wave creating two
sidebands; an upper sideband (USB) extending 3 kHz above the carrier and a mirror
image lower sideband (LSB) extending 3 kHz below that of the carrier. Speech
information is carried within the sidebands by modulating the amplitude of the signal,
hence AM radio.

An SSB transmitter filters out the power hungry carrier wave and lower sideband signal.
Only the upper sideband portion of the signal is transmitted and the receiver reinstates
the carrier. The advantage of this system is that information can be carried on a SSB
signal using only about one sixth of the power of a normal AM signal.

– 41
RADIO WAVE PROPAGATION

To operate an SSB radio successfully, an understanding of the interaction of radio waves

and the ionosphere is essential. Radio transmissions leave your radio aerial as energy
known as sky waves and ground waves. The ground waves remain close to the earth
and use up their energy very quickly which limits their range. The sky waves travel
upward and are refracted (bent) back towards the earth’s surface by the ionosphere
(which extends from 50km to more than 350km above the earth). There will however be
dead zones, known as skip zones that your transmission will not reach.

The Ionosphere
The ultraviolet wavelengths of solar radiation cause ionization of the atmosphere at
altitudes above 50km creating a zone of charged particles known as the ionosphere.
Ionisation is the process where air molecules are split into positively charged ions and
negatively charged, free moving electrons. When high frequency radio waves interact
with these free electrons they are refracted (bent) downwards. They arrive back at the
earth’s surface far away from the transmitter and can be picked up by a distant receiving
station.

Ionisation Layers
The structure of the ionosphere varies with altitude and between day and night. By day
there are four layers: D, E, F1 and F2. However, because ionisation is dependent on
sunlight, the numbers of layers is reduced to two at night, E and F, with a lower degree of
ionisation.

D Layer:
The D layer is present during the day from about 15–60 minutes before sunrise to 15–60
minutes after sunset. During the day, all frequencies above about 3MHz pass through
the D layer and are refracted by layers E and F, providing long range daytime
communications. Frequencies less than 3MHz are absorbed by the D layer and cannot
reach the E and F layers where they would be refracted. These lower frequencies only
propagate during the day as a ground wave.

– 42
E Layer:
The E layer is present in the daytime but weak or sporadic at night. During the day it
refracts HF frequencies of about 3–8MHz. Frequencies below this are not available to be
refracted as they are absorbed by the underlying D layer. At sunset, D layer ionisation
rapidly fades and the layer is absent at night. At night frequencies below 3MHz are no
longer blocked and can be refracted by the E layer.

F Layer:
The F1 and F2 layers are strongly ionised during the day, normally providing long range
communications at about 8-16MHz and 16-30MHz frequencies respectively. The two
layers combine to a single F layer at night, ionisation is reduced and useable frequencies
are reduced by half to about 4-16MHz.

Daytime Transmission of MF-HF Waves by Refraction

Layer Altitude Ionisation Frequencies RefractedFirst Skip Distance

F2 250-400km Strong 16-30MHz Up to 2000km
F1 150-250km Strong 8-16MHz Up to 1500km
E 100-150km Strong 3-8MHz Up to 1000km
D 50-90m medium Absorbs 1-3MHz

– 43
 Night Time Transmission of MF-HF Waves by Refraction

Layer Altitude Ionisation Frequencies Refracted

First Skip Distance
F 250-300km Reduced 4-16MHz Up to 2000km
E 150-150km Sporadic 1-4MHz Up to 1000km

Choosing a Frequency
Signal propagation in the MF - HF bands is notoriously difficult to predict. In general:
 Use a frequency below about 3MHz at night or in the daytime when within 100km
of the other station
 Choose a higher frequency during the day. “The higher the sun, the higher the
frequency”
 For greater range choose a higher frequency. The higher the frequency, the
higher the refracting layer, the greater the range
 If the noise level is high, move to a lower frequency (except in the tropics where
there is high static from thunderstorms)
Expected Radio Wave Propagation
Warnings regarding radio wave propagation conditions (due to sun spot activity or other
conditions affecting the ionosphere) are broadcast by Taupo Maritime Radio, after
Navigation and Meteorological Warnings but before High Sea weather forecasts.
Example:
“High Frequency Radio Communications Warning No. 07/36
Issued for Nav-area XIV at 280122Z Nov 07
Degraded HF propagation conditions expected from 28-30 November 2007
If communication difficulties experienced try a lower frequency band”

For further information contact Maritime Radio Tel. 0800 MARITIME (627 484)

– 44
Recommended frequencies

Propagation predictions (such as the table below) are also included in New Zealand
Notices to Mariners. To subscribe to e-mail up-dates or view archived notices, visit
www.hydro.linz.govt.nz

– 45
MF/HF REQUENCY ALLOCATION

Frequency Allocation Table

The frequencies shown in bold are monitored by Taupo Maritime Radio 24 hours per
day. You must learn these to pass the MROC assessment.

International Distress, Urgency, Safety and calling frequencies H24.

2182 4125 6215 8291 12290 16420
Matching Working frequencies for exchange of messages with Taupo Maritime Radio
after establishing contact on a calling frequency.
The frequencies below are not monitored.
2207 4146 6224 8297 12356 16531
Inter-ship working frequencies for use after communications have been2012
established on 2182 2456
2638
Inter-ship working frequencies for use after communications have been4146
established on 4125 4417
Inter-ship working frequencies for use after communications have been6224
established on 6215 6227

If calling another boat on a Distress, Urgency, Safety and calling frequency, move to an
inter-ship working frequency as soon as communication has been established.

WEATHER FORECASTS ON SSB

Obtaining a Marine Weather Forecast on SSB

Weather information and navigational warnings are broadcast by Taupo Maritime Radio
ZLM at the following times and on the frequencies shown below. A preliminary call is
made on the calling frequency and the actual broadcasts can then be heard on the
matching working frequency.

– 46
 SSB Marine Radio Coast Stations

A number of operators cover the Southwest Pacific to the Sub-Antarctic region:

Taupo Maritime Radio ZLM:

 Monitors the HF/MF distress & calling frequencies
 Provides weather reports and meteorological/navigational warnings for NAVAREA
XIV (Southwest Pacific)

Other Coast Stations:

 Russell Radio provides regular scheds for cruising boats and weather forecasts for
the Southwest Pacific. Visit www.russellradio.org.nz for more information

 Bluff Fisherman’s Radio, Stewart Island Fisherman’s Association and Fiordland

Fisherman’s Radio are examples of providers around the rugged terrain of the lower
South Island, providing extensive coverage in a difficult area

There are many other private coast stations around New Zealand. Consult the ‘New
Zealand Marine Radio Handbook’ by John Allen for details.

SILENCE PERIODS

When using an SSB radio there is a legal requirement to cease transmitting for three
minutes starting on the hour and the half hour on 2182. During this time people in
distress with weak radio signals have a chance of being heard.

A listening watch should be maintained on 2182 and no transmissions should be made

on frequencies between 2173.5 and 2190.5 for 3 minutes starting on the hour and the
half hour. Check the accuracy of your clock regularly.

MAKING AN SSB RADIO CALL

1. Check for silence periods

2. Select frequency
3. Listen before you transmit
4. Activate aerial tuning unit (if fitted as a separate function)
Check that all crew are clear of the aerial!

Danger from HF Aerials

Before you transmit make sure the crew are aware that the radio is in use and that they
should keep clear of the aerial. Because of the high energy involved while transmitting
there is a danger that a person touching the aerial could get burnt. This is known as RF
(Radio Frequency) burn.

– 47
The Effect of No Carrier Wave / Poor Microphone Technique

Having no carrier wave on SSB can cause a problem. When you transmit make sure that
you use good microphone technique and string your words together without pauses while
holding the press-to-talk (PTT) button down.

With VHF, the transmitter within the radio set creates the same power output regardless
of how correctly you use the microphone – poor microphone technique equals a low level
of received volume, and difficulty hearing the voice at the other end.

With SSB, poor microphone technique resulting in a quiet voice equals very low
transmitted power. With SSB, your voice is amplified and modified to create the
transmitted power. If you push the PTT button but don’t talk, the transmitter does not
transmit, start talking and the transmitter starts creating power. Hence, it is vital that you
use a steady, clear and strong voice close to the microphone to create maximum power
and hence maximum range.

The Alarm Signal

The radiotelephone alarm signal is only used on SSB frequencies 2182, 4125, or 6215
kHz. It consists of two different audio frequency tones transmitted alternately, giving a
distinctive warbling sound.

The alarm signal should be used either:

1. Prior to a Distress call or message

2. Prior to advising the loss of a person overboard
3. By a coast station to pass an urgent cyclone warning

The alarm signal should be sent continuously for a period of at least 30 seconds, but not
exceeding one minute. This will attract the attention of other boats and coast stations.

The Safety Message – Sécurité

A safety signal Sécurité (x3) is normally transmitted on SSB 2182, 4125 or 6215 kHz,
with instructions to change to a working frequency. The safety message itself is then
broadcast on the working frequency.

– 48
DOCUMENTS TO CARRY

Documents You Should Carry On Your Boat

Commercial vessels are required to display a “distress sticker” with the vessel’s name
and call sign near the radio. The radio operator’s certificate and MNZ Radio Handbook
should also be carried. Although it is not compulsory for recreational craft, it is
recommended to carry/display the same documentation.

WEATHERFAX

Scheduled transmissions of synoptic

charts and meteorological warnings
can be received onboard via
Weatherfax software installed on a PC
connected to the radio, or with a
dedicated Weatherfax receiver.

A ‘ZKLF Radiofax Schedule’ detailing

transmission times and frequencies is
available from MetService:
www.metservice.co.nz

– 49
CHAPTER 3 QUESTIONS

1. What are the 3 (lowest) International Distress, Urgency, Safety and calling
frequencies?

2. At what times do the silence periods apply?

3. Which frequencies are you required to listen to during the silence period?

4. What type of sound does the SSB alarm signal make?

5. What are the only situations in which an SSB alarm signal may be activated?

6. For how long should you activate the alarm signal if you need to send one?

7. What does RF burn mean and how can you avoid it happening?

8. What frequency range would you generally use at night and when close to the
coast?

9. What frequency range will generally give the greatest range, high or low?

10. What are the effects of talking quietly/poor microphone technique while
transmitting on SSB?

11. Who is the main HF service provider in New Zealand?

– 50
CHAPTER 1 ANSWERS

1. Channel 6, 8 or an appropriate repeater channel

2. Squelch (correctly adjusted) eliminates background noise when no speech is
being received
3. International
4. Low power is used in harbour or when close to the other boat you are calling
5. Listen on the channel for at least 10 seconds to make sure you don’t interrupt
a conversation that might be in progress
6. In an emergency (and to use the radio to receive)
7. To scan a number of channels and listen for any radio activity
8. To stop the press-to-talk button being held in accidentally
9. Maritime Radio, Coastguard and many private coast stations
10. Select Channel 16 and say:
 “Napier Maritime Radio” (up to 3 times)
 “This is”
 “Tuffy ZMP 4646” (up to 3 times)
 “For a Radio Check. Over”
11. Your ‘Boat’s Name’ – “Out” (or “Clear”)
12.

B Bravo
O Oscar L Lima
A Alpha O Oscar
T Tango S Sierra
T Tango
O Oscar
N November R Romeo
U Uniform
R Romeo D Delta
O Oscar D Delta
C Charlie E Echo
K Kilo R Romeo
S Sierra

13.
 Maximize aerial height
 Keep aerial vertical
 Use the high power setting.

– 51
 CHAPTER 2 ANSWERS

1. When a ship or person is threatened by grave and imminent danger and

requires immediate assistance.
2. When there is a very urgent message to transmit concerning the safety of a
ship or person.
3.
On Channel 16:
 Mayday, Mayday, Mayday
 This is
 Hawk, Hawk, Hawk, ZMZ 2468
 Mayday (M)
 Hawk ZMZ 2468 (I)
 1 mile south of Flat Rock (P)
 We have struck rocks and are sinking (N)
 Immediate assistance required (A)
 3 POB (N)
 White 10 metre launch, abandoning to liferaft in rough seas (O)
 Over (O)
4.
On Channel 16:
 Mayday Relay, Mayday Relay, Mayday Relay
 All Stations, All Stations, all Stations
 This is
 Challenger, Challenger, Challenger, ZMS 2323,
 Mayday (M)
 Hawk ZMZ 2468 (I)
 1 mile south of Flat Rock (P)
 Struck rocks and sinking (N)
 Immediate assistance required (A)
 3 POB (N)
 White 10 metre launch, abandoning to liferaft in rough seas (O)
 Over (O)
5. To impose radio silence when the channel needs to be kept clear for handling
a distress situation
6. Restricted working on the channel is now allowed (when the distress situation
is under control)
7. Indicates the distress situation has been resolved and the frequency can now
be used normally
8. Channel 16
9. Your boat is sinking
10. Position

– 52
11.
 Listen carefully and write it down (noting the time)
 Listen for an acknowledgment from a coast station
 If nobody acknowledges the distress call, acknowledge it yourself and
relay the message to a coast station
 If you are in a position to assist get underway immediately (wait for a
break in the radio transmissions and then call up and offer your help)
 Continue to listen and monitor the situation.
12. Cancel your distress call. Make sure the coast station you have been dealing
with acknowledges the cancellation
13.
On Channel 16:
 Pan Pan, Pan Pan, Pan Pan, All Stations, All Stations, All Stations (P)
 This is Lucky, Lucky, Lucky, ZMS 3579 (I)
 Position: four three degrees, three zero minutes south, one seven two (P)
degrees, two five decimal five east
 We have engine failure (N)
 We require a tow (A)
 Four people onboard (N)
 We are a blue launch, drifting towards Farewell Spit in rough seas (O)
 Over (O)
14. It allows time for people to get to the radio and be ready to write down your
message
15. Safety information concerning a navigational or weather warning
16. Your boat name, callsign, point of departure, ETA at destination and POB
17. To help identify your location if search and rescue is required
18. The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ)
19. Call Maritime Radio on Channel 16 or ring the RCCNZ to let them know what
has happened

– 53
 CHAPTER 3 ANSWERS

1. 2182, 4125 and 6215 kHz

2. For 3 minutes starting on the hour and the half hour
3. 2182
4. A distinctive warbling sound
5. The alarm signal shall only be used:
 Prior to a Distress call or message
 Prior to advising the loss of a person overboard
 Prior to an urgent cyclone warning
6. Activate the alarm for at least 30 seconds but not more than one minute
7. The energy from the HF aerial generated while transmitting can cause a
nasty deep tissue burn. Advise the crew when the radio is in use
8. Low frequencies
9. The high frequency range
10. Transmit power will be low – and range will be reduced
11. Maritime New Zealand - who operates “Taupo Maritime Radio

– 54
Marine Radio VHF Call Sign Update
This form is for updating the details for an existing marine radio Call Sign.
Enquiries and changes are free.

1. Marine Radio Call Sign ZM ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ EG. ZMT2698

Old Boat Name Previous Owner

2. Current Owner Details

First Name Surname
Address

Postcode Date of Birth

Phone Home Mobile
Email

3. Emergency Contact Details(someone who doesn’t usually go boating with you)

Full Name
Relationship
Phone Home Mobile

4. Boat Details
Name Make
Model
Boat Type
Powerboat / Launch / Trailer Sailor / Yacht / RHIB / Dingy / Kayak / PWC (Jet Ski)

Equipment Carried
VHF(Fixed) / VHF(Handheld) / GPS(Fixed) / GPS Handheld / EPIRB / Fire Ext / Radar / SSB /
Flares / Chart plotter / Life Jackets

Hull Construction
F/glass / Aluminium / Steel / Wood / G/Ply / Ferro / Composite / Rubber / Plastic / Other

Length in metres

Engine Type O/B / I/B / Twin / Diesel / Petrol HP Aux Engine  HP

Trailered at Home  Trailered at

Trailer Rego No. Marina Mooring

Colour: Hull: Deck/Cabin

Trim Canopy Hardtop 
Sail Sail No Rig

Please indicate if your vessel is for commercial purposes:  MNZ #

.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO ALL OWNERS AND USERS OF MARINE RADIOS
To operate a marine VHF radio you are required to hold a minimum of a Marine VHF Operators Qualification.

To operate a MF/HF (Single Side Band) radio you are required to hold a minimum of a Maritime Restricted
Operator Certificate. An exception is made for radio use only in cases of genuine emergency or distress

To find out how to obtain these simple qualifications call CBES on 09 361 4700 (if within Auckland),
or 0800 40 80 90 or visit www.cbes.org.nz

All radio transmissions are required to be “individually identifiable”. Countries throughout the world have
adopted the Call Sign system as being the best option available.

Call signs are held on a national database and are used solely for Search and Rescue purposes.

Marine Radio Call Signs for recreational and commercial boats operating in New Zealand waters are available
from CBES, who maintain the database on behalf of the Radio Spectrum Management, a division of the Ministry
of Economic Development.

Should any of your personal details change or if you change vessels you must advise CBES of these
amendments. Call 09 361 4700 or 0800 40 80 90 to update.

When you sell your vessel you have 2 options:

You can keep the call sign; in which case you must inform the new owner that you are keeping the call sign
and that he/she must obtain a NEW call sign. OR You can let the call sign stay with the vessel

Monitoring of MF/HF Digital Select Calling (DSC) distress alerts in New Zealand
If a transmitter is fitted with MF/HF Digital Select Calling, a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) must
be obtained.

Please refer to Maritime New Zealand for rules concerning New Zealand vessels and DSC requirements.
Warning: VHF DSC should not be relied on as the sole means of calling for assistance when in distress in
New Zealand waters.
More information regarding MMSI numbers can be found at www.rsm.govt.nz or phone 0508 776 46
MROC Assessment Application Form

You must include a recent passport sized photograph and proof of identity
(copy of birth certificate, passport or driving licence), with this application.
Please attach
passport photo
All fields on this application must be complete for your certificate to be processed. here

Unit Standard Required Yes No NSI/NZQA Number:

(PLEASE COMPLETE FORM ON REVERSE)
Are you already a Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) client?

PERSONAL DETAILS This name will appear on your certificate. PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY.

Title: Surname:

First Names:

Postal Address:

Postcode:
Phone:
Home Mobile
Email:

Date of Birth: / / Place of Birth:

Gender: M F Country of Birth:

Complexion: Height (M):

Hair Colour: Eye Colour:

.

Please indicate if you would not like to receive any further information from CBES

I declare that the details provided on this form are correct and true to my knowledge:

Signature of Applicant: Date: / /

Additional payment of $20 required.

Credit Card : VISA / MASTERCARD

Card #: Security #

Expiry Date: __________________ Card Holders name:_____________________________

Amount: $____________________ Card Holders Signature:_________________________

Application for Unit Standard 19491 & 19492 (level 3, 5 credits)
Aligned with CBES MROC course

First Name: ______________________________________________

Surname: ______________________________________________

Date of Birth: ______________________________________________

National Student No: ______________________________________________

Certificate No: ______________________________________________

Issue Date: ______________________________________________

Postal Address: ______________________________________________

______________________________________________

Suburb: ______________________________________________

City: ___________________________ Postcode: __________

□ I enclose a cheque made out to CBES for $15.00

□ Please debit my credit card $15.00
□ Visa □ MasterCard
Number: ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___

Expiry: ___ ___ / ___ ___ Card Holders Name

Signature:

Please return with payment to: PO Box 91322 Victoria St West, Auckland 1142 Fax: 09 376 4775
Marine Radio VHF Call Sign Application
This form is for the registration of new Call Signs. This form must be returned with payment of $35
included for it to be processed (please turn over for payment details).
Enquiries and changes are free – call 0800 40 80 90 or set your Call Sign up online at www.cbes.org.nz.

1. Owner Details
First Name Surname
Address

Postcode Date of Birth

Phone Home Mobile
Email

2. Emergency Contact Details (someone who isn’t usually on the boat with you)
Full Name
Relationship
Phone Home Mobile

3. Boat Details
Name Make
Model
Boat Type
Powerboat / Launch / Trailer Sailor / Yacht / RHIB / Dingy / Kayak / PWC (Jet Ski)

Equipment Carried
VHF(Fixed) / VHF(Handheld) / GPS(Fixed) / GPS Handheld / EPIRB / Fire Ext / Radar / SSB /
Flares / Chart plotter / Life Jackets

Hull Construction
F/glass / Aluminium / Steel / Wood / G/Ply / Ferro / Composite / Rubber / Plastic / Other

Length in metres

Engine Type O/B / I/B / Twin / Diesel / Petrol HP Aux Engine  HP

Trailered at Home  Trailered at

Trailer Rego No. Marina Mooring

Colour: Hull Deck/Cabin

Trim Canopy Hardtop 
Sail Sail No Rig

Please indicate if you require an MMSI number for a DSC radio 

Please turn over for payment details

4. Payment

I ENCLOSE CHEQUE FOR $35.00 / PLEASE DEBIT MY CREDIT CARD (VISA/MASTERCARD ONLY)

VISA  MASTERCARD 

CARD NUMBER: ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ Security Code: ___ ___ ___

EXPIRY DATE: / __ CARD HOLDERS NAME:

SIGNATURE:

Please return with payment to: PO Box 91 322, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142 Fax: 09 376 4775

IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO ALL OWNERS AND USERS OF MARINE RADIOS

To operate a marine VHF radio you are required to hold a minimum of a Marine VHF Operators Qualification.

To operate a MF/HF (Single Side Band) radio you are required to hold a minimum of a Maritime Restricted
Operator Certificate. An exception is made for radio use only in cases of genuine emergency or distress

To find out how to obtain these simple qualifications call CBES on 09 361 4700 (if within Auckland),
or 0800 40 80 90 or visit www.cbes.org.nz

All radio transmissions are required to be “individually identifiable”. Countries throughout the world have
adopted the Call Sign system as being the best option available.

Call signs are held on a national database and are used solely for Search and Rescue purposes.

Marine Radio Call Signs for recreational and commercial boats operating in New Zealand waters are available
from CBES, who maintain the database on behalf of the Radio Spectrum Management, a division of the Ministry
of Economic Development.

Should any of your personal details change or if you change vessels you must advise CBES of these
amendments. Call 09 361 4700 or 0800 40 80 90 to update.

When you sell your vessel you have 2 options:

You can keep the call sign; in which case you must inform the new owner that you are keeping the call sign
and that he/she must obtain a NEW call sign. OR You can let the call sign stay with the vessel

Monitoring of MF/HF Digital Select Calling (DSC) distress alerts in New Zealand
If a transmitter is fitted with MF/HF Digital Select Calling, a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) must
be obtained.

Please refer to Maritime New Zealand for rules concerning New Zealand vessels and DSC requirements.
Warning: VHF DSC should not be relied on as the sole means of calling for assistance when in distress in
New Zealand waters.
More information regarding MMSI numbers can be found at www.rsm.govt.nz or phone 0508 776 463
 406 MHz Distress Beacon Registration
(Australian and New Zealand coded beacons only)

This form is to be used for registering 406MHz Distress Beacons that are coded with the
Australian or New Zealand country codes. Registration is FREE.
If you have a beacon coded with a foreign country code, or if you do not know what country
code has been used, then you will need advice, please contact the relevant authority on one
of the numbers shown below.

Australian users address all correspondence to: New Zealand users address all correspondence to:
Beacon Registration Section, AusSAR Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand
Australian Maritime Safety Authority PO Box 30050, Lower Hutt 6009
GPO Box 2181 Canberra City ACT 2601 Fax: +64 4 577 8041
Fax: International +61 2 9332 6323 Email: 406registry@maritimenz.govt.nz
Local 1800 406 329 Phone: +64 4 577 8033
Email: ausbeacon@amsa.gov.au AFTN: NZWNYCYX
Phone: +61 2 6279 5766 or 1800 406 406 Inmarsat-C: 582451200067

Information contained in this form is critical to your safety and to successful search and rescue (SAR) response:
• You may use this form to register a maritime distress beacon (EPIRB), an aviation distress beacon (ELT) or a personal
distress beacon (PLB).
• When entering information, you must include details in the following sections:
– Distress Beacon details;
– Re ason for registration;
– O wner/Operator details;
– S upplier details;
– 24 Hour Emergency contact details; and
– Vessel or aircraft details.

Definitions
ELT - Emergency Locator Transmitters are distress beacons that are fixed in aircraft.

EPIRB - Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons are for maritime use and designed to float upright in water.

PLB - Personal Locator Beacons may be used as personal distress beacons in all environments. They are not
designed to float upright in water but may be carried to supplement a vessel’s EPIRB.

PRIVACY STATEMENT
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) collects the information on this form for the purpose of enabling search and rescue.
AMSA is able to collect this information under s 6(1)(b) of the AMSA Act 1990.
The information may be passed to other government agencies assisting in search and rescue operations.

NZCAA 020
AMSA 6 (12/07)
 406 MHz Distress Beacon Registration
(Australian and New Zealand coded beacons only)
Reason for registration Old beacon’s Hex ID/UIN
New registration Updated information Replacement of beaconÆ
(eg. Change of address)
Distress beacon details
15 character unique identification (hexadecimal ident.) Manufacturer

Model Beacon Unit Serial No.

Type of beacon
EPIRB Æ Manually activated Automatically activated How many other beacons are fitted to the vessel/aircraft?
ELT Æ Manually activated Automatically activated How many other beacons are fitted to the vessel/aircraft?
PLB
Use of Beacon
Maritime Æ please ensure vessel details are completed below.
Aviation Æ please ensure aircraft details are completed below.
Land Æ Where use is land, please provide details of expected use eg. bushwalking, four wheel driving (vehicle make. model,
registration and colour).etc:

Owner/operator details
Name Postal address

Home telephone No. Work telephone No. Fax No. Mobile/other phone No. Email address

Supplier details
Name Business address

Telephone No. Fax No. Email address

24 Hour Contact
If possible, please supply 3 names; of which, one person must be contactable at all times; these people will be contacted if the beacon
is activated.
Contact 1 Contact 2 Contact 3
Name
Home telephone No.
Work telephone No.
Mobile No.

Vessel Details (if applicable) Aircraft Details (if applicable)

Name Aircraft registration/tail number

Call sign Registration No. Type of aircraft (owner’s description)

MMSI DWT (tonnes) Length (metres) Make/type (use ICAO abbreviation if known)
–
Home port Type of vessel (owner’s description) Satellite and/or mobile phone number used in
aircraft
Inmarsat No. Other satellite mobile No.

Type of radio fitted/carried Persons on board No. of liferafts

(HF/VHF/27MHz/UHF)

NZCAA 020
AMSA 6 (12/07)
ID Card Application Form

We would like to encourage you to further your boating knowledge by participating in further Boating Education courses.
Our programme includes core safety and navigation courses as well as specialty courses.

For further information on syllabi and dates phone 0800 40 80 90 or visit www.cbes.org.nz

Candidate Details Title: Mr / Mrs / Miss / Ms Date of Birth: / /

First name: Surname:

PLACE Street Address:
PHOTO
HERE Suburb:
FOR ID
City:
CARD
Postcode: Ph Day:

Email:

Circle As Required:

Wallet Sized ID Card $15.00 each(1 Qualification per card):

NZ Day Skipper / NZ Boatmaster / NZ Coastal Skipper / NZ Ocean Yachtmaster / NZ VHF Operator / NZ MROC(RRTOC)
*If ordering ‘wallet sized ID card’, please return this form with passport sized photo attached.

Certificate no: Date Issued: / /

Laminate Original Certificate $5.00 each:

NZ Day Skipper / NZ Boatmaster / NZ Coastal Skipper / NZ Ocean Yachtmaster / NZ VHF Operator / NZ MROC(RRTOC)
*If ordering ‘Laminate Original Certificate’, please return your certificate with this order.

Pennant $17.50 each:

NZ Day Skipper / NZ Boatmaster

Please find enclosed payment for above:

Visa / Mastercard

Card No : __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

Expiry Date: Cardholders Name:

Amount: $ Cardholders Signature:

Please return completed form to CBES: PO Box 91 322, Victoria St West, Auckland 1142. or Email to info@cbes.org.nz
Application for Unit Standard 19491 (level 3, 3 credits)
Aligned with CBES VHF course

First Name: ______________________________________________

Surname: ______________________________________________

Date of Birth: ______________________________________________

National Student No: ______________________________________________

Certificate No: ______________________________________________

Issue Date: ______________________________________________

Postal Address: ______________________________________________

______________________________________________

Suburb: ______________________________________________

City: ___________________________ Postcode: __________

□ I enclose a cheque made out to CBES for $10.00

□ Please debit my credit card $10.00
□ Visa □ MasterCard
Number: ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___

Expiry: ___ ___ / ___ ___ Card Holders Name

Signature:

Please return with payment to: PO Box 91322 Victoria St West, Auckland 1142 Fax: 09 376 4775