Changes to VHF radio marine weather broadcasts in north Queensland

Maritime Safety Queensland and the Bureau of Meteorology advise that, as of 3 am Eastern Standard Time 1 December 2006, new arrangements for the broadcast of coastal waters weather forecasts in far north Queensland via VHF radio will be implemented as an interim arrangement. Weipa is not included in these broadcasts at this stage. Further advice will be issued when this service to Weipa is available.

Weather Forecasts
Broadcasts of coastal weather forecasts via Telstra's Seaphone network will cease on 30 November 2006. A service for mariners in far north Queensland will be provided by Maritime Safety Queensland with the support of the Bureau. The Bureau’s coastal waters forecasts will be broadcast twice a day according to the following schedule:

VHF broadcast schedule

About VHF channels 18 and 19
VHF channels 18 and 19 are dedicated channels for international shipping navigating the waters of the Great Barrier Reef. As an interim measure, these channels are available to broadcast weather information only. They are not to be used for 2 way communication between ships or to make requests of the operators based at Hay Point.

Weather Warnings
Marine wind warnings, when issued by the Bureau, will also be broadcast on the above channels at the above locations. This is an enhancement of previous formal services through Seaphone.

Making Use of Alternatives
The Bureau will continue to offer a comprehensive set of marine weather services on a 24/7 basis, including broadcasts via HF radio channels, and phone and internet-based services, which can also be obtained using satellite phone. The Bureau’s extensive website (www.bom.gov.au/marine) offers a more complete set of weather information which is accessible at any time before going to sea, or at sea where suitable onboard reception equipment is available.

More information about VHF marine weather broadcasts in far north Queensland is available from Maritime Safety Queensland. Visit the website at www.msq.qld.gov.au