Contents: VHF radio
VHF broadcasts by state and territory authorities
The marine transport and safety agencies of the State and Northern Territory governments are responsible for the dissemination of maritime safety information, including weather information, for small craft (under 300 tonnes) on VHF radio.
For detailed explanation of arrangements, Australian maritime distress and safety services, and services that are to be provided by the State/Territory agencies in your area, see the following links.
Some state authority arrangements
| Location | VHF broadcaster | VHF channel |
|---|---|---|
| Darwin, NT | NT Dep. of Transport and Infrastructure | 67 |
| Torres Strait and Lockhart River, Qld | AMSA REEFVTS | 14 |
| Cooktown, Qld | AMSA REEFVTS | 11 |
| Townsville, Qld | Maritime Safety Queensland | 67 |
| Mackay, Qld | Maritime Safety Queensland | 67 |
| Tin Can Bay, Qld | Maritime Safety Queensland | 67 |
| Mooloolaba, Qld | Maritime Safety Queensland | 67 |
| Whyte I., Qld | Maritime Safety Queensland | 67 |
| Southport, Qld | Maritime Safety Queensland | 67 |
| Newcastle, NSW | NSW Maritime Authority | 67 |
| Sydney, NSW | NSW Maritime Authority | 67 |
| Port Kembla , NSW | NSW Maritime Authority | 67 |
| Melbourne, Vic | Marine Safety Victoria | 67 |
| Perth, WA | WA Water Police | 67 |
| Rottnest I., WA | WA Water Police | 67 |
Other sources of VHF marine weather broadcasts
VHF broadcasts from Bureau offices
The Bureau broadcasts VHF marine weather services to some areas in QLD and WA that do not have a state authority provider.
Queensland
| Station | Working VHF Frequency 1 | Broadcast Times (UTC) 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Townsville | 156.625/156.625MHz (ch72) | 2215, 0215, 0715 UTC (0815, 1215, 1715 EST) |
| Home Hill (controlled from Townsville) |
157.025/161.625MHz (ch80) | 2215, 0215, 0715 UTC (0815, 1215, 1715 EST) |
| Rockhampton |
157.050/161.650MHz (ch21) | 2120, 0210, 0705 UTC (0720, 1210, 1705 EST) |
| Rockhampton |
157.125/161.725MHz (ch82) | 2040, 0140, 0640 UTC (0640, 1140, 1640 EST) |
| Cairns | 157.075/161.675MHz (ch81) | 2145, 2345, 0145, 0545 UTC (0745, 0945, 1145, 1545 EST) |
| Mackay (Brampton Is) |
157.050/161.650MHz (ch21) | 2015, 0215, 0645 UTC (0615, 1215, 1645 EST) |
| Mackay (Knight Is) |
157.025/161.625MHz (ch80) | 2015, 0215, 0645 UTC (0615, 1215, 1645 EST) |
Western Australia
| Station | Working VHF Frequency 1 | Broadcast Times (UTC) 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Carnarvon | 156.675/156.675MHz (ch73) | 2205, 0405, 0805 UTC 0605, 1205, 1605 WST) |
| Esperance | 156.625/156.625MHz (ch72) | 2215, 0415, 0815 UTC (0615, 1215, 1615 WST) |
| Geraldton | 156.675/156.675MHz (ch73) | 2215, 0415, 0815 UTC (0615, 1215, 1615 WST) |
| Broome | 156.625/156.625MHz (ch72) | 2240, 0840 UTC (0640, 1640 WST) |
Broadcast notes
- Announcement is first made on 156.800/156.800MHz
(ch16) before moving to the working frequency. View information about Correct VHF Radio usage from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
- The broadcasts include local coastal waters forecasts, warnings
and observations. Provision is also made for mariners to call
in with questions or updates.
- Emission code is 16K0F3E (FM).
