RADIO

HANDBOOK
Your guide to marine communication

Operating your marine radio

DO use VHF channel 16 or the

DO use accepted operating

SSB frequency appropriate for

procedures and correct

your location for distress, safety

procedural words (known as

and calling. On cellphones,

prowords). Remember that

call 111 if there is an emergency

the other station may not use

and you are close to shore.

English as its first language.

DO replace your handset

DO be brief, because marine

correctly when not in use

radio is for shipping business

(open microphones are the

only. If you want to chat, use

main cause of serious

Citizen Band radio or

interference on VHF channels).

a cellphone.

DO listen before transmitting,

DO speak clearly and

to avoid causing interference

courteously.

to others.

DO wait for a reply to calls

DO use your vessels name

before transmitting again, or

and radio callsign.

before changing channels or

frequencies.

DONT make long

DONT operate your marine

transmissions. Remember that

radio in a way that endangers

you are blocking the frequency

or interferes with other people

or channel for other users.

or vessels.

DONT transmit false or

misleading messages. The
transmission of a false distress
message is an offence under
the Maritime Transport Act.

ALWAYS keep a listening watch on VHF channel 16.

The next life saved could be yours.

RADIO
HANDBOOK

Your guide to marine communication

Disclaimer: While all care and diligence has been used in

extracting, analysing and compiling this information, Maritime
New Zealand gives no warranty that the information provided
is without error.
Copyright Maritime NewZealand 2015 (Third Edition)
Parts of this publication may be reproduced, provided this
publication and Maritime NewZealand are acknowledged
as the source.
Maritime New Zealand
Level 11, 1 Grey Street
PO Box 25620, Wellington 6146
Website: maritimenz.govt.nz
To order more copies of this booklet, email your details to
epublications@maritimenz.govt.nz
ISBN 0-478-18816-1

CONTENTS
Introduction 3
Maritime Radio

How search and rescue is managed in New Zealand

How radio works

Radio waves

Frequency characteristics

Simplex and Semi-duplex VHF radio

Aerials (antennae)

10

Shielding 10
Distress calls

11

Distress, urgency and safety calls

11

Communicating distress

11

Distress procedure

12

Alarm signal

12

Distress call

13

Distress message

14

Acknowledging a distress message

15

Relaying a distress message

16

Controlling distress traffic

17

Resuming restricted working

18

Resuming normal working

18

Urgency signal and message

19

Safety signal and message

21

Emergency position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs)

22

Personal locator beacons (PLBs)

23

Summary Procedures for distress, urgency and safety communications 24

Using cellphones for distress and urgency calls

26

Using satellite telephones

27

Radio-telephone procedure

28

Procedural words (prowords)

29

Phonetic alphabet

32

Transmitting numbers (figures)

33

SSB frequencies and VHF channels

34

Using callsigns and IDs

38

Operating procedure

39

Silence period

40

Radio listening watch

40

Voyage or trip reports

41

Coverage and services

43

Maritime Radio: VHF and SSB

43

Maritime Radio VHF coverage

45

VHF broadcasts

46

Taupo Maritime Radio/ZLM (MF/HF)

47

MF/HF broadcasts

47

Warnings 49
Other weather information

50

Medical advice

50

Ionospheric Prediction Services (IPS)

50

Satellite safety services

51

Tsunami warnings in New Zealand

52

Other information

54

Medical evacuation (Medevac)

54

Sea rescue by helicopter

55

Working with a helicopter

56

Secrecy of correspondence

57

Transmissions in harbour

57

Testing radio apparatus

57

Interference 57
Offences and penalties

58

Useful contacts

59

Glossary of terms

61

Coastal weather forecast areas

65

VHF marine channels

67

Radio distress calling

68

INTRODUCTION

This handbook is a guide for operators of coastal and vessel* radio

stations, including operators of VHF (very high frequency) and SSB (single
sideband, also called MF/HF) radios. It provides information about:

how search and rescue is managed in New Zealand

distress, urgency and safety calls, including appropriate use of cellphones

radio-telephone procedures

coverage

useful contacts and terms.

Maritime Radio
For seafarers, their vessels radio is their main lifeline to land.
Maritime New Zealands Maritime Radio Service (Maritime Radio) is
responsible for maintaining VHF and HF radio services for New Zealands
coastal waters and much of the South Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea.
The services it provides include monitoring radio frequencies for distress
messages 24/7.
The region covered by the New Zealand Distress and Radio Safety Service
is known as NAVAREA XIV and includes 12.5 percent of the Earths ocean
surface. It extends from the middle of the Tasman Sea to the mid-Pacific
Ocean, and from Antarctica to south of the equator.

This handbook This handbook is a guide for operators of coastal and ves
vessel* ra

*Ship (vessel) station

radio
is Radio
a guide
forlocated
operators
coastal
and
Any
mobilestations,
radio stationincluding
in the Maritime
Service
on boardof
any
vessel that
is stations,
not permanently
moored.
including

RADIO HANDBOOK

NAVAREA regions
324S

XVI

10S
170E
29S

45S

120

180

120W

XIV

160E

XV

120

Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) is also responsible for broadcasting

Maritime Safety Information (MSI) within the NAVAREA. MSI includes
meteorological information, coastal and oceanic navigational warnings,
ice accretion warnings and ionospheric prediction forecasts.
The service provided by MNZ is complemented by a network of
volunteer private radio operators located around New Zealand and its
offshore islands. The network is monitored at all times by staff working
at the Maritime Operations Centre (MOC), co-located with the Rescue
Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) in the Hutt Valley.
The Maritime Radio Service comprises 30 coastal VHF stations. Of these
stations, 28 provide VHF radio coverage throughout the coastal waters
of New Zealand. The other two stations provide VHF radio coverage in
the coastal waters of the Chatham Islands. There is also an oceanic
MF/HF radio station located east of Lake Taupo.
All stations are linked to the MOC. It coordinates the transmission of all
MSI on voice HF and VHF, as well as navigational warnings broadcast
over the Inmarsat SafetyNET satellite system. The scheduled broadcast
times, channels and frequencies are shown on pages 4648.
The MOC also provides these services to mariners:

telephone patch and message relay facilities for search and rescue
and medical purposes on VHF and SSB

MARITIMENZ.GOVT.NZ

reception and processing on VHF and MF/HF (SSB) of:

trip reports (TRs)

ships meteorological observations

incoming clearance requests from Customs and the

Ministry for Primary Industries.

How search and rescue is managed

in New Zealand
Search and rescue regions
SRR
HONOLULU

SRR
NAURU
SRR
FIJI

HONIARA

SRR
SOLOMON
ISLANDS

SRR
TAHITI

TOKELAU
SAMOA

NADI

NIUE

COOK IS
PAPEETE

TONGA

NOUMEA

KERMADEC IS
NORFOLK IS

WELLINGTON

SRR
AUSTRALIA

SRR
NEW ZEALAND

SRR
EASTER ISLAND

McMURDO

ANTARCTICA

Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand

Search and rescue region (SRR) boundaries

RADIO HANDBOOK

The RCCNZ is responsible for coordinating all major aviation and

maritime search and rescue missions within the New Zealand search
and rescue region (SRR). The region extends halfway to Australia, halfway
to Chile, and from south of the equator to Antarctica.
RCCNZ is also responsible for coordinating land-based missions when
an emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) or personal
locator beacon (PLB) is activated.
All search and rescue efforts coordinated by RCCNZ are called
Category II incidents. These incidents arise because an aircraft, vessel or
person is in distress, and often require national and international civil and
military resources. There are at least two fully qualified search and rescue
officers (SAROs) on watch at RCCNZ at any time.
The New Zealand Police are responsible for coordinating Category I
incidents, which include many maritime search and rescue missions
close to shore. Category I incidents also include land-based search and
rescue efforts that do not arise from a distress beacon being activated.
RCCNZ frequently provides support and advice to the New Zealand
Police during Category I search and rescue incidents.
Further information about RCCNZ can be found on Maritime New Zealands
website at maritimenz.govt.nz. If you need advice or assistance,
freephone 0508 472 269 or email rccnz@maritimenz.govt.nz.
RCCNZ is also the repository for 406MHz emergency beacon
registrations. Registration is free register at beacons.org.nz/registration.

MARITIMENZ.GOVT.NZ

HOW RADIO WORKS

Radio waves
Radio transmitters work by supplying a rapidly changing electrical current
to an aerial (antenna), to create a changing electromagnetic field. The
speed at which these currents change controls the speed at which the
electromagnetic field around the aerial changes. This is measured in
hertz (Hz).
1Hz

1 hertz

1 cycle per second

1kHz

1 kilohertz

1 thousand cycles per second

1MHz

1 megahertz

1 million cycles per second

1GHz

1 gigahertz

1 billion cycles per second

Consider the image of a pebble dropped into a pond, with the pebble
representing the transmitter. The radiating ripples represent the
fluctuating electromagnetic fields. These fields are called radio waves,
and they radiate out from the aerial at the speed of light.
Marine VHF radio operates at a frequency of approximately 156MHz,
while MF/HF (single sideband or SSB) radios operate at frequencies from
about 2MHz to 22MHz.

Frequency characteristics
The different frequencies have different characteristics for specific
purposes, and are subdivided into bands:

RADIO HANDBOOK

Frequency range

Band classification

Band abbreviation

1030kHz

Very low frequency

VLF

30300kHz

Low frequency

LF

3003000kHz (3MHz)

Medium frequency

MF

330MHz

High frequency

HF

30300MHz

Very high frequency

VHF

3003000MHz (3GHz)

Ultra-high frequency

UHF

3GHz30GHz

Super-high frequency

SHF

VHF radio waves travel in a straight line and do not bend to any great
extent over hills, headlands or the horizon. VHF radio is used for local
transmissions, but aerials must be in sight of each other (meaning they
have line of sight).
MF radio waves have a greater tendency to follow the Earths curvature.
They suit medium-range navigational aids, regional broadcasting
and medium-range communications because they can travel around
obstructions and over the horizon.
HF radio waves do not bend over the horizon, but use a layer of the
Earths atmosphere (the ionosphere) to reflect radio waves back to Earth.
The ionospheres properties vary throughout the day, but it is most stable
shortly before sunrise and just after sunset. These are particularly good
times for SSB communications in the HF band.
During the daytime, SSB transmissions are not as reliable, due to
the suns effect on the ionosphere. In general, higher frequencies such
as 12MHz or 16MHz achieve better communications during daylight,
while lower frequencies such as 4MHz or 6MHz work better at night.
The distance between stations is also a factor, with higher frequencies
(8MHz and higher) providing better results at longer ranges.

MARITIMENZ.GOVT.NZ

Simplex and semi-duplex VHF radio

Simplex means both stations use the same frequency for transmitting
and receiving. All channel 16 transmissions are simplex.
Simplex radio
A
B: Direct communication possible
A
C: Direct communication not possible
B
A

Semi-duplex uses a third (repeater) station, normally located on a

mountain or similarly elevated location. The repeater receives the
incoming signal and simultaneously retransmits it on a different
frequency. To do this, semi-duplex uses two frequencies, one to transmit
and another to receive through a repeater.
Semi-duplex radio
A
C: Communication possible via repeater

Because VHF signals will not pass through land masses, a repeater
may be placed on a hilltop so that stations on opposite sides can
communicate with each other. By elevating the repeater station, vessels
up to about 70 miles apart can communicate, even though the line of
sight between the vessels may be less than 10 miles.

RADIO HANDBOOK

Aerials (antennae)
The approximate distance in miles from an aerial to the horizon is
calculated in this way:
Distance = 1.2 aerial height (metres) x 3
Note: the aerial height in the formula is the height above sea level.
Two aerials will be in range of each other when their distances overlap.
Not all aerials radiate power equally in all directions, and a single whip
(dipole) aerial mounted vertically at the vessels masthead will usually
provide the best 360 coverage.

Shielding
Aerials should be positioned to avoid being shielded by superstructure,
masts and similar structures that could interfere with the radio waves
as they radiate from the aerial. The masthead is usually the best
location because aerials are less prone to damage there and the range
is maximised.

10

MARITIMENZ.GOVT.NZ

DISTRESS CALLS

Channel 16 is the international VHF channel for maritime distress

and hailing (calling).

Distress, urgency and safety calls

Special calls are used in cases of distress, urgency and safety, and
must be properly understood and used.
DISTRESS: the radio-telephone distress signal MAYDAY is used to
indicate that a vessel, aircraft or person is in grave and imminent
danger and requires immediate assistance.
URGENCY: the radio-telephone urgency signal PAN PAN is used to
indicate that a vessel has a very urgent message to transmit about
its safety (such as loss of steering).
SAFETY: the radio-telephone safety signal SCURIT (pronounced
say-cure-ee-tay) is used to indicate that the calling station has an
important navigational or meteorological warning to transmit.

Communicating distress
A station in distress may use any means at its disposal to attract
attention, make its position known and obtain help.
Use of MAYDAY is prohibited except to indicate distress.
The distress call has absolute priority over all other transmissions.
All vessels and coastal stations hearing it must immediately cease all

RADIO HANDBOOK

11

transmissions that could interfere with the distress communications,

and must maintain a listening watch on the frequency being used.
Distress calls and distress messages should usually be sent only on the
authority of the vessels master or skipper, or the person responsible for
the station.
Stations monitoring distress communications should exercise great care
not to interfere with the transmissions of the station in distress or with
other assisting stations.
When MAYDAY is not warranted but urgency is required for the safety
of the vessel or person, the urgency signal PAN PAN should be used.
Distress and urgency calls and messages must be cancelled if
assistance is no longer required or when the incident is over.

Distress procedure
The distress procedure follows this sequence:

alarm signal (if available)

distress call

distress message.

These frequencies are dedicated to distress, safety and calling:

VHF radio distress calls, transmitted on channel 16

SSB distress calls, transmitted on 2182kHz, 4125kHz, 6215kHz,

8291kHz, 12290kHz or 16420kHz.

Alarm signal
The radio-telephone alarm signal is only used on single sideband (SSB)
transmissions on 2182kHz, 4125kHz or 6215kHz (but not all SSB radios
are fitted with an alarm signal generator). It consists of two different
audio frequency tones, transmitted alternately, producing a distinctive
warbling sound.

12

MARITIMENZ.GOVT.NZ

The purpose of this signal is to attract the attention of the person on radio
watch or to activate an automatic receiver alarm (if fitted). It should be sent
continuously for at least 30 seconds, but not for longer than one minute.
It may be used only:

to announce that a distress call or message is about to follow

to announce the loss of someone overboard when the assistance of

other vessels is required (in this case, the message must be preceded
by the distress signal and the alarm signal should not be repeated by
other stations)

by an authorised coastal station transmitting an urgent cyclone

warning, preceded by the safety signal.

Any radio-telephone alarm signal transmitted by a coastal station is

followed by a single tone for 10 seconds.

Distress call
Switch to full power.
The radio-telephone distress call is the distress signal MAYDAY
(spoken three times), the words THIS IS, the name of the vessel
in distress (spoken three times) and its callsign (spoken once).
This message consists of:

the distress signal MAYDAY three times

the name (three times) and callsign (once) of the vessel in distress.

RADIO HANDBOOK

13

Distress message
The distress call should be followed immediately by the distress message.
This message consists of:

the distress signal MAYDAY

the name (three times) and callsign (once) of the vessel in distress

the distress signal MAYDAY and the name and callsign (once) of the
vessel in distress

the vessels position (either in terms of latitude and longitude, or

as a true bearing and distance from a charted geographical point)

nature of the distress and type of assistance required

number of people on board

any other information that may help the rescue, such as the sea
conditions and description of the vessel

the word OVER.

Example

Switch to VHF channel 16 or SSB 2182kHz, 4125kHz, 6215kHz.

Switch to full power.

On SSB, send an alarm signal if available.

MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY.

THIS IS ALBATROSS, ALBATROSS, ALBATROSS ZM1726.

MAYDAY ALBATROSS ZM1726 FIVE NAUTICAL MILES WEST

OF KAPITI ISLAND HOLED AND LISTING HEAVILY, ENGINE
ROOM FLOODED REQUIRE IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE
THREE PEOPLE ON BOARD SEAS ROUGH.

OVER.

Important: Listen on the same frequency for an acknowledgement.

14

MARITIMENZ.GOVT.NZ

Acknowledging a distress message

Any station hearing a distress call and message should write
it down. Inform the officer of the watch, skipper or master immediately.
If no immediate response is heard from a shore station, acknowledge
the distress call and take all possible steps to attract the attention of
other stations that may be able to help.
A message acknowledging a distress call should take the following form:

the distress signal MAYDAY

the name (three times) and callsign (once) of the vessel sending
the distress message

the words THIS IS

the name (three times) and callsign (once) of the station

acknowledging receipt

the word RECEIVED

the distress signal MAYDAY

the word OVER.

Example

MAYDAY.

ALBATROSS, ALBATROSS, ALBATROSS ZM1726.

THIS IS BLUE DUCK, BLUE DUCK, BLUE DUCK ZM1983.

RECEIVED MAYDAY.

If there is any doubt about the vessels position, repeat the

position back to confirm it.

OVER.

RADIO HANDBOOK

15

Relaying a distress message

In most cases, a vessel or coastal station re-transmits a distress
message to summon further assistance. This message consists of:

the signal MAYDAY RELAY (three times)

the words ALL STATIONS (three times)

the words THIS IS

the name (three times) and callsign (once) of the relaying station

the distress message, as broadcast by the vessel in distress

the word OVER.

When using SSB, use the alarm signal (if available).

Example

MAYDAY RELAY, MAYDAY RELAY, MAYDAY RELAY.

ALL STATIONS, ALL STATIONS, ALL STATIONS.

THIS IS BLUE DUCK, BLUE DUCK, BLUE DUCK ZM1983.

MAYDAY ALBATROSS ZM1726 FIVE MILES WEST OF KAPITI

ISLAND HOLED AND LISTING HEAVILY, ENGINE ROOM
FLOODED REQUIRE IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE THREE
PEOPLE ON BOARD SEAS ROUGH .

OVER.

In cases where the distress message is repeated on a frequency other

than that used by the vessel in distress, an indication should be given
of the frequency used and the time the message was received.

Example

Follow the initial procedures as outlined above, then:

FOLLOWING RECEIVED ON CHANNEL 60 AT 0930 MAYDAY

ALBATROSS ZM1726 FIVE MILES WEST OF KAPITI ISLAND
(and so on).

OVER.

16

MARITIMENZ.GOVT.NZ

Controlling distress traffic

The control of radio distress traffic is the responsibility of the vessel
in distress or the station relaying a distress message. In most cases
these stations will transfer control to Maritime Radio and RCCNZ is
immediately advised.
Although maritime radio stations cover New Zealand waters, there may
be situations when another station has to control the distress traffic.
In all cases, the controlling station should inform search and rescue
authorities, usually via Maritime Radio. Coordination of any search and
rescue (SAR) will then pass to RCCNZ or the New Zealand Police, the two
legally constituted SAR coordinating authorities in New Zealand.
If necessary, the station in distress or the station in control of the distress
traffic may impose silence on other stations in the area, using the signal
SEELONCE MAYDAY, followed by its own name and callsign. Other
stations near the vessel in distress may, if necessary, impose silence
by using the signal SEELONCE DISTRESS.

Example

SEELONCE MAYDAY (followed by the station or vessel name and

callsign). Used by the station in distress or the controlling station
(normally Taupo Maritime Radio) to impose silence.

Example

SEELONCE DISTRESS (followed by the vessels own name and

callsign). Used by other stations, or vessels near the distressed
vessel, to impose silence.

RADIO HANDBOOK

17

Resuming restricted working

When complete silence is no longer necessary on a frequency being
used for radio distress traffic, the controlling station will transmit on
that frequency a message addressed to ALL STATIONS, indicating that
restricted working may be resumed with caution.

Example

MAYDAY.

ALL STATIONS, ALL STATIONS, ALL STATIONS.

THIS IS TAUPO MARITIME RADIO, TAUPO MARITIME RADIO,

TAUPO MARITIME RADIO, ZULU LIMA MIKE
0930 (time of the message) ALBATROSS ZM1726.

PRUDONCE.

OUT.

Resuming normal working

When distress communications have ceased, the controlling station will
transmit a message addressed to ALL STATIONS, indicating that normal
working may be resumed.

Example

MAYDAY.

ALL STATIONS, ALL STATIONS, ALL STATIONS.

THIS IS TAUPO MARITIME RADIO, ZULU LIMA MIKE

0940 (time of the message) ALBATROSS ZM1726.

SEELONCE FEENEE.

OUT.

18

MARITIMENZ.GOVT.NZ

Important: the radio watch and contact with the vessel in distress
should continue until all activity has ended. A distress or urgency call
can be cancelled by transmitting a message advising that assistance
is no longer required. After that time, a normal listening watch should
be maintained.
When circumstances change, a vessel that has broadcast a MAYDAY
may change the message to a PAN PAN when grave and imminent
danger has passed. A PAN PAN can also be upgraded to a MAYDAY
if a situation deteriorates.

Urgency signal and message

The radio-telephone urgency signal is PAN PAN (spoken three times)
and indicates that the calling station has a very urgent message to
transmit about the safety or operational capability of a vessel, or about
a person in difficulty. Medical emergencies are normally designated as
PAN PAN messages.
The urgency signal has priority over all other communications except
distress. All stations hearing it must take care not to interfere with the
transmission of the message that follows.
The urgency message may be addressed either to ALL STATIONS
or to an INDIVIDUAL STATION. As soon as the station responsible
for transmitting the urgency message knows that action is no longer
necessary, it must cancel the message.
The urgency signal and message should be sent on any international
distress frequency or channel for radio-telephone. In the case of a long
message or medical call, the caller should change to a working frequency.

RADIO HANDBOOK

19

Example

Switch to full power.

Use VHF channel 16 or SSB 2182kHz, 4125kHz, 6215kHz,

8291kHz, 12290kHz or 16420kHz (or any other frequency where it
is known that a coastal station or vessel is keeping watch).

PAN PAN, PAN PAN, PAN PAN.

ALL STATIONS, ALL STATIONS, ALL STATIONS.

THIS IS ALBATROSS, ALBATROSS, ALBATROSS ZM1726

FIVE NAUTICAL MILES WEST OF KAPITI ISLAND
DISMASTED AND DRIFTING REQUIRE TOW SEA SMOOTH
NO IMMEDIATE DANGER.

THERE ARE (number of people) ON BOARD.

OVER.

Important: Listen on the same frequency for an acknowledgement.

20

MARITIMENZ.GOVT.NZ

Safety signal and message

The radio-telephone safety signal SCURIT (say-cure-ee-tay) is
spoken three times. This indicates that the coastal station or vessel is
about to transmit a message containing an important navigational or
meteorological warning.
Navigational and meteorological warnings are broadcast by Maritime
Radio stations as soon as possible after they have been received,
then repeated following the next silence period (for SSB only), and at
scheduled times (as shown on pages 4648), until they are cancelled
or replaced.
The safety signal and call should normally be sent on VHF channel 16,
SSB 2182kHz, 4125kHz or 6215kHz, and the safety message that follows
is transmitted on a working frequency.
Safety messages are usually addressed to ALL STATIONS, but in some
cases may be addressed to a particular station.

Example

SCURIT, SCURIT, SCURIT.

ALL STATIONS, ALL STATIONS, ALL STATIONS.

THIS IS TAUPO MARITIME RADIO, TAUPO MARITIME RADIO,

TAUPO MARITIME RADIO, ZULU LIMA MIKE.

LISTEN 2207kHz (working frequency) FOR (type of warning

message).

OUT.

RADIO HANDBOOK

21

Emergency position-indicating radio

beacons (EPIRBs)
All vessels should carry a 406MHz EPIRB.
EPIRBs are designed to alert authorities that someone is in distress and
to provide a homing signal for searching aircraft. EPIRBs operate on the
406MHz frequency, with a low-power homing signal on 121.5MHz.
The Cospas-Sarsat international satellite system for search and rescue
monitors only the 406MHz frequency. The system covers the entire world,
with information collected by satellites passed on to ground
stations. For New Zealand, these alerts are received by
RCCNZ at its base in Lower Hutt near Wellington.
Each 406MHz EPIRB transmits a unique identification
number (called a Hex ID or UIN). Provided this
number is registered with RCCNZ, the identity
of the vessel and its owner will be known, and
a search and rescue officer will immediately call
the people registered as their contacts.
Once activated, an EPIRB should be left running
continuously until the rescue is completed.
Do not turn the EPIRB off, because RCCNZ search
and rescue officers will be responding to the alert,
to determine your position and the nature of
the distress.
There is a link on the home page of MNZs website
to register your 406MHz beacon. Registration is
free, confidential and required by law under
Maritime Rule 43.29.

22

MARITIMENZ.GOVT.NZ

It is vital for search and rescue efforts that RCCNZ is notified of any
changes of vessel or 406MHz EPIRB ownership. If you need to check
or update your beacon details, phone the RCCNZ Beacon Administrator
on (04) 577 8034 or 0508 406 111.
Important: Great care should be taken to avoid accidentally activating
a beacon. Beacons should be stowed correctly, and not stored or
disposed of without first removing the batteries.
Most cases of accidental activation occur when an EPIRB is dumped at
a rubbish tip, thrown in a cupboard, or has gear stowed on top of it.
These transmissions may interfere with genuine distress signals, and
locating the source of them can be very costly and time consuming.
In the event of a beacon being accidentally activated, immediately contact
RCCNZ on freephone 0508 472 269 or Maritime Radio on (04) 550 5280 or
in-use VHF or HF channel.
Leave the beacon active until RCCNZ or Police have been spoken to and
made aware of the situation, and you have been instructed to switch it off.

Personal locator beacons

(PLBs)
PLBs also operate on the 406MHz frequency, with
a low-power 121.5MHz homing signal. Although
they are used extensively by trampers (hikers)
and frequently as personal beacons on small
craft, PLBs are not designed for use in the marine
environment because:

some do not float

once activated, they usually operate for

24 hours (rather than an EPIRBs 72 hours
of operation).

RADIO HANDBOOK

23

Summary Procedures for distress,

urgency and safety communications
Type of call
Radio type

Distress

Distress
acknowledgement

Distress relay

Distress
channel

VHF only

Channel 16

Channel 16

Channel 16

Is an alarm
signal sent
(if fitted)?

SSB only

Yes, for
3060 seconds
2182kHz (vessels);
4125kHz and
6215kHz (coastal
radio stations)

No

Yes
+ 10-second tone
by coastal station

Call

VHF and
SSB

MAYDAY
MAYDAY
MAYDAY.
THIS IS
name,
name,
name,
callsign.

MAYDAY.
Name
name,
name,
callsign.

MAYDAY RELAY
MAYDAY RELAY
MAYDAY RELAY.
ALL STATIONS
ALL STATIONS
ALL STATIONS.
THIS IS
name,
name,
name,
callsign.

Message

VHF and
SSB

MAYDAY.
Name, callsign,
position, nature
of distress, help
required, number
of people on board,
vessel description,
weather, sea state,
etc.
OVER.

THIS IS
name,
name,
name,
callsign (of
acknowledging
vessel).
RECEIVED
MAYDAY.
OVER.

MAYDAY.
Name,
callsign (of vessel
in distress).
Distress message.
OVER.

Remarks

VHF and
SSB

Write the message

down.
Listen on same
frequency as
MAYDAY received.
Must be cancelled if
no longer required.

24

MARITIMENZ.GOVT.NZ

If repeated
on a different
frequency, say
THE FOLLOWING
RECEIVED ON
channel/frequency
and repeat the
distress message.

Type of call
Radio type

Resumption of
restricted/full
working

Urgency

Safety (important
navigation or
meteorological
warning)

Distress
channel

VHF and
SSB

Channel 16 SSB
2182kHz, 4125kHz,
6215kHz

Channel 16

Channel 16, then

working channel

Is an alarm
signal sent
(if fitted)?

SSB only

No

Yes

Yes (also urgent

cyclone warning)

Call

VHF and
SSB

MAYDAY.
ALL STATIONS
ALL STATIONS
ALL STATIONS.
THIS IS
name,
callsign (of the
coastal station),
time, name and
callsign (of vessel
in distress).

PAN PAN
PAN PAN
PAN PAN.
ALL STATIONS
ALL STATIONS
ALL STATIONS.
Or:
Specific station
Specific station
Specific station.

SCURIT
SCURIT
SCURIT.
ALL STATIONS
ALL STATIONS
ALL STATIONS.
THIS IS
name,
callsign.
LISTEN working
frequency FOR
type of warning.

PRUDONCE
(for restricted
working)
or

URGENT
MESSAGE.

Message

VHF and
SSB

THIS IS
name,
callsign.

ALL STATIONS
ALL STATIONS
ALL STATIONS.
THIS IS
name, callsign,
warning message.

SEELONCE
FEENEE.
OUT.
(for normal working).
Remarks

VHF and
SSB

Listen on same
frequency.
Must be cancelled
if no longer
required.

RADIO HANDBOOK

25

Using cellphones for distress

and urgency calls
There are serious limitations on using a cellphone rather than a marine radio:

Many areas do not have cellphone coverage or have limited offshore range.

Changes in the density of traffic using a cellphone site onshore

can change phone coverage without warning, meaning a cellphone
cannot be fully relied on to provide communication in the event of an
emergency.

Cellphones can only provide person-to-person communications.

They cannot broadcast and are not a substitute for a properly installed
marine radio with a trained operator.

Nearby vessels are in the best position to provide assistance in many

emergencies, but they will be unaware of an emergency unless VHF
radio and/or flares are used. However, a cellphone sealed in a plastic
bag is a useful back-up to marine radio in areas where there is good
coverage, and may provide life-saving communications.

If you are going to be using a cellphone, keep a phone charger on board

and carry a spare battery, because your phone will use more power if
you are a long distance from a cellphone site. While at sea, use power
conservation features (if available).
Put your cellphone in a waterproof plastic bag to protect it in case of the
vessel capsizing or being swamped. It can be used while still inside the
bag without losing signal strength. Keep your cellphone on you or clipped
to your lifejacket, so you can access it in an emergency or if you end up in
the water without warning.

26

MARITIMENZ.GOVT.NZ

If you use a cellphone to call for assistance, follow these instructions:

Dial 111 for distress or urgency messages.

Provide emergency services with:

the name and a brief description of the vessel

cellphone number

vessels location or position

nature of the problem and assistance required

number of people on board

the skippers name, home address and landline phone number

any other relevant information.

Dont hang up after talking to search and rescue services, unless you
are instructed to do so.

Keep the line free for access by search and rescue services.

Conserve the cellphones battery as much as you can.

Using satellite telephones

Satellite telephones provide global
coverage and are a better option than
cellphones, but calls from these are
more expensive. Freephone numbers
do not work on satellite telephones.
To contact RCCNZ, phone
(00 64 4) 577 8030. If your phone has
a speed dial or voice command facility,
save this number onto the phone before
you set out.

RADIO HANDBOOK

27

RADIO-TELEPHONE
PROCEDURE
Radio communications use specific words (procedural words or
prowords) and abbreviations. It is important for all marine radio
operators to use the correct procedure and prowords.
The recipient of your call may not have English as their first language, and
by following international conventions and using prowords you are more
likely to be understood. Safety or lives may depend on using clear
communication.
Follow this process for ordinary radio communications:

Turn the radio on, adjust the volume and squelch, and select a channel.

Listen. Others may be using the channel for messages more urgent
than your own.

Think. Prepare what you are going to say before you transmit, and
keep your message brief.

When not transmitting, ensure you do not hold down the transmit
switch (Push to Talk or PTT). If this switch is jammed or held down by
mistake, it prevents any other person from transmitting any messages
on your selected frequency or channel, and your radio cannot receive.

Speak simply and clearly, using the correct prowords.

Avoid using local names, terms and jargon, which will cause confusion.

WARNING: some marine radios are equipped with a VHF DSC facility.
DSC signals from these radios are not processed bythe New Zealand
Maritime Radionetwork. Other, similarly equipped, radios within VHF
range may be able to receive and interpret these signals but this cannot
be guaranteed. In New Zealand coastal waters, voice must be used for
distress and urgency messages.

28

MARITIMENZ.GOVT.NZ

Procedural words (prowords)

It is essential that all stations use the correct terms when using their
radio. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) have developed a system of prowords
over many decades that are used primarily to promote safety at sea.
Prowords aid comprehension and precision for mariners, whose first
language may not be English. These words are taught to student
operators around the world.
In recent years, other terms that are not prowords have been introduced
in New Zealand and other nations, and in some cases are quite widely
used. Some of these additional terms are local in origin and others
come from American Citizen Band radio and amateur (ham) radio, but
they are not appropriate for maritime communications.
Use only the IMO/ITU prowords listed below, without exception.
Proword

Meaning

Affirmative

Yes. You are correct. What you have transmitted

is correct.

All after

The portion of the message to which I refer is that

portion which follows

All before

The portion of the message to which I refer is that

portion which precedes

Correction

I have made a mistake; this version following is the

correct one

Disregard, out

This transmission is in error disregard it.

Figures

A group of one or more characters, the first of which

is a numeral, follows

From

The originator of this message follows

RADIO HANDBOOK

29

Proword

Meaning

Initial(s)

A group of one or more characters, the first of them

a letter, follows

I read back

The following is a response to your instruction

Read back

I say again

I am repeating the transmission or portion

indicated

I spell

I will spell the next word phonetically

MAYDAY

A vessel or person is in grave and imminent danger.

(three times)
Negative

Not received. No.

Nothing heard

The station called did not respond.

Out

Ending transmission no answer is required or

expected.

Over

End of my transmission I am ready for your reply.

(Over and Out are NEVER used together by
one station.)

PAN PAN

I have urgent traffic or an urgent situation.

(three times)
Radio check

The caller is requesting confirmation that their radio

is working and an indication of strength and clarity.
(The response is given on a scale of 15 for both,
with 1 being the least. A typical response might be
4 by 4.)

Roger

I have received and understand your last

transmission. (Does not mean Yes or
Permission granted.)

Say again

Repeat all of your last transmission.

(Response: I SAY AGAIN.)

30

MARITIMENZ.GOVT.NZ

Proword

Meaning

SCURIT

I have a navigation problem. I am expecting a state

(three times)

of emergency to develop, or I have information

relating to a hazard to navigation.

This is

This transmission is from the station whose name

and callsign follow

Time

Following is the time or date/time group of this

message

To

To the following addressee(s) for action

Unknown station

The identity of the station is unknown. Identify and

say again.

Wait

I must pause for a few seconds. Do not transmit yet.

Wilco

I will cooperate. (Not the same as Roger and

must not be used together. Only to be used by the
addressee.)

Word (or all)

The word(s) I did not receive is (are) the word

after

(or all) after

Word (or all)

The word(s) I did not receive is (are) the word

before

(or all) before

RADIO HANDBOOK

31

Phonetic alphabet
When you need to spell out callsigns, words and other information,
use this format:
Letter

Word

Spoken as

Letter

Word

Spoken as

Alpha

AL FAH

November NO VEM BER

Bravo

BRAH VOH

Oscar

OSS CAR

Charlie

CHAR LEE

Papa

PAH PAH

Delta

DELL TAH

Quebec

KEH BECK

Echo

ECK OH

Romeo

ROW ME OH

Foxtrot

FOKS TROT

Sierra

SEE AIR RAH

Golf

GOLF

Tango

TANG GO

Hotel

HOH TELL

Uniform

YOU NEE
FORM or OO
NEE FORM

India

IN DEE AH

Victor

VIK TAH

Juliet

JEW LEE

Whiskey

WISS KEY

ETT
K

Kilo

KEY LOH

X-ray

ECKS RAY

Lima

LEE MAH

Yankee

YANG KEY

Mike

MIKE

Zulu

ZOO LOO

Emphasised syllables are shown in blue text.

32

MARITIMENZ.GOVT.NZ

Transmitting numbers (figures)

When transmitted by radio, numbers can become garbled and then are
incorrectly recorded by the receiving station. Numbers (referred to by
the proword figures) should be transmitted as a series of single-digit
numbers.
Number

Word

Spoken as

Zero

ZEE ROH

One

Number

Word

Spoken as

Six

SIX

WUN

Seven

SEV EN

Two

TOO

Eight

AIT

Three

TREE

Nine

NINE ER

Four

FOH WER

DECIMAL Decimal

DAY SEE
MAL

Five

FIFE

Emphasised syllables are shown in bold text.

Example

You are in distress and your GPS shows you are in the following
position:
43 45.97S, 174 52.48E.

The position should be transmitted as:

WE ARE IN 4 3 DEGREES 4 5 DECIMAL 9 7
MINUTES SOUTH;
1 7 4 DEGREES 5 2 DECIMAL 4 8 MINUTES EAST.

RADIO HANDBOOK

33

SSB frequencies and VHF channels

All vessels licensed to operate in the marine frequency bands between
1605kHz and 2850kHz must be able to transmit and receive on 2182kHz.
Distress, urgency and safety calls should be made on this frequency.
The 2182kHz frequency is also the general calling (hailing) and reply
frequency when establishing communication with vessels and coastal
stations, and is used by coastal stations to announce the transmission
of safety information and lists of current messages.
Except for distress and urgency, all communications should be carried out
on a working or inter-ship frequency, leaving 2182kHz available for such
calls. Safety traffic should also be transmitted on a working frequency.

34

MARITIMENZ.GOVT.NZ

New Zealand SSB frequencies in medium and

high-frequency bands (MF/HF)
Supplementary calling frequency

2045kHz

Supplementary ship-to-ship frequency

2068kHz

Inter-ship working frequency (for use after communication

2456kHz

has been established on 2182kHz or 2045kHz)

2638kHz
2068kHz

Harbour authority working frequency

2162kHz
2012kHz

Working frequencies for exchanging messages between

2480kHz

private coastal stations and ships (after communication

2444kHz

has been established on 2182kHz or 2045kHz)

For communication with coastal stations providing

2089kHz

communication for aquatic sporting events (also used by

2129kHz

land stations providing communication for sporting events)

Working frequencies between coastal and ship stations,

4146kHz

or inter-ship (after initial contact has been established

4417kHz

on 4125kHz)
Working frequencies between coastal and ship stations,

6224kHz

or inter-ship (after initial contact has been established

6227kHz

on 6215kHz)
Working frequencies for exchanging messages between

2207kHz

Taupo Maritime Radio and ships (after communication has

4146kHz

been established on a calling frequency)

6224kHz
8297kHz
12356kHz
16531kHz

RADIO HANDBOOK

35

International distress and calling frequencies

in medium and high-frequency bands (MF/HF)
The international distress, safety and calling frequency for

2182kHz

radio-telephony
ALWAYS KEEP A LISTENING WATCH ON THIS CHANNEL
The international distress, safety and calling frequency

4125kHz
6215kHz

International calling frequency only (not monitored by

8255kHz

Maritime Operations Centre (MOC)/callsign ZLM)

International distress and safety frequency only

8291kHz

International distress, safety and calling frequencies

12290kHz
16420kHz

36

MARITIMENZ.GOVT.NZ

VHF channels used in New Zealand

The international distress, safety and calling frequency

16

for the marine mobile VHF radio-telephone service

All vessels stations licensed to operate in the
authorised bands between 156MHz and 174MHz must
be able to transmit and receive on this channel
ALWAYS KEEP A LISTENING WATCH ON
THIS CHANNEL
Inter-ship navigation safety

13

Working channels for inter-ship communication

6, 8

Working channels for harbour authority radio

9, 10, 11, 12,

communications on port operation and vessel

14, 19

movements
Continuous weather transmission channels

20, 21, 22, 23

Two-frequency talk-through repeater channels

1, 2, 3, 4, 5,

(some allocated to Coastguard and other private

60, 61, 62,

coastal stations)

63, 64, 65,

66, 80, 81,
82, 83, 84,
85, 86

Working channel for Great Barrier Maritime Radio

25

Working channel for Whangarei, Tolaga, Wairarapa,

67

Taranaki, DUrville, Fox, Puysegur, Kaikoura and Waitaki

maritime radio and anti-pollution operations

RADIO HANDBOOK

37

VHF channels used in New Zealand (continued)

Working channel for Cape Reinga, Plenty, Napier, Farewell,

68

Picton, Akaroa, Greymouth and Bluff maritime radio

Working channel for Whanganui maritime radio

69

DSC (Digital Selective Calling) distress alert and messaging* 70

Working channels between coastal and ship stations

71

(after initial contact has been made on channel 16) and

for Kaitaia, Auckland, Runaway, Wellington, Westport,
Fiordland, Chalmers, Cape Egmont and Stewart Island
maritime radio
Channel for use in association with marina developments

73

Working channels between coastal and vessel stations

74

(after initial contact has been made on channel 16)

Channels available for aquatic events

17, 77

Working channels for Chatham Islands maritime radio

60, 62

*There is currently no shore-based VHF DSC in New Zealand.

Using callsigns and IDs

All transmissions must be identified by the vessels name and callsign.
Because many vessels have similar names, radio operators should use
their vessels callsign to correctly identify themselves.
Radio Spectrum Management agents issue SSB callsigns and MMSI
(Maritime Mobile Service Identity) numbers. VHF callsigns and MMSI
numbers are allocated and administered by Coastguard Boating
Education (see page 60).

38

MARITIMENZ.GOVT.NZ

Operating procedure
Except in situations of distress, radio stations should first listen to ensure
that other communications will not be interrupted before transmitting on
any frequency or channel. This is particularly important on VHF channel
16, and on SSB frequencies 2182kHz, 4125kHz, 6215kHz, 8291kHz,
12290kHz and 16420kHz.
Calling (hailing) frequencies should be used only for initial calls and replies,
except in cases of distress or urgency. When communication has been
established, stations must change to a working frequency before continuing.
The following example illustrates the procedure for contacting another
vessel station.

Example
Calling on channel 16:

KOTARE (up to three times) ZM1624 THIS IS OCEAN BLUE

(up to three times) ZM1234 ARE YOU RECEIVING ME? OVER.

OCEAN BLUE ZM1234 THIS IS KOTARE ZM1624

CHANGE TO CHANNEL 6 OVER.

KOTARE OCEAN BLUE ROGER GOING TO CHANNEL 06 OVER.

Working on channel 6:

KOTARE (up to three times) THIS IS OCEAN BLUE

ARE YOU RECEIVING ME? OVER.

OCEAN BLUE THIS IS KOTARE RECEIVING YOU LOUD

AND CLEAR GO AHEAD OVER.

KOTARE THIS IS OCEAN BLUE WILL BE ARRIVING PICTON

AT ABOUT 6 PM. CAN WE MEET YOU AT THE FERRY TERMINAL
THEN? OVER.

OCEAN BLUE THIS IS KOTARE WE CAN MAKE THAT

MEETING SEE YOU THEN OVER.

KOTARE THIS IS OCEAN BLUE OUT.

This example illustrates VHF operation and inter-ship communication. The

same procedure is used for ship-to-shore and MF/HF communications.

RADIO HANDBOOK

39

Silence period
VHF: There is no provision for silence periods in the VHF maritime
mobile service.
SSB: During their hours of service, all radio-telephone stations that are
licensed for operation in the frequency bands between 1605kHz and
2850kHz must keep watch on 2182kHz for three minutes at the start of
each hour and half-hour. During these periods, all transmissions between
the frequencies of 2173.5kHz and 2190.5kHz must stop, except for
distress and urgency communications.
Time: The clock used by the radio operator must be checked regularly
to ensure correct timekeeping, especially during the silence periods.

Radio listening watch

Having vessel and coastal stations listen on the international distress
frequency of channel 16 and/or 2182kHz is an essential part of
maintaining the safety of life at sea.
RCCNZ has coordinated several SAR incidents where vessels and people
have been in extreme danger and made a MAYDAY broadcast. Relay
broadcasts on channel 16 did not raise any response from other vessels,
and when search and rescue resources arrived at the scene they found
other craft near the vessel in distress. If any of these had been keeping
an appropriate listening watch, they could have given assistance straight
away and reduced the peril for people in grave and imminent danger.
Remember: Always keep a listening watch. The next life saved could
be yours.
With a properly installed and maintained radio, maintaining a listening
watch uses very little power. All modern marine radios have the facility
for dual watch (and/or multi-channel scanning), allowing multiple channels
to be monitored at the same time.

40

MARITIMENZ.GOVT.NZ

Watches are kept continuously at the locations and on the calling

frequencies listed on page 47.

Voyage or trip reports

Vessels are encouraged to provide coastal stations with details of their
voyages. These trip reports (TR) are useful in the event of a search and
rescue operation, and can help to determine a vessels last known position.
Regular TRs also ensures that the vessels radio equipment is functioning
properly for example, that it has not locked into transmit mode through
failure or improper microphone stowage. When attempting a bar crossing,
VHF radio is invaluable to determine the sea state.
On departure, the TR comprises:

the abbreviation TR (Tango Romeo)

the vessels name and callsign

port of departure

port of destination and, if possible, estimated time of arrival (ETA)

the number of people on board (POB).

Example

TR OCEAN BLUE / ZM1234 LEAVING WELLINGTON.

ETA PICTON 1800 TODAY, THREE POB. OVER.

On arrival, the TR comprises:

the abbreviation TR

the vessels name and callsign

the port and, if applicable, estimated time of departure (ETD).

Example

TR OCEAN BLUE / ZM1234 ARRIVED PICTON. STATION

CLOSING. ETD 0900 THURSDAY. OVER.

RADIO HANDBOOK

41

Fishing vessels are also strongly advised to report their positions to the
nearest coastal station:

on leaving port for the fishing grounds

on arrival at the fishing grounds

when proceeding from one area to another on the same voyage, or on

arrival in port.

Example

TR OCEAN BLUE / ZM1234 LEAVING WELLINGTON FOR MERNOO

BANK AREA. ETA 0600 ON THE 11TH. THREE POB. OVER.

Every effort should be made to notify arrival at a safe anchorage or at the

end of the voyage. However, unless a vessel is reported overdue,
the absence of a closing TR will not initiate a search or other
follow-up action.

42

MARITIMENZ.GOVT.NZ

COVERAGE
AND SERVICES
Maritime Radio: VHF and SSB
MNZs Maritime Operations Centre and private coastal station operators
provide maritime radio services for New Zealand waters. These services
are summarised below.
For private coastal stations, the range of services is indicated, but
not all operators offer the full range. For details of these, refer to the
New Zealand Nautical Almanac, published annually.

RADIO HANDBOOK

43

Service

Maritime Operations
Centre

Private

Public non-commercial service

Yes

Some

Watchkeeping on VHF distress

Continuous

Varies

Continuous

Varies

Provision of communications

Yes nationally and

In some

for distress situations

NAVAREA XIV

locations

Regular schedule of weather

Yes

Some

Yes

Some

Immediate navigational warnings Yes

Some

Location

32 radio stations,

Local or

remotely controlled

regional

from a single national

service

operating centre

in many

channel
Watchkeeping on MF/HF
distress frequencies

and navigational bulletins on

VHF and MF/HF
Immediate weather warnings

locations
Commercial services, such as

No. Customs/

messaging or connection to the

Immigration/Ministry

telephone network

of Agriculture and

Some

Forestry and medical

advice only
Personalised subscription service No

Some

Voyage or trip reports

Yes

44

MARITIMENZ.GOVT.NZ

Yes

Maritime Radio VHF coverage

Cape Reinga Maritime Radio
VHF CH: 16, 68

Kaitaia Maritime Radio

VHF stations

VHF CH: 16, 71

HF site (Taupo Maritime Radio SSB)

Whangarei Maritime Radio

VHF CH: 16, 67

Maritime Operations Centre

Great Barrier Maritime Radio

VHF CH: 16, 25

Maritime Operations
Centre Phone/Fax

Plenty Maritime Radio

VHF CH: 16, 68

Runaway
Maritime Radio

Auckland Maritime Radio

Phone: (04) 914 8333

Fax: (04) 914 8334

VHF CH: 16, 71

VHF CH: 16, 71

Taranaki Maritime Radio

VHF CH: 16, 67

Cape Egmont Maritime Radio

VHF CH: 16, 71

Tolaga
Maritime Radio

Wanganui Maritime Radio

VHF CH: 16, 69

VHF CH: 16, 67

DUrville Maritime Radio

Napier Maritime
Radio

VHF CH: 16, 67

VHF CH: 16, 68

Farewell Maritime Radio

VHF CH: 16, 68

Wairarapa
Maritime Radio

Westport Maritime Radio

VHF CH: 16, 67

VHF CH: 16, 71

Wellington Maritime Radio

Greymouth Maritime Radio

VHF CH: 16, 71

VHF CH: 16, 68

Picton Maritime Radio

VHF CH: 16, 68

Fox Maritime Radio

VHF CH: 16, 67

Kaikoura Maritime Radio

VHF CH: 16, 67

Fiordland
Maritime Radio

Akaroa Maritime Radio

VHF CH: 16, 71

VHF CH: 16, 68

Chatham Islands
Maritime Radio
VHF CH: 16, 60

Waitaki Maritime Radio

VHF CH: 16, 67

Chalmers Maritime Radio

VHF CH: 16, 71

Puysegur
Maritime Radio
VHF CH: 16, 67

Bluff Maritime Radio

VHF CH: 16, 68

Stewart Island Maritime Radio

VHF CH: 16, 71

Pitt Island

VHF CH: 16, 62

Note: gaps in coverage may exist within the areas shown, due to terrain shadows
(which can occur under cliffs close to the shore or in bays and fiords) and
occasional system maintenance.

RADIO HANDBOOK

45

A continuous listening watch is kept on channel 16 by all Maritime Radio

VHF stations.
The VHF coverage shown on the map is for vessels with a 25W (normal
full power) radio working into a correctly installed antenna mounted
4 metres or more above the waterline.

VHF broadcasts
Maritime Radio makes the following broadcasts each day. These include
weather warnings, situation and forecast, and navigational warnings.
All times are in New Zealand Local Time and include a long-range
(five-day) outlook.
All New Zealand coastal VHF stations broadcast forecasts for all weather
areas simultaneously (see page 37).
Maritime Radio VHF voice broadcasts
Calling

Channel 16

Working

Channels 25, 67, 68, 69, 71 (see page 45 for area detail)

Times

0133, 0533, 0733, 1033, 1333, 1733, 2133 NZST or NZDT

Note: the 1033 broadcast includes all warnings in force and reports from
coastal stations, but provides no situation or forecast.
Local area forecasts and current wind conditions are also broadcast
continuously by Coastguard using channels 2023.
Chatham Islands Maritime Radio coastal VHF stations transmit weather
forecasts simultaneously on their working channels 60 and 62 at 0603,
1403, 1803, 2203 (Chatham Islands Local Time).

46

MARITIMENZ.GOVT.NZ

Taupo Maritime Radio/ZLM (MF/HF)

The MF/HF (SSB) Maritime Radio Service is provided by Taupo Maritime
Radio, whose antennae are on a site in the central North Island.
A continuous watch is kept on all calling frequencies.
The calling and working frequencies are shown below.
Taupo Maritime Radio voice frequencies (kHz)
Calling

2182

4125

6215

8291

12290

16420

Working

2207

4146

6224

8297

12356

16531

For vessels near New Zealand, the lower frequency bands (in MHz)
generally provide the best radio communication with Taupo Maritime Radio.
Taupo Maritime Radio Digital Selective Calling (DSC) frequencies (kHz)
Distress

4207.5

6312.0

8414.5

12557.0

16804.5

MF/HF propagation can never be exactly predicted for all places, times
and conditions. For guidance on the best frequencies to use, mariners
are advised to keep a close watch on the Ionospheric Prediction Service
(IPS) warnings in Notices to Mariners.

MF/HF broadcasts
The following broadcasts are made on MF/HF frequencies from Taupo
Maritime Radio. A preliminary call is made on the calling frequencies,
with broadcasts then made on the working frequencies. All times are
in New Zealand Local Time.

RADIO HANDBOOK

47

Broadcast type

Times

Frequencies (kHz)
Calling

Working

Coastal warnings and

0133

2182

2207

bulletins (including

0533

6215

6224

Chatham Islands)

1333

4215

4146

0803

2182

2207

1203

4125

4146

2003

6215

6224

0303

6215

6224

0333

8291

8297

1503

12290

12356

1533

16420

16531

Oceanic weather bulletins

0903

6215

6224

and warnings

1003

8291

8297

2103

12290

12356

2203

16420

16531

1733
Coastal reports

Oceanic warnings*

* For daylight savings, add one hour.

Notes:

Bulletins contain the weather situation and forecast.

Reports contain the weather situation at selected coastal sites.

Warnings include navigational, ionospheric and meteorological

warnings.

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Warnings
Meteorological warnings are issued by the New Zealand Meteorological
Service, and navigational warnings are issued by MNZ (from RCCNZ)
and the New Zealand Hydrographic Office.
Warnings are broadcast on VHF by Maritime Radio and on SSB by
Taupo Maritime Radio as soon as possible after they have been received.
The warnings are repeated on SSB following the next silence period, and
then at scheduled times until they are cancelled or replaced.
All warning information is available from Maritime Radio stations or
Taupo Maritime Radio on request.
Information contained in radio navigation warnings is primarily to assist
mariners on their approach to ports. Harbour authorities provide local
harbour warnings, but if they do not have a continuous VHF radio service,
Maritime Radio stations will broadcast radio navigation warnings on
their behalf.
Some of the information contained in coastal navigational warnings covers:

changes to lights, buoys and beacons affecting major shipping areas

the establishment of major aids to navigation, or significant changes

to existing ones

the presence of large, unwieldy tows in congested waters, or vessels

engaged in seismic surveys that require other vessels to keep well clear

areas where search and rescue, weapon firing, cable- and pipe-laying
activities, anti-pollution exercises or other potentially dangerous
operations are being carried out near shipping areas

significant malfunctioning of radio communications services.

RADIO HANDBOOK

49

Other weather information

Additional forecasts for small craft operating in local waters are
broadcast by Radio New Zealand community stations and normally
read with scheduled news programmes, which may vary in length.
Some private radio stations also broadcast local forecasts.
Marine weather information is also available from MetService
New Zealands website at metservice.co.nz.
Many private coastal stations also broadcast local marine weather
and safety information.
Facsimile weather charts are broadcast on MF/HF daily. A schedule
of this service is broadcast daily at 1100 and 2300 UTC (Coordinated
Universal Time) on 5807kHz.

Medical advice
Medical advice may be obtained by transmitting a message to any of
the coastal VHF stations of Maritime Radio or by SSB to Taupo Maritime
Radio/ZLM.
The stations will forward the message to RCCNZ, which will contact
the appropriate medical authority and pass on their reply to the vessel.
No charge is made for this service.

Ionospheric Prediction Service (IPS)

Communications over SSB are variable but predictable, due to ionospheric
changes (see page 8). During periods of degraded ionospheric
propagation, warnings are transmitted by Taupo Maritime Radio.
The quarterly optimum frequencies are published in the New Zealand
Nautical Almanac.

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Satellite safety services

Many vessels are now equipped with Inmarsat-C, which is a text
communication system using satellites. As well as its use for messaging,
this service can be used for sending distress alerts and receiving safety
information.
MNZ provides coastal warnings and weather bulletins on the Inmarsat-C
satellite service. These broadcasts are coded so that all vessels equipped
for Inmarsat-C within a radius of 800 nautical miles (centred on Nelson)
can receive them. Vessels with Inmarsat-C wishing to receive coastal
navigation warnings should ensure they have Coastal Area Z selected.
The oceanic broadcasts are coded so they can be received throughout
NAVAREA XIV, New Zealands area of responsibility for Maritime Safety
Information, which covers much of the southern Pacific Ocean.
Coastal bulletins contain current warnings, the current weather
situation and forecasts for New Zealand coastal forecast areas.
Content of broadcast

Time (UTC)

Situation, forecasts and warnings for New Zealand coast

0130

Warnings, wind force 8 to 12 knots, SW Pacific,

0330

0 to 55S, 150E to 120W

Warnings, situation and forecasts, 0 to 55S, 150E

0930

to 120W
Situation, forecasts and warnings for New Zealand coast

1330

Warnings, wind force 8 to 12 knots, SW Pacific,

1530

0 to 55S, 150E to 120W

Warnings, situation and forecasts, 0 to 55S, 150E

2130

to 120W

RADIO HANDBOOK

51

Oceanic bulletins contain warnings, situation and forecasts for these

five weather forecast areas:
Islands:

Equator to 25S, 160E to 120W

Subtropic: 25S to 40S, Australian coast 150E to 170W

Forties:

40S to 55S, 150E to 170W

Pacific:

25S to 55S, 170E to 120W

Southern: 55 to Antarctica, 160E to 120W

These bulletins are broadcast on Inmarsat-C at the times listed on
the previous page.

Tsunami warnings in New Zealand

The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) is
responsible for tsunami warnings in New Zealand. MCDEM maintains
a 24/7 monitoring and warning capability and works closely with GNS
Science to conduct tsunami threat assessment for New Zealand following
earthquakes in the Pacific. New Zealand is a member of the Pacific
Tsunami Warning System.
Tsunamis are categorised in accordance with their travel time to the
nearest New Zealand coast:

distant source (>3 hours travel time)

regional source (13 hours travel time)

local source (<1 hour travel time).

Official notifications are published on the MCDEM website (civildefence.

govt.nz) and are sent by MCDEM to all local authorities, the emergency
services, relevant government agencies and other organisations, such
as Coastguard and the media, for public broadcast. MetService provides
a link to official tsunami notifications on their marine web page. Taupo
Maritime Radio and local VHF stations also broadcast notifications to
vessels and boats within the 200km coastal zone.

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Tsunami characteristics
In deep ocean water a tsunami is hardly noticed. In water over 6,000m
deep they can travel at a speed of over 800km per hour. Reefs, bays,
entrances to rivers and harbours, undersea features and the slope of the
shore can all modify a tsunami as it approaches shore. The shallower
coastal sea bed causes it to slow down and increase dramatically in
height, resulting in rapid changes in water level and unpredictable
dangerous currents, most noticeable in harbours, ports and estuaries.
Damaging wave activity, dangerous drifting objects and unpredictable
currents can affect harbours and estuaries for a period of up to
24 hours following the initial tsunami impact on the coast. Stay in
contact with harbour authorities to verify conditions are safe for
navigation and berthing.
All vessels are advised to keep a listening watch on VHF channel 16 at
all times

Example message of warning broadcasts by Taupo

Maritime Radio (SSB) and local Maritime Radio on VHF
channel 16:
National warning tsunami threat to New Zealand issued by Ministry
of Civil Defence & Emergency Management at xx:xx UTC (time)
xx:xx (date) due to an earthquake near xxxxxxxx (place). Boats
already at sea should stay well offshore and remain at a depth of
at least 100m until further advised. Boats in harbours and estuaries
must consider immediate return, or immediately move to deeper
water. Mariners should contact their local harbour authority and
listen to local radio stations for further information.

Additional tsunami information is available on the MCDEM website at

civildefence.govt.nz.

RADIO HANDBOOK

53

OTHER INFORMATION

Medical evacuation (Medevac)

Use this checklist when notifying a Medevac alert:

Name and callsign of the vessel with the medical emergency

Type and/or description of vessel

Position in latitude and longitude in degrees and minutes, or bearing

and distance from a charted landmark

Date and time of position

Vessels course and speed

Patients name, nationality, age, gender

Patients symptoms

Medication recently given

Medication available on board

Radio frequencies in use or monitored

Contact address, phone or fax number, website or email address

Last port of call, port of destination, estimated time of arrival

On-scene weather (wind strength and direction, visibility) and

sea conditions

Nature of assistance required

Other pertinent information, such as a cellphone or satellite

telephone number.

There may be local variations to this checklist.

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MARITIMENZ.GOVT.NZ

Sea rescue by helicopter

Once a helicopter has been tasked, the time it takes to locate a vessel in
distress and the effectiveness of its rescue effort depend largely on the
cooperation of the vessel involved.
You should provide information to the radio station about:

your position, as accurately as possible (latitude/longitude in degrees

and minutes or by bearing and distance from a charted landmark)

a description of the vessel

the nature of your distress

your communications capabilities (such as VHF, SSB, EPIRB,

cellphone or satellite telephone number, if applicable).

From the air, and especially if there are many other vessels in the area, it
can be difficult for the helicopter crew to identify the vessel it is searching
for, unless the vessel uses a distinctive signal that can be clearly seen.
To ensure the on-scene time for the helicopter is kept to a minimum:

brief your crew on what to expect

activate your EPIRB, which has a homing signal and, usually, a strobe light

by day, use an orange smoke float distress flare, an orange square

(some are marked with a black V), a signal lamp or heliograph

at night, use a torch or a red hand-held flare (do not fire a parachute
flare when the helicopter is close by)

where possible, give a cellphone or satellite telephone number to the

coordinating agency (either RCCNZ or Police).

RADIO HANDBOOK

55

Working with a helicopter

When the helicopter arrives, change course to place the wind 30 on the
port bow if possible, and maintain this new course at your standard speed.

Lash or stow all loose gear that could be blown about by the
helicopters powerful down-draught. If possible, drop all sail and
motor. Lash your boom(s) to the coachroof.

Keep all unnecessary personnel out of the way while the helicopter
is winching.

Allow the winch cable (high-line) to touch the water or the vessel
before you handle it, to dissipate any build-up of static electricity.

Do not allow the winch cable to become attached (or make fast) to
the vessel under any circumstances.

Ensure the person being lifted is wearing a lifejacket, if possible. If the

person is a patient, they should be made as comfortable as possible
and, if conscious, briefed and reassured about the rescue procedure.

At night, light the deck using lights or torches facing downwards.

By day, indicate the apparent wind by using a flag or smoke

(as long as it will not impair the pilots visibility).

On reaching the shore, follow the instructions of the pilot or crewman,

leaving the helicopter in a forward direction and keeping well clear of
the tail rotor and engine exhausts.

Do exactly as the helicopter pilot tells you. The pilot will not put his
crew and machine in any unnecessary danger.
Be aware that no form of communication by radio (or even person-toperson conversation) is usually possible when a helicopter is overhead,
due to its noise.

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Secrecy of correspondence
Any person who receives information not intended for them shall not
disclose or make use of that information or disclose the existence of
the transmission unless they are specifically authorised to do so.

Transmissions in harbour
To avoid interference to any other radio service, minimum transmitter
power should be used by vessels while in harbour.

Testing radio apparatus

When it is necessary for a vessel to transmit signals for testing, the
transmissions must be brief and should include the vessels callsign and
name. A shielded dummy load may also be used for testing purposes.

Interference
It is critical that all stations interfere as little as possible with the
working of other stations. Operators should restrict their use of the radio
frequency/channel to an absolute minimum. Unnecessary conversation
not only interferes with the genuine needs of other users, but may also
disrupt a distress call. If you want to chat, use a cellphone, Citizen Band
radio or satellite telephone.
Another common cause of interference is the handset switch (PTT) being
accidentally activated. Take care to replace the handset correctly in its
holder after use.

RADIO HANDBOOK

57

Offences and penalties

New Zealand law provides penalties for people who communicate
false information affecting safety. Every person who uses any means
to knowingly provide another person with false information about
the safety of a vessel, structure or person commits an offence under
the Maritime Transport Act. The penalty can be imprisonment for up
to 12 months and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
Use of a radiotelephone to provide false or misleading information is also
an offence under the Radio Communications Act 1989, with a penalty of
up to $30,000 (or $200,000 for a company).

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USEFUL CONTACTS

Maritime New Zealand (MNZ)

PO Box 25620

Email

Wellington 6146

enquiries@maritimenz.govt.nz

Ph (04) 473 0111

Fax (04) 494 1263

Contact details for district offices

are listed on the website
maritimenz.govt.nz

Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ)

PO Box 30050
Lower Hutt 5040
Ph (04) 577 8030
Fax (04) 577 8038
Email rccnz@maritimenz.govt.nz

24-hour numbers:
Freephone 0508 472 269
(not available to satellite
telephone users)
Accident reporting
Freephone 0508 222 433

Marine Pollution Response Service (MPRS)

PO Box 45209
Auckland 0651
Ph (09) 834 3908
Fax (09) 834 3907
Email mprs@maritimenz.govt.nz

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59

Maritime Operations Centre (MOC)

Ph 0800 MARITIME (0800 627 484) or (04) 550 5280
Fax (04) 550 4001
Email maritime@kordia.co.nz

Coastguard Boating Education

PO Box 91322
Victoria Street West

Website:
boatingeducation.org.nz

Auckland 1142
Ph 0800 40 80 90 or (09) 361 4700
Fax (09) 376 4775

Land Information New Zealand (LINZ)

Level 7, Radio New Zealand House

Website: linz.govt.nz

155 The Terrace

(click on the Mariners link)

Private Bag 5501

Wellington 6145
Ph (04) 460 0110
Fax (04) 472 2244

406MHz distress beacon registration (free)

Ph 0800 406 111

Website: beacons.org.nz

(Note: if you purchase a new or used 406MHz beacon,

you must register it with RCCNZ. This is a free service.)
Other useful information for boat owners includes:

New Zealand Nautical Almanac (published annually and available from

many bookshops or chandlers)

New Zealand Notices to Mariners (available free from LINZ)

Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM)

website: civildefence.govt.nz

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MARITIMENZ.GOVT.NZ

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Calling frequency or channel

The frequency (for MF/HF) or channel (for VHF) for establishing initial
contact, before switching to the working frequency or channel for
ongoing communication.
Channel
A VHF radio frequency designation, expressed as a one- or two-digit number.
Chatham Islands Time
New Zealand local time (either NZDT or NZST) plus 45 minutes.
Coastal station
A land station in the Maritime Radio Service.
Distress frequency or channel
For VHF, channel 16.
For SSB, frequencies 2182kHz, 4125kHz or 6215kHz.
For MF/HF, 8291kHz, 12290kHz, 16420kHz.
Distress communications are not switched to the working channels
or frequencies. Always keep a listening watch on these channels or
frequencies.
EPIRB
Emergency position-indicating radio beacons operate on the 406MHz
frequency and are used to facilitate search and rescue operations.
GPS
Global positioning systems are satellite-derived signal-positioning systems.

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61

IPS
Ionospheric Prediction Service, which acts as the Australian Space
Weather Agency and provides that countrys national radio propagation
and space weather services.
Maritime Radio Service
The public marine radio service provided by MNZ, which continuously monitors
safety calling frequencies, provides distress and safety communications, and
aids safety by broadcasting maritime safety information, including weather
and navigational information. The service includes the MF/HF station, Taupo
Maritime Radio, coastal VHF stations and Inmarsat-C satellite services.
MAYDAY
The distress signal, indicating that a vessel, aircraft or person is in
grave and imminent danger and immediate assistance is required.
MF/HF
Medium and high frequency, used to describe frequencies or channels
in the range 300kHz30MHz. SSB (single sideband) radios are used for
communication in the MF/HF bands.
MNZ
Maritime New Zealand, the government agency with statutory
responsibilities for maritime safety, security and environmental protection.
MOC
Maritime Operations Centre, co-located with RCCNZ in Lower Hutt, near
Wellington. It monitors and provides a continuous service to the marine
radio network.
MSI
Maritime Safety Information.
NAVAREA XIV
The navigational area of the worlds oceans that New Zealands
government is responsible for.

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Navigational warnings
Warnings about hazards to navigation, issued by MNZ and the
New Zealand Hydrographic Office and broadcast by coastal stations.
NZDT
New Zealand Daylight Time, which is UTC (Coordinated Universal Time)
plus 13 hours (daylight saving time).
NZLT
New Zealand Local Time (either NZDT or NZST).
NZST
New Zealand Standard Time, which is UTC (Coordinated Universal Time)
plus 12 hours (outside daylight saving time).
PAN PAN
Urgency signal, used to indicate the caller has a very urgent message
to transmit.
PLB
Personal locator beacon, operating on the 406MHz frequency and used
to alert search and rescue authorities. These beacons usually operate for
24 hours and are not designed for marine use, as their primary use is by
people who are inland and beyond radio or cellphone range.
PRUDONCE
A signal advising that complete silence is no longer needed on a
frequency being used for distress traffic, and that restricted working
may be resumed with caution.
Radio frequency
A measure of the rate at which radio waves oscillate per second (with
units given in hertz). For ship radio stations, this term is commonly used
for MF/HF sets and expressed in kHz (kilohertz) or MHz (megahertz).
RCCNZ
The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand is responsible for
coordinating major maritime, aviation and emergency beacon-related
RADIO HANDBOOK

63

search and rescue (Category II) missions in New Zealands search and
rescue region. Other (Category I) missions are coordinated by the
New Zealand Police. These are the only two statutory bodies responsible
for SAR coordination in New Zealand.
SAR
Search and rescue.
SCURIT
A signal used to indicate the caller is about to transmit a message
containing an important navigational or meteorological warning.
SEELONCE FEENEE
A signal used to advise that distress communications have ceased and
normal working may be resumed.
Ship (vessel) station
Any mobile radio station in the Maritime Radio Service located on board
any vessel that is not permanently moored.
SRR
Search and rescue region.
SSB
Single sideband mode of transmission, used on MF/HF maritime
frequencies.
UTC
Coordinated Universal Time (from the French). This is the time kept at
the Greenwich Meridian and based on International Atomic Time (TAI).
VHF
Very high frequency, used to identify frequencies or channels in the range
30MHz300MHz.
Working channel or frequency
The channel (for VHF) or frequency (for MF/HF) where communications
are carried out after initial contact has been established on the calling
frequency or channel.
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Coastal weather forecast areas

Up-to-date weather information is provided on the MetService website

at metservice.com, and the MetService Marine App (download via
Google Play and App Store), or by phoning MetPhone on 0900 999 +
your area code.

RADIO HANDBOOK

65

NOTES

66

MARITIMENZ.GOVT.NZ

VHF MARINE CHANNELS

nt

rts

o
rsp

e
ev

te
Wa

up

lex

20

rep

23

Coas

eate

tguard

r st a ti o n s (

in g
i n cl u d

24 2 8

Ch

h
at

am

60

66

la
Is

-d

Now

Se

5
1

nd

Cas

ting

68
25 6 7

SAFETY
CALLING

30

ing

78 80 86

16
DISTRESS

Surf lifesav

19

sM
arit
ime R
31
a d io 6 0 & 6 2)

Por
t
ship operat
ping ions

71

channels Maritime
king
Rad
r
o
W
io

69

as

hip

rin

14

77

ship

Inter

t /s

as

Co

Ma

9 12

73

74

Intership navigation

13

6 8

RADIO DISTRESS CALLING

Use only if you are in imminent danger and need immediate help.
Activate distress beacon if carried. Wear lifejackets.
Switch radio to full power.
1

VHF Ch 16 (or SSB 2182, 4125, 6215, 8291)

2 MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY

3 THIS IS
4 CALLSIGN
5 MAYDAY

VESSEL NAME
OF THE VESSEL

3 TIMES
ONCE

VESSEL NAME AND CALLSIGN

6 Vessels latitude and longitude, or bearing and distance from

a known landmark
7 Nature of distress and assistance required
8 Other information number of persons on board, description
of vessel, liferaft or dinghy carried
9

OVER

10 Allow a short time for reply. If no reply, repeat the distress

call, working through all the distress frequencies on the radio.
If contact is made with a shore station, tell them you have
activated your distress beacon and follow their instructions.