SAFETY AT SEA, ON THE LAKE

Taupo Times, Volume 19, Issue 100, 30 December 1970, Page 2

SAFETY AT SEA, ON THE LAKE

r iking a trip in a small boat this summer?

Your ability to handle radiotelephone distress procedure could mean the difference between life and death — for you and for any one of the thousands of other pleasure craft trippers at this time of the year. Post Office coast station records show that few small

craft radiotelephone operators who get into difficulties have taken the trouble to familiarise themselves with distress procedures. It is all-important that the salient facts be broadcast — almost in the one breath — to enable proper assistance to be organised immediately. A card is available from Post Office radio inspectors containing concise instructions and should be displayed in full view of the ship's radiotelephone operator. j*Main points stressed: •The transmitter should be switched to 2182 kHz. •If in imminent danger ancf requiring immediate assistance the distress signal MAYDAY should be used. •If only a degree of urgency exists the urgency signqj PAN should be used. •The name of the vessel, its position, nature of the trouble and type of help required should immedi-^ ately follow the distress or urgency signal. * •Ensure correct tuning on the same frequency for replies. MAYDAY or PAN calls should be cancelled immediately if it transpires that assistance is not required. The Post Office keeps round-the-clock headphonc ^ watches on 2182 kHz at coast k radio stations at Auckland Wellington, Awarua and Chatham Islands. v The headphone watches* are backed by a taped record of signals transmitted on this frequency. A number of harbour board coast stations also keep continuous watch on 2182 kHz. It is advantageous to all if radio-equipped small boats also keep a continuous listening watch on 2182 kHz while at sea. Because of the listening watches kept on 2182 kHz this frequency should generally be used for distress but any other frequency may be used if it is known nearby stations *are listening on it. " Additional information and assistance is available from radio inspectors at any post office engineer's office. ^