VHF Hand-Held Radio Transceiver Hire

Great Circle hire VHF hand-held transceivers feature Dual/Tri Watch and Scan functions, with switchable power transmission of 5 and 1 watt that cover the full marine VHF band. Built in GPS and DCS provides a quickly accessible MOB function. Hire radio unit includes transceiver, 12-volt charge lead and 240 volt power pack.

Channel 16 VHF (156.8 MHz) is used to call up ships and shore stations, and for broadcasting distress calls such as Mayday, Pan-pan, Securite or other urgent safety messages. After an initial response the call should be switched to one of the working channels, except in the case of an ongoing emergency. Channel 16 is monitored 24 hours a day by coastguards and rescue authorities. In addition, all sea bound vessels are required to monitor Channel 16.

Great Circle VHF transceivers also feature Digital Selective Calling. DSC compliant radios enable the reliable transmission of important safety messages such as distress alerts, individual and group messaging, all ships and urgency alerts and DSC test calls. DSC radios are easily recognisable by the distinctive red button marked "Distress". When this button is pressed, the set will automatically switch to Channel 70 (VHF) and a succinct purposeful message will be transmitted that is intended to initiate a response. The built in GPS means that the DSC signal will also contain your current location and the MOB (Man Overboard) function keeps the position of the incident. Once contact has been made, communications on a nominated VHF channel should be used for ongoing messages. To ensure accurate participation in the digital messaging, the radio is registered with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and has a 9-digit identity called a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI). This number is the radio’s unique ‘phone’ number. Because VHF DSC for small craft is primarily set aside for distress, urgency and safety purposes, an important benefit of DSC is that it keeps VHF channel 16 open. 

CAUTIONS: 1. DO NOT TRANSMIT without an antenna attached to avoid damage to the radio. 2. DO NOT remove battery from transceiver case as waterproof qualities will be compromised. 3. In Australia, VHF marine radio operation requires at least one person on board to possess a Marine Radio Operators VHF Certificate of Proficiency (MROVCP) or a Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency (MROCP), which covers both VHF and MF/HF equipment operation.