A new digital radio program is helping Marine Search and Rescue (MSAR) and the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard better communicate during coastal water rescues.
An array of vessel-mounted and portable radios support coordination during operations while out on the water and ensures vessels and crews are tracked and monitored efficiently.
Connecting to the Victorian Radio Network, the digital radios allow MSAR units to communicate directly with the Water Police Rescue Coordination Centre and other agencies including the Coast Guard and Surf Life Saving.
Neil Harkness of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard says, 'This will absolutely save lives. The ability for us to communicate clearly and effectively and across the state, is something we’ve never been able to do before.'
'That means a much faster, more professional response and the person on the end of that response is going to be extremely grateful that the technology is now being utilised by the agencies,' he says.
The program includes:
- 22 vessel-mounted radios and in 8 vehicles
- 130 portable radios for volunteers
- 5 fixed-base stations
- a console at the Water Police Coordination Centre
- 2 portable consoles.
MSAR is also trialling using satellite capability when connectivity is limited. The trial will run with the Portland Coast Guard Flotilla and Water Police for 6 months, starting February 2025.
MSAR continues to play a vital role in keeping people safe along Victoria’s coastline, out at sea and in many inland waterways. Learn more about them at vic.gov.au/marine-search-and-rescue (External link).
The department acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.