UHF CHANNEL USE IN AUSTRALIA
| USED FOR | CHANNEL/S | COMMENTS |
| Calling
Established by Law |
11 | To call or locate another station.
Parties then switch to a conversation channel |
| General conversations | 9
12,13,14 15, 16, 17 19, 20,21 24, 25, 26 27, 28, 29 30, 39 |
Open channels for normal conversation |
| Highway Communications | 29 | Mainly used by Truck Drivers and other highway users on the Pacific
Highway in N.S.W. |
| 40 | Mainly used by Truck Drivers and other Highway users Australia wide
but not usually on the Pacific Highway in N.S.W. Canning Stock Route also uses Ch40 |
|
| Caravans
Campers |
18 | Holiday Maker's communication channel, e.g., when in convoy |
| 4WDs | 10 | Used by 4WD enthusiasts, clubs, convoys and in national parks |
| Emergency Calling
Established by Law |
5 | Can be used by anyone in an emergency situation ONLY |
| Repeaters
Established by Law |
1 to 8
31 to 38 |
In duplex mode, repeaters need two channels to work. Receives on 1 to 8.
Transmits on 31 to 38 (automatically). When within range of a repeater, it will increase the communications distance. Operation in simplex mode on these channels is not permitted when within range of a repeater. |
| Data Transmissions
Established by Law |
22, 23 | No voice transmissions allowed on these two channels |
E.P.I.R.Bs or P.L.Bs
An EPRIB is a compact, buoyant, self contained radio beacon which continuously emits a distinctive radio signal to a satellite for at least 48 hours when activated. When the signal is detected the Rescue Coordination Centre in Canberra initiates a response using locally based rescue services. EPIRBs should only be used as a last resort when in imminent danger. Other communications such as a radio and flares should be used first.
Some important points about EPIRBs
Ensure your EPIRB container is not cracked or showing signs of damage and batteries are within their shelf life.
Use the test switch at least once a month to verify power
Keep accessible
Extend or release the aerial to its full length
Once activated, leave the EPIRB on until told to switch it off by a SAR authority.
Currently, the most popular type of EPIRB is 121.5 MHz beacon. However from the 1st February 2009 the global search and rescue satellite system will no longer recognise beacons with this frequency. From that date the distress frequency will be 406 MHz.
406 MHz beacons are much easier to locate as they are more accurate and also contain particular details about the owner. Consequently false alerts can be resolved by a quick radio or telephone call.
Plan on replacing your 121.5 MHz beacon before 1 February 2009 with a more modern 406 MHz EPIRB, the change could be made to coincide with the life of the batteries in the 121.5 MHz beacon, saving you some money.
Both 121.5 MHz and 406 MHz EPIRBS are available in compact sizes to enable them to be carried easily.
It is important to remember that once activated the response to your EPIRB signal by a search and rescue authority may be many hours, especially if you are in a remote location.
GROUND TO AIR EMERGENCY CODE
You get into trouble in the middle of nowhere, set off your distress beacon and wait for the aircraft to arrive. What then? There is a set of internationally recognised distress signals known as the Ground-Air Visual Signal Code that can be used to convey simple messages to an overflying search aircraft where there is no other means of communication.
However, there has been some confusion lately as to which signals are correct. The confusion has come about since some of the signals were either changed or withdrawn in 1986, the most significant being the changing of the X signal to mean 'require medical assistance'. The authoritative publication in Australia on this issue is the National Search and Rescue Manual and the relevant table is shown below.
Ground - air visual signal code for use by survivors
| NUMBER | MESSAGE | CODE SYMBOL |
| 1 | Require Assistance | V |
| 2 | Require Medical Assistance | X |
| 3 | Proceeding in this Direction | Arrow |
| 4 | Yes or Affirmative | y |
| 5 | No or Negative | N |
Note : If in doubt use International symbol - SOS
Basically, these symbols can be made on the ground by using rocks or other material or using ready-made V-Sheets etc. You must ensure that the symbols are large enough to be seen by an aircraft flying overhead. The pilot will respond if the signal is understood by rocking the aircraft's wings during daylight or flashing the aircraft's landing lights or navigation lights ON and OFF.
These signals are worthwhile remembering to indicate to a search aircraft that your party is in distress or, if the search aircraft cannot land close by, giving the pilot more information about the situation for relaying to a ground party or more suitable rescue aircraft that is making its way towards you.
BEADELL TOURS
37 Montebello Drive
SALISBURY
South Australia, 5108
Phone : (08) 8250 2718
Mobile : 0408841447
Email : Beadell Tours
ABN : 40 947 959 130