Search and Rescue in Australia
Distress and Safety Communications
- GMDSS concept
- GMDSS services provided by AMSA
- AMSA HF DSC network
- Maritime radio services for small craft
- Maritime Safety Information
- Maritime Mobile Service Identity
- AUSREP and REEFREP
AMSA HF DSC network
All GMDSS HF radio services are now provided by a new AMSA HF DSC network employing transmit and receive sites located at Wiluna and Charleville. These sites have been chosen for their electronically quiet conditions and strategic locations which give good coverage around Australia and well into the Australian SRR.
The network is controlled from the Network Control Centre located within AusSAR in Canberra. This collocation with RCC Australia has enhanced operational response.
The new network employs the following callsigns:
- ‘RCC Australia’
- VIC
- MMSI: 005030001
The network is designed to sense the power of a transmission and respond from the appropriate station. One MMSI and callsign can be used to access the network from anywhere within the Australian SRR.
Note: Vessels fitted with 'Sailor' equipment may need to program in a position for the new stations (Latitude and Longitude). Vessels off the West coast of Australia might call Wiluna at 26 ° 20.45' South 120 ° 33.40' East. Vessels off the East coast might call Charleville at 26 ° 19.83 South 146 ° 15.85' East.
The DSC test calls previously directed to Brisbane Radio and Perth Radio should be directed to the network via MMSI 005030001.
The network monitors the DSC distress frequencies and conducts follow-on communications via radiotelephony or NBDP. The network has the capability to make broadcasts for search and rescue purposes and these will normally be preceded by a DSC announcement message.
If a vessel wishes to conduct a radiotelephony communication with the network it is necessary to make initial contact via a DSC call. For safety or routine messages a shift to a working frequency is normally required.
last updated: 09 May 2003