SA bolsters emergency radio network ahead of boating season

The South Australian Government says it has strengthened the state’s emergency marine radio network — bolstering reliability, resilience and coverage — as authorities prepare for activity on South Australian waterways to increase in the lead-up to summer.

A $1 million upgrade of the Very High Frequency (VHF) radio repeater network is now complete, improving critical distress and communications coverage for South Australian recreational and commercial operators alike. The network serves as the primary distress and safety communications system for boaties and plays a critical role in supporting emergency responses when assistance is needed on the water.

Hardware has been upgraded at key VHF monitoring locations, with new radio equipment installed at Outer Harbor, Semaphore and West Beach. Channels 16 and 67 provide a 24-hour safety net, using equipment located at 14 South Australian Government Radio Network, Telstra and Ampitel sites across the state.

While the upgraded network provides an important safety net for those on the water, the government is reminding boaties that technology alone cannot prevent life-threatening or fatal incidents. As such, marine safety officers are urging people to carry all required safety equipment — including compliant and serviced lifejackets – and to ensure that flares, torches, fire extinguishers and other safety gear are checked before heading out this summer.

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