Marlborough-Nelson Marine Radio

Marlborough-Nelson Radio operates seven marine VHF radio channels providing coverage across the central New Zealand region. Channels are operator-monitored daily between 0700 and 2200.

Any person may use Marlborough-Nelson Radio channels in an emergency.

Which Channel to Use

Ch	Operator Call Sign	Repeater Location	General Area of Coverage
01	Marlborough-Nelson Radio 01	Mt Stokes, Queen Charlotte Sound	Cook Strait and Marlborough Sounds
04	Marlborough-Nelson Radio 04	Drumduan, Nelson	Tasman Bay
05	Marlborough-Nelson Radio 05	Single Hill, Ward	East coast from Cape Campbell to Waipapa Point
60	Marlborough-Nelson Radio 60	Pākawau Peak, Golden Bay	Golden Bay and west coast from Farewell Spit to Kahurangi
63	Marlborough-Nelson Radio 63	Kahikatea, Picton	Queen Charlotte Sound and Cook Strait
65	Marlborough-Nelson Radio 65	Paradise Reserve, Pelorus Sound	Pelorus and Kenepuru Sounds
66	Not monitored — commercial use only	Mt Stokes, Queen Charlotte Sound	—

 

Channels 04, 60 and 65 are permanently linked. Channels 05 and 63 are also permanently linked.

Some channels have overlapping coverage. If you are unable to access one channel, please try another.

 

Some of the Services Provided

Weather Forecast and Information Broadcasts

Scheduled marine weather forecasts for the sea areas Cook, Stephens, Abel, Grey and Conway are broadcast simultaneously on channels 01, 04, 05, 60, 63 and 65 at 0835, 1135, 1335 and 1735 daily.

Each broadcast also includes:

·      Tide information

·      French Pass tidal stream times

·      Current navigation warnings

·      General safety notices

Trip and Position Reports

Marlborough-Nelson Radio operators can log both position reports and trip reports.

If a trip report is not updated or cancelled within 30 minutes of the nominated ETA, the matter may be referred to Search and Rescue for follow-up and possible investigation.

Radio Checks

Marlborough-Nelson Radio operators are available to provide radio checks to help ensure your radio equipment is functioning correctly before you head out.  Call Marlborough-Nelson Radio and ask for a radio check.

 

Join — Be Part of the Association

The Marlborough-Nelson Marine Radio Association (MNMRA) provides marine communication coverage from Waipapa Point on the east coast to Kahurangi on the west coast, supporting recreational and commercial boating throughout the region.

Facilities are maintained and operated by the Association, including strategically located VHF repeaters in the Marlborough area at:

·      Mt Stokes

·      Paradise Reserve

·      Kahikatea

Marine VHF radio provides one-to-many communication, unlike a cellphone which is one-to-one. When you call for assistance on VHF, all stations monitoring the channel will hear your call and may be able to respond — often vessels much closer than emergency services.

Except in an emergency, all users of marine VHF radios are required to hold a Maritime VHF Radio Operator Certificate or equivalent.

The Association is a registered charity dedicated to improving marine safety through communication. Member subscriptions directly support the ongoing operation and maintenance of this vital service.

Membership Information

For information on becoming a member:

Ph: 03 573 8851
Website www.marineradio.org.nz

By becoming a member, you help ensure this important communication service remains available for when it may be needed most.