When you use your VHF marine radio on a Whitsundays yacht charter, knowing which radio channel is appropriate to use is important. The primary calling channel is 16...Use channel 16 to initiate a conversation, but quickly switch to another channel, because 16 is also used for emergencies.

• Channels 73 and 74 - you may use one of these channels to exchange routine messages concerning your safety and movements with the land station operated by your bareboat charter company and with other vessels. These channels should be used in preference to channel 81. Conversations must be brief and relevant.
  
• Channel 80 and 81 - these channels will provide your charter yacht with a greater range...If communication on channel 73 or 74 is unsuccessful you may use this channel to exchange routine messages concerning your safety and movements with the land station operated by your bareboat charter company and with other vessels... Conversations must be brief and relevant... avoid interrupting other stations.
  
  Channel 81 covers the majority of the Whitsundays and the Whitsunday holiday resorts through a repeater station located on Whitsunday Island. Keying the microphone once quickly should produce and 'echo' from the repeater beacon - Refer to a map of the Whitsundays Map Repeater Station Coverage

When you are not getting an 'echo' from the channel 81 repeater...and this can happen particularly at the north end of Hook Island, Hayman Island and Stonehaven, use channel 80 with it's repeater station on Hayman Island... Reception can also be poor in some anchorages when you are surrounded by hills, or the engine of your bareboat is running.

• Channels 22 and 78 - Channel 22 is a backup channel with a repeater station located above Woodwark Bay and covers most of the western side of the Islands... Channel 78 has no repeater station and should be used, only when near Abel Point Marina in Airlie Beach or when talking to other vessels.

However, if your bareboat is in distress, for example, in danger or on fire, you may use any channel on the radio to broadcast your situation and request help... Use channel 16 which is recognised internationally as a "distress" channel.

Only use your VHF marine radio when in line of sight

• Hamilton Island ................................................................Ch 68
  
  
• Other Whitsunday Island Resorts....................................Ch 16
  (you will be asked to transfer to a working station)
  
  
• Abel Point Marina, Airlie Beach Whitsundays .................Ch 68

For additional Whitsunday Island resort information on bookings, charges, anchorages and facilities... Refer to Whitsunday Islands - Resort Information