Communications makes new waves for Coast Guard

by Tony Danino, Project Manager CFA Communications

CFA Communications has been working closely with Coast Guard to provide VHF radios in Coast Guard vessels across Victoria. They will have the same radio channels as CFA's MCS2000 radios, allowing both organisations to jointly respond to incidents and communicate with each other.

Consequently, the first VHF radio was fitted on Saturday 3 May by Coast Guard personnel with assistance from CFA Communications. Another five have since been installed, including the Safety Beach vessel shown at right. The radio will allow Coast Guard vessels to communicate with Vic Fire Dispatch and also operate an all other CFA and DSE channels.

These radios will significantly enhance the operational effectiveness and efficiency of these floating brigades, especially when responding to fire calls such as the recent fire at Patterson Lakes on Saturday 19 April (see here for pictures).

Communications is also providing advice on default Communications Plans for the Coast Guard Squadrons across the state, as well as preparing training material to train Coast Guard members in the use of this new radio.