The waters near Port Douglas have just become a tad safer with the replacement and upgrade of the aerials at Marine Rescue Port Douglas.

Yes. old aerials were doing their job, but as every mariner knows it is better to replace and upgrade now rather than face problems later.

So, with the help of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Minister’s Direct Relief Grant through Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Queensland, Marine Rescue Port Douglas was able to replace its ageing aerials which new ones which will provide better communications with vessels in the seas adjacent to Port Douglas as far north as Hope Island.

Cairns company Austek Pty Ltd did the installation which cost $12,500.

That included the uninstall all the old rooftop masts and radio antennas and the install of a New 6M Marine Grade Aluminium Roof Top Mast, with 3 new antennas to replace old equipment.

New cabling had to be run to radios in the communications room. Two VHF antennas were mounted at the top and mid-section of the mast, and the UHF antenna was mounted at the base.

The UHF antenna communicates directly with Flagstaff Hill where it is converted to a VHF signal for marine communications. VHF antennas on the new mast will receive communications and work as a direct form of comms if Flagstaff is unavailable

All HF antenna equipment was removed along with old masts because HF communications have been taken over by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

Volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Douglas are on standby 24/7 with two vessels, RV Port Douglas and RV Mossman to attend vessels in distress and to help crew and passengers in distress.

Marine Rescue Port Douglas runs a training program with Mossman High School. Students train to get their coxwain’s certificate which can help them get jobs in the maritime fishing and tourism industries.

Owners of vessels can join Marine Rescue Port Douglas and benefit from low-level rescues (engine and other breakdowns) that would otherwise involve major costs. Go to the website: https://www.marinerescueportdouglas.com.au