In a Boating Emergency
- CH16 on VHF (Distress & Emergency Channel)
- CH16 on VHF
- CH16 on VHF
- CH88 on 27MHZ
Apart from radio coverage generally to the local boating community, the base offers:
The Marine Rescue NSW Port Stephens unit is a Category One Marine Search and Rescue Co-ordination Centre (SARCC) and is accredited by the State Rescue Board.
Our Radio Base & Communications Centre at Nelson Head (VMR217) is operated by trained and qualified volunteers, 24 hrs a day; 7 days a week; 365 days a year, monitoring VHF, emergency, and calling channels. Members of the public are welcome to visit the Communication Centre to learn more about Marine Rescue.
The link below displays a list of honours and citations awarded to members of Marine Rescue Port Stephens Unit to recognise their skills, dedication and courage in face of imminent dangers encountered in providing assistance to the boating community in the Port Stephens coastal region.
To provide, through motivated and satisfied volunteers, one of the most effective, innovative and dependable Marine Radio and Search and Rescue Bases in Australia
To provide an effective 24-hour Marine Radio and Search and Rescue response to the community in accordance with State and National rescue policy and maintain the Nelson Head historic heritage site to a high standard for posterity and public access.
Marine Rescue Port Stephens operates a purpose-built weather recording facility. Combined with forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology, this system provides the Base with a detailed overview of local weather conditions.
Regular updates are electronically distributed to local radio, television, and print media. Weather warnings are also broadcast via VHF marine radio channels.
