Marine Radio Contacts

All watercraft users should Log On & Log Off with their nearest Marine Rescue or Coast Guard unit whenever they head out on the water.

This is a simple process that lets them know when you’re leaving, where you’re heading and when you expect to return.

This way, someone responsible knows that you’re out on your boat and that you’ve returned safely at the end of your trip.

If you don’t Log Off, they can take steps to try to find you to ensure you are safe.

Here are a few FAQs to help you

Do I have to be a member of Marine Rescue or Coast Guard to use a log-on service?

No! The service is free of charge for all members of the public

I have a kayak or canoe, can I log on/off when heading out?

Yes! By simply providing a call sign that you wish to be addressed to identify you

I'm on a jet ski. Can I log on/off too?

Yes! In fact, it is highly encouraged that jetski riders log their journeys

Do you need a radio to log on/off?

No! You can call your nearest unit and speak to volunteers that can log your trip by phone, as well as guide you through the log-on/off process

Is the log-on/off service only for vessels going offshore?

No! All vessels, no matter their destination, can use this service

What other services over the radio can be provided?

You can ask for a radio check or a weather report

Log On Information Required

Vessel Registration Number and/or Name of Vessel

Make and model the vessel

Number of people on board (POB)

Mobile Phone Number

Departure Point and Destination

Estimated Time of Return (ETR)

If you are staying out overnight, please request to be placed on the overnight log.

If you change your planned estimated time of return, radio or phone the base again and advise them of your change in plans. If you are sailing up or down the coast, you should establish a voyage plan and an Offshore Tracking Schedule to check in (a ‘sked’) with other Marine Rescue or Coast Guard units along the way.

They will keep track of your progress until you safely arrive at your destination

What to do if you intend to cross a Bar

Queensland has many dangerous coastal bars

They are often the only way boats can access, or reach shelter from, open waters

Conditions on a bar can change quickly and without warning, even on a good day

Don’t risk crossing a bar if the weather looks bad or is forecast to deteriorate

Local knowledge, experience and the right kind of boat are critical when trying to cross a bar

Wear lifejackets while crossing a bar in any boat at any time. Your boat can capsize quickly and it is almost impossible to put on a lifejacket in choppy waters

Conditions offshore can be ideal for boating, but the conditions on the bar can be dangerous. Never underestimate a coastal bar as weather conditions can change quickly without warning

Do not try to cross a bar if the weather looks bad or in heavy swells, strong wind, or on a run-out tide when wave conditions are usually the most dangerous

It’s compulsory for everyone to wear a lifejacket while crossing designated coastal bars in open boats under 4.8m. Designated coastal bar locations:

Bribie Island

Caloundra

Cawarral Creek

Currumbin

Gold Coast Seaway

Jumpinpin

Mooloolah River

Maroochy River

Noosa River

Round Hill Creek

South Passage

Tallebudgera

Wide Bay

Please advise the Marine Rescue or Coast Guard that you plan to cross the bar, please do this before entering the bar

Once you have safely crossed to the other side please, once again notify them that you have safely crossed the bar

This ensures that are aware you are safe through the bar and offshore, or that you have safely returned to inshore waters

Don't forget to familiarise yourself with the marine channels in SEQ on our channel page

Our Information

Our Callsign: SEQUEST RADIO

At SEQUEST we conduct a listening watch on a number of VHF marine radio channels covering from the Bremer River, downstream Brisbane River and out to Moreton Bay

We also provide an additional listening watch by providing monitoring coverage across Moreton Bay for when limited coast stations are closed or radio transmissions are not answered due to blackspots

Our best channel for making contact is the following VHF channel

Don't forget if you are heading on the Brisbane or Bremer Rivers check out our Riverwatch page

Channel 81 Repeater South East Qld Wide

(South East Queensland wide coverage this repeater is located at Mt Glorious)

MARINE RESCUE & COAST GUARD INFORMATION

GOLD COAST

VMR 414 Seaway Tower Southport

Emergency: VHF 16 or 67

Normal working channel: VHF 73

Phone: 07 5591 2948

Marine Rescue Point Danger

Radio Monitoring Hours

24/7

Radio Channels Monitored

VHF: 16, 19

Phone: (07) 5536 9333

VMR 420 Marine Rescue Currumbin

2 Duringan Street Currumbin

Radio Monitoring Hours

7 days 0500 - 1230 Hours

Radio Channels Monitored

VHF: 16, 67, 73

27Mhz: 88, 91

Phone: (07) 5534 1000

VMR 400 Marine Rescue Southport

Muriel Henchman Drive, Main Beach

Radio Monitoring Hours

24/7

Radio Channels Monitored

VHF: 16, 67, 73, 82

Phone: (07) 5591 1300

VMR 440 Coast Guard Southport

171 Marine Parade Southport

Radio Monitoring Hours

Weekdays: 0800 - 1800

Weekends: 1800 Friday to 1800 Sunday

Radio Channels Monitored

VHF: 16, 21, 22, 67, 73, 81, 82

27Mhz: 86, 88, 91

HF: 2524

Phone: (07) 5531 1421

VMR 450 Marine Rescue Jacobs Well

Jacobs Well Boat Ramp, Jacobs Well

Radio Monitoring Hours

24/7

Radio Channels Monitored

VHF: 16, 67, 82

27Mhz: 88, 91

Phone: (07) 5546 1100

MORETON BAY

Please be aware during the weekday most radio rooms are closed, if you need to Log On contact VMR403 Coast Guard Redcliffe or VMR445 Marine Rescue Bribie Island as their radio rooms are open during the weekdays and they can assist you with your journey coverage.

At night you can contact VMR450 Marine Rescue Jacobs Well on VHF Repeater Channel 82

If no luck you use our Log On System we will happily assist you in monitoring your journey on our log

VMR 447 Coast Guard Redland Bay

9A Messiner Street, Redland Bay

Radio Monitoring Hours

Weekends: 0600 - 1700 inc Public Holidays

Radio Channels Monitored

VHF: 13, 16, 63, 67, 73, 81, 82

27Mhz: 88, 90

MF/HF: 4125

Phone: (07) 3206 7777

VMR 441 Marine Rescue Victoria Point