by Skeney on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 1:18 +0000
Guys,
Tomuch is absolutely correct!
I have a background in small vessel operations up and down the West Australian coast. Technically, a license is required to operate a Marine VHF radio obtainable through TAFE or other such course providers (local marine rescue groups would likely run them too)
VHF used to be more expensive and usually the choice of commercial operators only. Since becoming more $$$ friendly a lot more recreational users now have them on board. Whether or not they have the qualification for them is another story...
I'm led to believe 5 watts is as high an output as legally allowed, the coppers may have special legislation or something in place allowing them to use high output radios... not sure. A good place to look would be ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) This is the gov. department responsible for the issue of licenses and compliance of relevent legislation.
Hope this helps- Skeney