MRSS

Marine Radio Safety Service (MRSS) - is a time-saving, simplified service for boat owners offered by the Coastal Patrol and all boat owners are encouraged to join. When a boat owner logs on for tracking Coastal Patrol is required by Water Police and the State Rescue Board to obtain certain information. MRSS members will already have this information recorded on a secure database and all that is required for each new log on are details of the new voyage or day trip. Personal information is kept confidential and accessible only by Coastal Patrol and search and rescue authorities if the need arises.

Each MRSS member is issued with a unique call-sign eg SY123, to use when contacting us.

Not only does this save you radio time, it also saves you having to broadcast personal information on the marine radio every time you log on for tracking.

What is Tracking?
The ability to communicate with others in an emergency is one of the most important resources for safety at sea. Tracking is a radio safety procedure that ensures trained radio operators know you're out there in case something goes wrong.

When you leave for a trip - inshore or offshore, short or long - you call up and log on with Coastal Patrol and advise your departure and voyage details. On day trips you also call in on return to log off. For coastal voyages, your sailing plans are passed on to the Coastal Patrol bases en route. Position checks at pre-scheduled times ("skeds") are arranged. If you are overdue, or have not logged off, Coastal Patrol will start checking and organise assistance if necessary.

How do I log on with MRSS?
Use the normal calling channels/frequencies on your VHF, MF/HF or 27 MHz marine radio and normal calling procedures - call us three times and identify yourself three times eg "Coastal Patrol Sydney, Coastal Patrol Sydney, Coastal Patrol Sydney, this is Sierra Yankee 123 (your unique number), Sierra Yankee 123, Sierra Yankee 123"

When responding we will ask you to go to a working channel/frequency. Then we need only to obtain details of the number of persons on board, where you are going, estimated time of return (or arrival at your next distination). It's that easy!

Do I have to join the MRSS?
Logging on and off with Coastal Patrol is a FREE service provided by the Coastal Patrol in the interests of safer boating. It is not mandatory to join MRSS but when you do, you won't have to broadcast your personal details on the radio, you'll enjoy faster communication and that means more time boating.

What does it cost?
There are differing nominal fees according to the division concerned - please contact your nearest  Division.  Members are then issued with a unique call sign, membership card and list of all Coastal Patrol bases.

It's a very smart form of insurance.
MRSS improves your safety at sea and gives you and your loved ones greater confidence that if an emergency occurs, someone who can make a difference will know about it faster and alert Search and Rescue services.