Changes To VHF Working Channels Announced

Marine Notice No. 44 of 2020

Further to Marine Notice No. 36 of 2020 issued on 1^st September 2020, the Irish Coast Guard would like to again draw the public’s attention to changes to the VHF working channels currently used for communications with the public.

This will involve the Irish Coast Guard upgrading radio equipment at a number of the VHF network remote locations prior to the channel changeover at each site. The table below sets out the changes to the working channels that will occur in the coming weeks following completion of the upgrades.

Note: Channel 16 will remain available at each remote site for distress, safety and calling and will not be affected by these changes. Channel 67 is also available when required but may not be actively monitored at all times.

Outline of Planned Changes

While at present it is not possible to provide definitive dates for these channel changes, the upgrade work will commence on Tuesday 6th October 2020 and continue for 10 weeks, to conclude the week commencing Monday 14^th December 2020. Restrictions arising from social distancing requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic may impact on the commencement or conclusion of works.

The following table details the remote sites affected by the upgrade work, including the current channel associated with that site and the new channel that will be in operation following the completion of works.

*Hts = High Transmission Site

The remaining sites of Carlingford, Wicklow, Mizen Head, Galway, Clew Bay, Donegal Bay, Galley Head, Lough Ree and Lough Derg will retain their currently assigned channel.

A Marine Notice will issue upon completion of the upgrade project which will give a full list of all channels that will be used in future, including at the sites that will be retaining their current channels.

Further Communications

As the upgrade work progresses, the Irish Coast Guard will inform the public that a channel has changed by the following means:

• By broadcasting on the channel that will be changing in the days leading up to the switchover

• Through The Irish Coast Guard’s social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

• Updated information on the gov.ie website and the Safety on the Water website.

If you have further queries, please contact the Coast Guard at admin@irishcoastguard.ie