Omnitronics helps AVCG keep 2500 km of coastline safe

The Australian Volunteer Coast Guard (AVCG) has put an Omnitronics DX-Altus dispatch system in charge of managing its mission-critical rescue communications across 2512 km of the Australian coastline.

The installation has increased the AVCG’s reach to remote locations and improved reliability, productivity, access and ease of communications for its 2500 volunteers.

Operators now use a single common microphone across all channels, rather than a desk full of individual ones, and they can monitor 23 VHF and HF channels at once.

Weather forecasts can now be recorded in advance and sent out to vessels periodically across multiple channels.

Each year the AVCG performs thousands of rescue activations and in emergencies is called upon to perform Medivac responses to hard-to-reach islands and beaches, as well as for crucial search and rescue functions for people lost or missing at sea or in other waterways.

The not-for-profit organisation operates 107 rescue vessels and 147 radio bases under the control of 72 local flotillas, as well as 30 communication and display vans and 4WD vehicles.

The AVCG maintains radio safety watches along many parts of the coastline and some inland waterways on VHF, 27 MHz and HF frequencies, with weather reports available on request.

“The efficiency, reliability and productivity of our rescue mission communications has improved significantly, and our volunteers appreciate the user-friendly interface of the DX-Altus” said Marcus Grinblatt ESM, Vice Captain Communications, Victoria State Council.

To ensure uninterrupted communications at all times and locations, the AVCG has implemented a multilayered network comprising wired and wireless ADSL/NBN and 900 MHz links to local repeaters, separate from IP/service provider involvement.

Grinblatt will present a talk on Victorian boating public safety infrastructure at 9.30 am on Friday, 15 June, at Comms Connect Sydney (Rosehill Gardens, near Parramatta).

Image courtesy AVCG.

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