The Mountain Radio
Service is the most reliable form of communication in the
backcountry in New Zealand. While locator beacons and cell phones
have their place, the mountain radio is the best form of two-way
conversation and tracking device available for trampers. Although
they can be used on most trips, they are particularly suited to
longer/extended trips, and areas where the terrain is untracked and
there are no facilities.
The following is
extracted from the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council's pamphlet on
the mountain radio service:
'Mountain Radio
Service has lightweight radios (equal in size and weight to a pack
of butter) for use in the outdoors. These are ideal for school
groups, youth groups, trampers, hunters and most other outdoor
activity groups. The radios function in both the North and South
Islands, and have proved to be of great value on many occasions.
Each base
station generates a once-daily call (referred to as a 'sked').
During the sked the base station operator gives weather information
and takes details of the location and intentions of users. This
includes making telephone calls to the nominated contact person
regarding any changes to plans and pick up arrangements caused by
bad weather and / or flooded rivers.
Of course any
developing emergency can be dealt with as well. In case of accident
or illness the details can be given at sked time, and assistance
arranged if needed. Unless there are other listening times arranged,
you will normally make contact with the base station at the
specified times. If an emergency arises during the day, a call
should be made on the Canterbury Mountain Radio Service frequency as
there is a good chance of being heard in Christchurch by one of
their members.
When a radio is
hired, full details on setting up the aerial, base station sked
times and listening watches (if any) will be given. Information on
channel frequencies is also supplied, so it is important that the
hirer reads and understands this information. Before the radio can
be made operational the long aerial wire must be strung out and this
could take 10 minutes or more in bush or rough terrain. Weight of
radio, antenna, spare batteries, and bag is 1.2kg for the smaller
set, and 1.8kg for the larger set. Size of bag for the smaller set
is 19cm X 16cm X 8cm for the smaller set'
The Mountain
Radio service is the only public communication system for
backcountry users. It is reliable and effective. Follow instructions
carefully, and take care of the radio - it could save your life! A
cellphone is suggested only as a useful backup to mountain safety
principles in New Zealand. If it works, feel free to call 111 in an
emergency.
Contact
information for the Mountain Radio Service in Dunedin /
Southland:
Dunedin: (Martin
Balch) 23 Connell Street. Waverly, Dunedin.
Phone 03 454-3262,
Mobile 025 375-242
Fax 03 454-3223
Invercargill:
Ray Philips, Mill Road South, RD1, Southland
Phone: (03) 216 3751
Canterbury
Mountain Radio Website
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