Radio News March 2015

Welcome to this months newsletter. The stats for the month were as follows:

• Operator volunteer hours: 124.5
• Calls logged during this time: 301
   

Another busy month on the lake with 4 Navigational warnings issued from the Harbourmasters Office:

• NZ Ironman
• Motuoapa Yacht Club Race
• Annual Media Works Raft Race
• NZ Water-ski Championships

We had 3 assistance calls while our RO’s were monitoring Ch61, none required assistance from CRV Taupo as all were handled by local boaties after an All Stations was broadcast.

Thanks to RO, Fred (Inky) who handled all 3 incidents and a special thanks to the local boaties for their assistance.

Ch61 is still getting plagued by rogue computer generated test tones at various times both day and night. Broadcast Services Ltd Auck are aware of the problem but to date have been unable to locate the source.

Despite advertising the proposed “DAY SKIPPER” Course for March over Ch61 at various times during our shifts, it had to be cancelled due to lack of interest. Sorry Bill we did our best.

This month all Radio Licences formally held by LTMR were transferred to CG Lake Taupo.

The annual Airport Open Day was again a great success, with MRP Rescue a great hit with the youngsters enjoying a chance to climb up-over and eventually off again. Some good contacts were made with the possibility of a couple of new members being signed up.

With the upcoming daylight savings changeover, we will be reverting back to two shifts a day, thus relieving the pressure on RO”s to do double shifts. We will however continue to broadcast the 0740 and 1800Hrs Weather Forecasts.

VINCE CHARLESWORTH
ROSTER MANAGER