Harbour radio
Based at Port Otago’s gatehouse (Port Chalmers), Harbour Radio is manned by qualified staff 24 hours a day.
Harbour Radio monitor VHF channels 16, 14 and 62. It can track vessels on the approaches to and within Otago Harbour using a Radar and Automatic Identification System (AIS). The team also monitor aids to navigation – lights, beacons, etc. – and provide the status of these to shipping and harbour users.
Reporting procedure
At 48 hours of ETA and again at 24 hours, all vessels over 12 metres in length must call Harbour Radio on the main navigation channel, before entering Otago Harbour.
Communication with vessels
Harbour Control maintains full ship-to-shore communication systems, with a continuous 24 hour listening watch on VHF radio channels 16, 14 and 62.
- VHF Channel 16: Vessels may contact Harbour Control initially on CH16, then move to working channel
- VHF Channel 14: Commercial vessels
- VHF Channel 12: Tugs
- VHF Channel 62: Recreational and local commercial fisherman
- VHF Channel 79: Recorded weather information
For more information, phone +64 3 472 9883 (24 hours a day) or email Port Protection Team.