RADIO COMMUNICATIONS

• VHF communications were only required during this program and the local Scott base repeater was used. Both hand held and vehicle VHF radios were used. Some of the vehicle VHF radios were older models and we found that the channel availability and numbering was not consistent with current Ant.NZ allocations as noted in the field manual. This was particularly frustrating when trying to call Williams airfield tower in H2 and PB 170 to obtain permission to cross the approach to runways. The radios were reprogrammed at Scott Base when we realised the problem but this does highlight that a process should be in place to check all vehicle radios early in the season to make them consistent.

• Scott Base radio communications .was generally very good and we received good service and support. We had some difficulty maintaining our radio schedule timing because of the drilling and science operations that could not be stopped. We tried to maintain a listing watch with a personnel hand held while drilling but sometimes the noise of the operations affected our ability page 10 to pick up calls. At times we had some confusion understanding if we were communicating with Scott Base or an individual (comms. operator).

  We were required to note how many personnel were over-nighting at camp every evening radio schedule. The timing for this (2000 hrs) was often difficult because our workday was still uncompleted at this time. This was improved when the night comms. Operator took responsibility for this.