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Icom provide Radio Communications to Portsmouth Volunteer Harbour Patrol

Radio Communications Company Icom UK has supplied two IC-M421 VHF/DSC transceivers for the Portsmouth Volunteer Harbour Patrol’s (VHP) jetskis. The jetskis are used to help patrol approximately 50 square miles of sea in the Solent, including the busy area of the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth.

Based at Whale Island Portsmouth, the jetskis are used to patrol the busy areas off Lee-on-the-Solent and Eastney beach. Queen’s Harbour Master, Commander Kendal Carter, who oversees the VHP said, “We want everyone to have an accident-free/incident-free season in which all water users have fun and no one is put in danger.” He went on to say “The introduction of our own jetskis will enhance our service. They will reassure the public that we take safety enforcement on the water very seriously. The patrols also play an important role in marshalling high profile events and this year was involved with the Volvo Ocean Race”.

The IC-M421s transceivers are being used as the means of communication between the jetskis; other VHP craft, the harbour master and shore based officers. Commander Carter said, “The IC-M421s were chosen for their reliability and their size due to the lack of space on the jetskis. He added “The Volunteer Harbour Patrol jetskis normally operate in a pair, at distances of up to 10 miles from the harbour. It is critical that they remain in contact with each other, the Harbour Control, the Police and other emergency services. In this respect the radios play a vital role in helping keep the port safe.

He went on to say, “We chose Icom as they are the marine radio standard. Their reputation is second to none in marine communications.

Jon Brooks, Icom Marine Dealer Manager, said “Here at Icom we are committed to assisting, where we can, projects that help to developed safety in the marine sector. The work of the VHP is at the forefront of promoting safe water use and we are proud to be associated with the work and the volunteers of the VHP. Our development of fitting full VHF/DSC radios to jetskis can only help to confirm and promote VHF as a primary means of communication for any craft whilst at sea”.

Commander Carter said, “I am extremely grateful for Icom’s help and support to the Portsmouth Volunteer Harbour Patrol. Without Icom the patrol would not be able to operate effectively. Icom have made and are making a vital contribution to the safety of all users of the busiest stretch of water in the UK”.

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