Changes to VHF radio channels, which will ensure New Zealand's maritime radio services are in line with the rest of the world, have now come into effect.

Communications Minister Amy Adams says changes have been well signalled across the maritime community over the past two months in the lead up to Saturday's changes.

While some maritime VHF repeater channels have changed as of October 1, Channel 16 – the safety, distress and emergency communication channel –will stay the same. File Photo.

'The changes will allow us to expand ship tracking and data services. These services are part of our international obligations for radio spectrum management.”

In New Zealand's coastal waters, maritime radio channels are used for many different purposes, ranging from broadcasting weather information, to providing a way to communicate in the event of emergency.

Safety is a priority and Channel 16 – the safety, distress and emergency communication channel –will stay the same, with Maritime New Zealand continuing to monitor it 24 hours a day, says Amy.

'I would like to remind boaties that there's no need to buy a new radio – current radios will be able to access all the available channels after the changes take place.

'However, there may be a need to switch to a new channel number to continue to access the local repeater, or to listen to the weather forecast.”

Changing the maritime channels has involved Maritime NZ, The Royal New Zealand Coastguard, and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Radio Spectrum Management team.

New Zealand, along with a number of other countries, were required to change some maritime VHF repeater channels to make space for newly allocated international services for ship tracking and data services.

To accommodate these changes, New Zealand has moved a few private VHF repeater services, most Coastguard VHF repeater services, and all NowCasting weather services.

The frequency changes are taking place today (October) before the peak summer recreational boating season when VHF radio services become busy.

For more information visit: www.retune.co.nz