Radio operator wanted

Marlborough Marine Radio is putting out the call for a new operator, after VHF stalwart Kath Walker hung up her microphone.

Marlborough Marine Radio (MMR) administration officer Nadine Taylor says there are now seven operators covering eight shifts, and she's looking for someone to be the vital land connection for members in the Marlborough Sounds.

The marine safety service covers channels 63 and 1 in Picton, Queen Charlotte Sound and Cook Strait, or 65 and 5 in Havelock and Pelorus, "so it's quite a large chunk of the marine area", she said.

Operators, who volunteer their time but are paid an honorarium, man a VHF from home from 7am to 10pm on their allocated days, logging trip reports from outgoing vessels, alerting boaties of hazards and giving regular weather and condition updates.

They also answer "a myriad of calls", with everything from Lotto result queries to emergency alerts, she said.

Operators needed to be computer literate, or willing to learn, have good record-keeping skills and have a clear radio voice.

Mrs Taylor said the job would appeal to the retired or semi-retired who want to keep busy, maintain contact with the marine community and its occasional dramas, and to earn a little bit of money.

The job also had social perks, with a couple of functions every year to treat the hard-working operators.

Joan Henson has been a MMR operator for the past 10 years, and is now part of the fabric of Marlborough's marine community.

One of her most resounding memories is of a boatie who had broken down and called in for assistance. "When I asked him if he had put down his anchor he said, I did, but I forgot to tie it off first."

Anyone wanting more information about becoming a Marlborough Marine Radio operator can call Mrs Taylor on 5738851.

- The Marlborough Express

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