i think you mean your VHF is on 16 Neels, no channel 16 on a 27 MHz radio. Most boats will use 72 for chit chat, all the fishing comps use it and mine is usually on 72 as well. Dampier Port Authority is all on channel 11 and Woodside i know uses channel 84. if you have a mate fishing one side of the archipelago and your on the other then i suggest you use 21, Woodside has a repeater on the burrup for it, i was getting comms from Wandoo back to Pt Samson the other week but i have also got Exmouth Sea Rescue, the Mackerel Islands crew, people at the Monties and the Pluto Platform all on 72.

Good stuff to know.  We use 21 down here in Exy and go to 17 or 14 for close boat to boat chat off main channels.

Out of interest, are you allowed to set net up K-town way?  Have emptied my bait freezer for transport and assume its alright to use nets up there to get mullet etc, when they're a bit flighty for the throw net.

Out samson way we use channel 81 we have a radio operator who if not at work is usually by the radio so you can log on and off with vmr 689 (port walcott marine rescue) Allan does a great job spends alot of time on the radio .

Sorry Bruce

I should just have said marine radio. That way no laws involved. At least now I will have a little listen to the banter. Like I said better than the chat on 16.

Neels