Marine Electronic Radio Log - MERL

Marine Electronic Radio Log (MERL) is an internet based radio logging system for any Australian Volunteer Marine Radio Stations

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Features

User Friendly

  • Minimum mouse clicks and key strokes for an entry.
  • Multi user, multi-site - must have a duty officer - but can have any number of radio operators logged on and working.
  • Entry for Sea Watch Log automatically listed in ETA order, and the next expected vessel shown on the bottom LH corner (changes to red if overdue)
  • One click to register BIH (Back In Harbour).
  • Sea Watch Log colour coded for overdue, transiting and local vessels.
  • All vessels with recorded details can be recalled using Vessel Registration (preferred) or name, thus speeding data entry.

Integrated

  • Transiting vessels automatically passed to Marine Rescue Stations (using this software) along advised route. For other stations, produces an email (which can be faxed if station not prepared to accept emails).
  • Integrated Call Sign Membership List allows boat description/mobile phone number/and departure point to be automatically entered.
  • "Call Sign" from one station can be use with any station using VMS

Customisable

  • Can be customised to local radio frequencies, and Associate Member call signs (i.e. three letter code).
  • Security can be set at user level on a “need to know” basis.

Automated Reminders

  • Renew of Call Sign membership by email, and final reminder by SMS.
  • Overdue vessels automatically advised by SMS.

External Services

  • If MMSI is recorded and AIS active, geofencing is used to transfer the vessel from one station to the next automatically.
  • Boat Beacon-AIS App - if a Call Sign Member advises BBID number, automatic sea watch on activation with a link to a position/track graphic
  • Boat Beacon-AIS can automatically notify a station if it is in their area
  • Boat Beacon-AIS log on/off confirmed by SMS

Callout

  • Stats by call type, and a daily/monthly tally of the sea watch log.
  • Callout sheet produced as a by-product of entering an assist (automatically inserts latest weather, tide times and duty crew (and if logged on by "Boat Beacon-AIS" or MMSI recorded and AIS active, the time of the last report, position, speed and heading).
  • Crew callout availability, notice of leave, change of phone/email can be directly entered by volunteers.
  • Up to date callout availability details on a day by day basis can be obtained by radio operators, and appear on the Callout Sheet.