Book Review Excerpts

New Zealand Fishing News, June 2004
Review by Grant Dixon, Editor
Don't leave port without one!

As someone who fishes out of a great many ports over a season, one of the regular questions that pops up on board is, "What VHF station do we operate on".

Now, with a NZ Marine Radio Handbook, the answer will always be at hand.
Well laid out... easy to follow...

The Journal of the Kiwi Association of
Sea-Kayakers (NZ) Inc. (KASK), April-May 2004
 Review by Paul Caffyn, Editor
For owners of VHF radios, or those considering purchasing one in the near future ...this concise and well laid out book is prescribed reading.

For sea kayakers, the use of VHF radios is not confined to calling in a rescue:   marine weather forecasts can be accessed, pods on the water can keep in touch, and during extended trips or expeditions, base stations can be informed of progress.

The book design is sharp, with consice, easily read text, good use of colour to segregate listings, excellent maps, and relevant insertion of small colour photos.

The laminated cover, and metal spiral bind will allow prolonged use (abuse) in a kayak...

Professional Skipper magazine, Jan 2004
 Review by Keith Ingram, Editor
This book is a useful, indeed vital aid to safe seafaring...
                                    a comprehensive guide to marine radio stations...

Wherever you may be in the region, area maps in the book locate radio stations and repeaters likely to be within range, VHF and SSB frequencies in use, hours of operation and weather forecast times.

Allen's book is clearly laid out and makes good use of colour. The paper is heavy stock to withstand repeated use, and the ring binding means it always lies flat.

Boating New Zealand magazine, Jan 2004
For those long experienced with the mike, and newcomers to marine radio, this is a handy, all-in-one reference of this valuable tool.

Its easy style covers an introduction to marine radio, a list of port, Coastguard and private radio stations throughout the country and related information, an extensive list of marinas, Metservice contact details and a Beaufort wind force scale with photographs.

Seafood New Zealand magazine, Dec 2003
 Review by Peter Jones
There should be a copy on every fishing vessel...

This handbook has been produced as a follow-on to Coastal Radio and Weather for Fishermen by the Federation of Commercial Fishermen and the Shipwreck Relief Society.

We congratulate John Allen on a job well done.

The Federation recommends there should be a copy on every fishing vessel.

Propellor magazine, Dec 2003
 Review by Barry Thompson, Editor
..a user's guide to VHF and SSB marine radio stations..
                                                  ..written with the mariner in mind.

At a glance, anyone with a marine radio anywhere in New Zealand can quickly find the services and correct frequencies to use and what service is provided.

Preface to the Marine Radio Handbook
Jim Lott, Chairman Radio Committee, CBES
John Allen has written this book with the mariner in mind. At a glance anyone with a marine radio anywhere around our coast can see what services are available in that vicinity, the correct frequencies to use, and when the service is available.

The author's 'user friendly' approach is highly commendable and will give the skipper of a vessel equipped with marine radio greater confidence when using the microphone.

Having this book aboard will help ensure that all mariners gain the maximum benefit from their radio and from shore stations eager to assist those at sea.

User commments

You have done an excellent and very comprehensive job, exceptionally well presented, clearly showing repeater sites and operators stations and all their contact details and nice maps. I think your book is an excellent resource ...

Terry Thomas
Thomas Electronics Otago Ltd

I am writing to say what a brilliant job you have done. It is well laid out and easy to find the info that we want. Thanks again...
I have used the book many times for reference for myself and boaties leaving port to tiki-tour around the country...

Sandy Johnson
Nelson Marine Radio

Most impressed, a great layout and so easy for boaties and others to understand. Good Luck...
I have sold my first book to a visiting yachtie; as you know once you sell one the word soon goes around...

Meri Leask
Bluff Fishermen's Shore Station

Thanks for the radio book. I've had a good look through it and am very impressed. Got everything one could wish for. I'll keep it aboard. Much better than the scruffy list I carry. The photos look great, especially the one on page 61...

Peter & Iris Tait
Stewart Island
Talisker Charters

Great book...

Mike Rossouw
Coastguard Tutor & Examiner, Christchurch

You must be congratulated for the amount of work, research and accuracy that has gone into your publication...

Ronald Smith
Wellington Cobar Radio

Cheers John, yup after 2 copies...
My boss has one and raves 'bout it. Very handy to have one on-hand...

Terry Kyle, Devonport

Many thanks for the NZ Marine Radio Handbook, which arrived yesterday. It is a great publication...

John Durham, Plimmerton