500 kHz Memorial

There is a growing move amongst maritime groups world wide to preserve 500 kHz as a memorial frequency.

Of course, 500 kHz was the frequency used by the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912.

Since 1912, 500 kHz has been used by thousands of merchant ships to signal their plight in times of peace and war. 500 kHz has been the international marine Morse code distress frequency for the last 90-odd years.

More often than not, 500 kHz was witness to a ship's Radio Officer's last moments. Many Radio Officers literally died at their key as their ship fell victim to enemy action or was overwhelmed by the forces of nature.

Of course, 500 kHz was replaced by the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System or GMDSS in 1999. The frequency has fallen silent these days.

Whilst official operation on 500 kHz has been discontinued since 1999, the frequency is still designated as a distress channel in the International Radio Regulations. It is likely that this status will remain for some time.

The distress and safety status of 500 kHz will eventually be removed from the International Radio Regulations. The frequency will then be 'up for grabs' by other interests, perhaps not even maritime related.

The US based Marine Radio Historic Society is championing the cause of 500 kHz preservation. The society operates two restored marine Coast Radio Stations on the west coast of the US. The stations are regularly activated for special event operations on 500 kHz.

In Australia, most of the former OTC Coast Radio Stations have been closed, with only the Perth station still operational on HF. All 500 kHz facilities have been dismantled.

Given the frequency's august history, marine groups are lobbying to have 500 kHz designated as a "memorial frequency." This, they say, would prevent the spectrum being reallocated by the International Telecommunication Union and keep 500 kHz open for future commemorative maritime events

Amateur radio operators have expressed an interest in seeking a new frequency allocation in the vicinity of 500 kHz - this should be encouraged, however it is fitting that the actual frequency of 500 kHz (i.e. the band 499-501 kHz) be preserved for historic maritime stations.

Perhaps a way forward is to preserve 499-501 kHz for maritime historic stations, with the surrounding band (say 495-499 and 501-505 kHz) used by amateurs.

More information on the preservation of 500 kHz may be found on the web at www.save500khz.org

Glenn Dunstan VK4DU
Director WIA

Source: Wireless Institute of Australia

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