The Turks and Caicos Coastal Radar Station has been designated a licensed Coast Station and now has a new permanent call sign, “Provo Radio, Papa Romeo.”
The Radar Station received its official designation as an official Coast Station on June 11, 2013, which meant that (TCCRS) Turks and Caicos Coastal Radar operations had to undergo a name change from its present call sign “Provo Radar” to “Provo Radio” Papa Romeo. They will however continue to monitor “VHF 16/74”.
Since its official opening in September 2012, the station’s “Provo Radar”, call sign was a temporary one pending the receipt of its official Coast Station license from the Telecommunications Licensing authority, in line with international rules governing the assignment of radio and broadcast frequencies.
The Radar Station is government operated, providing 24 hour coverage to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Since its commission last year, the Station has provided vital services to international and local Boaters, and had been a vital tool in Border protection since it commissioning last year.
“No doubt, Boaters will continue to refer to us as “Provo Radar”, however we hope Boaters will quickly adopt the name Provo Radio,” Radar Supervisor Rodman Johnson said.
Whilst the call sign changes, this multi-functioning facility will keep its present name (TCCRS) Turks and Caicos Coastal Radar Station. While its main role is marine traffic surveillance, the facility will continue to work in collaboration with the Ports Authority and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police force Marine division, in areas of: law enforcement; monitoring all calls from vessels on local and international voyages; issuing navigation warnings and weather forecasts as well as aid in search & rescue.
Radar Supervisor Rodman Johnson told RTC News, ‘we are here to provide the Boating community with any information necessary to enhance your safety in our waters and sea ports.’
