Radio operators put lighthouse on the map

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Last weekend the St Blaize Lighthouse featured in the global arena of International Lighthouse and Lightship Awareness Weekend.

This prestigious event happens annually in August and is known as the ILLW.

On Friday, 20 August, the Southern Cape Amateur Radio Club arrived at the St Blaize Lighthouse, ready to set up a field station. Buzzing with energy and enthusiasm, the task of constructing masts and antennas was completed in record time. During the the next 48 hours, club members worked in shifts, attempting to secure radio contact with some of the participating 139 lighthouses and keen amateur radio operators worldwide.

In an unexpected and interesting turn of events, the upside of lockdown is that it has revived amateur radio. Operators, both men and women, were eager to make contact with far away or rare stations.

The South African and Namibian amateur radio community, from Musina to Cape Town and Durban to Port Nolloth, was keen for a piece of the action and filled the radio silence with requests for contact.

"Activities like this are hard work, fun and challenging, preparing amateur radio operators to be Hamnet members.

"Next time you hear of a disaster or the search and rescue of someone, there is a good possibility Hamnet played a part in the communication aspects of the disaster or rescue," said radio amateur Anthony Janse van Vuuren.

"Gender, age and physical challenges play no role in amateur radio.

"The local club is blessed with knowledgeable and keen members, all willing to share their expertise and assist in any way."

Janse van Rensburg says there were moments where able bodied participants were humbled when a severely vision impaired operator successfully completed more than his shift behind the microphone.

"He is totally qualified, competent and enthusiastic in the use of the equipment. Our thanks go to everyone involved in making the project a success."

The visually impaired Herman Louw impressed with his skill on the radio, despite obvious challenges using the equipment.