Right on the two above posts re Radio in general and scanners in particular, EA and I have been Amateur Radio Operators and Marine Radio Ops for many years, VK2NEA and 2FAE respectively, scanners are permanently on, one dedicated to the RFS channel one general, Aircraft, Cops Ambos, NPWS,Forestry, they keep us up to date about what's happening in our area, sorta news as it happens.
For 21 years EA and I ran a Limited Coast station, VH2RKI and did night standby for the local Coastal Patrol, on 27 meg. VHF and HF. We were on watch for the '98 Hobart and have assisted many vessels in one way or another.
Here at the River, it's a UHF black hole for VKG and the Ambos, on the day after Boxing day, we had to support old mate, who had pitched his K100 down the road bigtime, for 45 minutes until the troops got to us, they had no Comms, we were able to help.
We are not up to no good or voyeuristic, it's just another hobby, amongst a few others
Foss