Hi ik
I certainly monitor area Frequency when going coastal. last time I was coming back from Point Cook, MelRad gave me a heads up call. I had already heard the jump pilot a minute or two earlier and I stayed a mile off shore so my response was:
If we run into one another, we'll all get wet!
I only have one radio but I certainly use it and the transponder so people know where I am and I have an idea where they are, too.
Kaz