Marine
VHF radio is the best way of summoning help.
You can contact the coastguard
up to 50 miles off-shore and talk to other yachts up to 15 to 20 miles on the
open sea.
If you use a marine VHF radio onboard your yacht you are
required, by law, to hold a marine radio operators certificate.
This is a 1 day course, which on completion, you will be a
competent radio operator and know the correct procedure for distress, urgency,
safety by means of marine VHF DSC radio.
Topics covered: -
- VHF communications
- Controls found on marine VHF
set
- Channels (simplex &
duplex)
- VHF communication range
- VHF DSC (Digital Selective
Calling)
- Distress, Safety and Routine
Calling
- MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service
Identity) numbers
- Ships licence and radio
regulations
- Voice procedures
- NAVTEX
- MSI (Martine Safety
Information) broadcasts
- Stations
- Portable safety equipment
- EPIRB (Emergency Positioning
Indication Radio Beacons)
- SARTs (Search & Rescue
radar Transponders)
Pre-course e-study
Although we cover all the topics in the SRC syllabus, pre-course study is
recommended. To help you come to terms with GMDSS, YachtCom has produced a PC
Simulator program that is based on the DSC system outlined in the RYA
publication VHF Radio (inc GMDSS) VHF G22.
Click
here for details on YachtCom's ONLINE training program What to
bring Candidates must bring along a current passport size photograph of
themselves and a cheque made payable to 'RYA' for £25 or can be paid by
credit/debit card. There will be a short assessment towards the end of the day.
Candidates will be sent their VHF Short Range Certificate operator's
certificate from the RYA.