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VHF Radio Course

What is the VHF Radio Course?

The VHF Radio Course, also known as the Short Range Certificate (SRC), covers how to operate a VHF Radio and all the necessary procedures, for example calling marinas, how to send a Mayday etc. The VHF Course covers Digital Selective Calling (DSC) – the method of calling other yachts electronically, as well as the traditional method of calling by voice. The SRC is the qualification which authorises the holder to operate a VHF radiotelephone, fitted with Digital Selective Calling ('DSC') on board any British vessel which is voluntarily fitted with radio equipment. This includes both fixed and handheld sets.

How to get a VHF Radio Licence:

This is a twostep process to get a VHF Radio Licence, (Short Range Certificate SRC) you must:

Firstly – successfully complete the course

AND

Secondly – take the VHF Radio Assessment.

Please note, the assessment is taken separately to the VHF Course at the Club and cannot be taken online. There is no age limit to take the VHF Radio Course, but you must be 16 years or over to take the VHF Assessment.

The Course Covers:

Basic radio operation
Correct frequencies (channels) to be used
Distress, emergency and medical assistance procedures
Ship to shore calls
Digital Selective calling (DSC) using simulators
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBS)
Search and Rescue (SART)

This course is based either online or in the classroom with the exam taking place in the classroom. The course length is 10 hours whether online or classroom based.

At the end of the course there is a straightforward 'knowledge check' to ensure that you are ready to go ahead to the assessment.

The Classroom Course:

Emsworth Sailing Club runs this course as a 7 hour face to face course in the classroom with 3 hours or pre-reading when there is sufficient demand.

If you are aware of 4 or more people interested please contact the office to arrange a suitable course date.

The Online Course:

The online course breaks down the teaching of all aspects of using a VHF Radio into manageable sections. As you work through each section there are various methods used to ensure that you have understood the subject such as little quizzes and even the chance to use a simulator to make and record practice calls. Throughout there are recordings of radio calls so that you can hear what a real call would sound like. Course Duration: 4-8 hours (online)

You are strongly advised to 'try the taster before you buy the course' to ensure that the device you intend to complete the course on is compatible.

NO REFUNDS CAN BE ISSUED FOR INCOMPATIBLE DEVICES.

Course Fee:

The classroom course fee is dependent on the number of students – the office will advise when arranging the course.

The online course fee is £75 and includes: