Buying/using a VHF radio without qualification

[jb100]

Hi

I have mainly been ribbing / boating in sheltered estuary but recently started to venture out into sea along coastline.

I have not yet completed the VHF course but am interested in getting a vhf radio should engine fail or get into difficulty. I understand VHF is not supposed to be used / ilegal to use by untrained users but was thinking in a dire situation a mayday call might be lifesaving. I am sure under those circumstances it would be acceptable.

Question is:

Do others carry a vhf without the course?
What channel/frequency would you used for mayday?
Is there one with combined GPS plotter under £500 that anyone can recommend?

Thanks

[Iankristy]

I’m sure lots carry without a license, no penalty for using in an emergency….but for the price of the course would highly recommend doing it. Not only would you be much more useful in a situation(not easy talking to someone that doesn’t know the basics) but you’d probably find it handy anyway, calling into ports for a berth etc

[Nasher]

The book you get free when you take the course is available to buy:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/RYA-VHF-Han.../dp/1905104030

But yes, I agree that actually doing the course is well worth while.
I actually enjoyed mine years ago

[Max...]

This comes up so often. Like Nasher I enjoyed the course, it’s not expensive and like PB2 it’s another thing achieved and you have a license for life.

But upshot is in a dire situation or much less no one is going to put you in jail.

[User name]

This video is handy for the basics of communicating in an emergency and for general boat preparation too.

https://youtu.be/_U_7eBoYJi8?si=hlnFf5ymGJM8OFEv&t=358

[jb100]

Thanks
Yes will definately look to get a course done at some point but for peace of mind its something I think I will buy and keep onboard - especially if I can find one with a GPS combined .
I think just listening out is also good as potentially maybe able to help someone else whos in trouble. I believe it is mandatory to assist a mayday if nearby and able to do so.

[Iankristy]

Originally Posted by jb100

Thanks

Yes will definately look to get a course done at some point but for peace of mind its something I think I will buy and keep onboard - especially if I can find one with a GPS combined .

I think just listening out is also good as potentially maybe able to help someone else whos in trouble. I believe it is mandatory to assist a mayday if nearby and able to do so.

Icom a quality no nonsense choice [emoji4]

[ATTACH]143556

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by jb100

….

What channel/frequency would you used for mayday?

Sort of answered your own question there[emoji6]

[jb100]

Thanks for vhf suggestion. I would prefer handheld VHF ideally with GPS map on it but reckon these might be big money . If I buy second hand one would the license/registration be transferable?

[Max...]

Better off fixed in a RIB. Much better range too on the VHF.

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by jb100

Thanks for vhf suggestion. I would prefer handheld VHF ideally with GPS map on it but reckon these might be big money . If I buy second hand one would the license/registration be transferable?

Firstly, for what it costs just do the course, it may just prove invaluable one day, and if not it's quite an enjoyable course.

Handheld VHF with an intuitive gps mapping system probably a bit harsh! but think first generation portable car phone - if you are too young google it! People mention brick when talking about old mobiles, well think BREZEBLOCK! Handheld VHF is probably 20 - 30 years behind where it would be if Icom/Standard Horizon employed someone from Apple or Google. The handheld VHF screens are archaic, the hardware is archaic. Buy a handheld VHF and a separate chartplotter/sounder, oh and do a course.

[spartacus]

Originally Posted by jb100

Thanks
Yes will definately look to get a course done at some point but for peace of mind its something I think I will buy and keep onboard - especially if I can find one with a GPS combined .
I think just listening out is also good as potentially maybe able to help someone else whos in trouble. I believe it is mandatory to assist a mayday if nearby and able to do so.

Most people not used to using a VHF radio will think they’re Richard Burton “Broadsword calling Dannyboy”.

It’s an essential bit of kit to have onboard, but spare the time and sit the course is my advice. It’s interesting, given the information you relay needs to be concise.

As mentioned, you could witness a situation unfold, and with access to a radio you have a duty of care to intervene. Last time I used it in anger was to speak to the coastguard to stand down Fraserburgh RNLI that had been called out by a member of the public as we were apparently ‘drifting’. Little did they know we were fishing, but hey, these things happen.

[Matt]

Originally Posted by Iankristy

Icom a quality no nonsense choice [emoji4]

[ATTACH]143556

I have this one. It is excellent for price/size/features.

[Matt]

Absolutely agree it's worth doing the course, but even withouth, always recommend carrying at least a handheld (with charged batteries), if not a fixed.
And also worth teaching yourself the mayday procedure, if nothing else.
Dayskipper theory also covers the mayday procedure, can't remember if PB2 does.

https://www.rya.org.uk/blog/maydays-and-pan-pan

[jb100]

When I did my PB L2 a bit of radio transmission was covered during manover board drills.

Are there no good combined GPS chart plotters with VHF combined in hand held? I remember the chap that taught us PB2 was also in RNLI and he said he had one of the combined ones - I think he said it was 700 + hence why I was thinking about second hand

[jb100]

I guess in a mayday situation radio procedure is ideal but even if you dont use that atleast being able to tell someone where you are, location (even if rough estimate), is going to help. I cant imagine someone responding to a distress call is going to turn round and say sorry mate but unless you spell your vessel name in the phonetic alphabet we are not coming to assist you.

Just been listening to the Concordia captain radio transmission - cant believe he had gone back to shore whilst still souls onboard.

[Fenlander]

There is a Garmin 700i mapping gps with Inreach Sat comms ability, is that what the guy had? I know them having just bought the 700 model without that comms facility. You need to pay monthly subs to use the sat comms.

[willk]

Originally Posted by spartacus

Most people not used to using a VHF radio will think they’re Richard Burton “Broadsword calling Dannyboy”.

I have this as a ringtone for a friend who actually teaches the SRC

[Matt]

Originally Posted by jb100

I guess in a mayday situation radio procedure is ideal but even if you dont use that atleast being able to tell someone where you are, location (even if rough estimate), is going to help. I cant imagine someone responding to a distress call is going to turn round and say sorry mate but unless you spell your vessel name in the phonetic alphabet we are not coming to assist you.

Just been listening to the Concordia captain radio transmission - cant believe he had gone back to shore whilst still souls onboard.

That's not the point though, is it. The point is teaching yourself the procedure well enough so that when the shit hits the fan, you do a good job of relaying the important information as clearly and succinctly as possible to anyone that's listening and able to get you help. In a mayday situation, seconds could save lives. So absolutely, don't worry about the license, but I do recommend everyone teaches themself the mayday procedure.

[paintman]

Buy or make & laminate a crib sheet with the details filled in & keep it on the boat & tell everyone where it is.
Be handy as an aide memoire & if the licenced operator is the casualty.
Been covered before.
Something like this: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293774024388