Got a VHF radio but cant do a course ?!?

[Mark Of Loxley]

Hi.

I have just bought a handheld VHF radio today ( Standard Horizon HX-851E ) to use on my RIB and seakayaking.

However, I have made enquiries with 3 schools in the Anglesey area but none have availability on the RYA radio course.

I have ordered the RYA radio book from Amazon, but; now this may seem a stupid question so forgive me; but am I allowed to use the radio if I haven't done the course ?

Ordinarily I dont go far from land and the boat is mainly used for fishing, pottering around the bays/beaches of Anglesey, but I bought it for the 'emergency' use where the boat may pack up on me or some other emergency situation.

So, I guess my request is, will I be ok to have the radio with me "in case" before I get to do a course ?

Either that, or can someone recommend a course maybe in the nottingham/sheffield area during the week ( which is where i live ) or in the Anglesey area at a weekend.

Cheers
Mark

[BumbleAbout]

It's fine to have with you (to listen to weather reports from the coastguards for example), only transmitting is illegal without your short range certificate but if you are in a life threatening situation, then the authorities tend to prefer saving lives first.

See here Marine Radio (SRC) | Specialist Short Courses | Courses | Learning | Courses & Training | RYA "The Short Range Certificate is the minimum qualification required by law to control the operation of VHF and VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipment on any British flagged vessel voluntarily fitted with a radio. This includes both fixed and hand held equipment using International channels.

A radio is an important piece of safety equipment on board and it is vital to understand the correct procedures. Unnecessary transmissions could block out a Mayday distress call."

The above link also shows all of the training centres around the country where you can take the course.

[Chris]

http://www.oceantraining.com/

These guys do a distance learning course for VHF. Worked well for me !

[kerny]

Give these a bell, if it's a council run centre they usually run courses for VHF.
http://www.rvcp.co.uk/Watersports/Tuition.aspx

[seacadet128]

Hi Mark,

I work for a centre in Pwllheli that offer the course on a weekend - it's definitely worth giving them a try.

The next one is Sunday 24th June, or alternatively Saturday 21st July.

www.propowerboats.co.uk

If you enquire, say that Rob Bellis passed you the details. If I can be of any help, please do get in touch.

Hope this helps.

Rob

[Festinghouse]

a friend of mine wanted to do the course so i was given this number by diggs who owns sbs rib charter at trearddur - hes called wyn griffiths 01407 7670986. hope that helps