Need a VHF

[sergeant]

I cannot believe the cost of this course - its £70 even if you wish only to sit the exam straight without the prior classroom work. I personally will absolutely not be paying for such a course.

My intention with a VHF is simply to use it if we are in an emergency situation and I will not be using it otherwise. Not having a piece of paper/certificate will not in any respect scare me from using it, or hesitating/delaying use of it - if its an emergency, we'll use it!

I will do some research on the basic uses of VHF, routines and procedures for reporting emergency situations and even print and take it with me.

VHF Distress and Emergency Calls

If this course was a reasonable price and could be taken online, I would do it today - but this to me sounds more like a marine tax than a genuinely useful course, particularly if a 12yr old can pass.

[chris.moody]

£70 does not sound much for a full days tuition, and the use of the training schools room and equipment. It doesn't sound to me like the VHF course providers are making much out of it after their expenses (premises, equipment, instructor, insurance, etc).

[whisper]

There is a script for a pan pan and a mayday call that you get when you do the course, also you learn about the limitations of VHF, inc handhelds and fixed units.

But a VHF isn't the only bit of emergency kit, as you also need to carry a fully charged mobile in a water proof case, flares, anchor, paddles etc.

The procedure for using a mobile in an emergency at sea is to dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.

[Chris Caton]

Originally Posted by chris.moody

£70 does not sound much for a full days tuition, and the use of the training schools room and equipment. It doesn't sound to me like the VHF course providers are making much out of it after their expenses (premises, equipment, instructor, insurance, etc).

agreed +1

Originally Posted by whisper

There is a script for a pan pan and a mayday call that you get when you do the course, also you learn about the limitations of VHF, inc handhelds and fixed units.

But a VHF isn't the only bit of emergency kit, as you also need to carry a fully charged mobile in a water proof case, flares, anchor, paddles etc.

The procedure for using a mobile in an emergency at sea is to dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.

good info Whisper

I think there are those that think getting the right kit and info will continue to do so, and there are also those that just rely on that same kit and info being available when they need it, sod everyone else! I know which I think is the best route to take

[sergeant]

Originally Posted by chris.moody

£70 does not sound much for a full days tuition, and the use of the training schools room and equipment. It doesn't sound to me like the VHF course providers are making much out of it after their expenses (premises, equipment, instructor, insurance, etc).

I agree, but this could easily be an online based course, not requiring a classroom, equipment or instructor - it would always be accessible later for reference and could be priced far more reasonably with substantially more profit to be made by the companies offering it.

Courses like this need not be 'in person' training, its quite old fashioned.

[whisper]

A vhf course also teaches you about how to relay messages to the CG via another ship etc and if you only have a handheld this is may be what you would have to do.

Knowing how the communicate correctly and what info you need to give may save your life one day. It's no good clinging onto your upturned sib wishing you knew how to communicate all your information in one sentence.

The course is worth while, although you do learn a lot of rules but you also get loads of information which is very worth while knowing.

Do the course dude

[kerny]

Originally Posted by whisper

Do the course dude

Seconded spend the 70 quid also if you use your sib abroad to somewhere like France you would have to carry your licence with you

[lakelandterrier]

Originally Posted by sergeant

I agree, but this could easily be an online based course, not requiring a classroom, equipment or instructor - it would always be accessible later for reference and could be priced far more reasonably with substantially more profit to be made by the companies offering it.

Courses like this need not be 'in person' training, its quite old fashioned.

On the contrary, Ithink that a radio course should be done live not on line - far better to touch & feel & the knobs & buttons on a "typical standard" set, and one of the impartant parts is practising voice procedure - RSVP - & all that stuff - trick to do o-line.

Even though I know voice procedure backwards from operating and teaching) radios & VP in the army for years & being around boats all my life I did find the course interesting -mainly the DSC element - and as others have said it is the means - whether you agree with it or not - of getting a licence, which to be fair to Ofcom is free (currently......)

I'd do the course, then it's one less thing to worry about when you're on the water.

[SPR]

on my VHF SRC courses, I have a selection of Dummy PLB's, EPIRBs, SARTs and now running with Icom 323 radios as well as m91d handheld radio.

We cover AIS and AIS SART's - I talk about Group MMSi's and uses.

If the course is run right , it's basically an Electronic Sea Safety Course since all of your Electronics that transmit must be added to your ships licence...

S.

[whisper]

As with all training you should not necessarily look for the cheapest as you should be asking who's the best instructor in your area, you will gain so much from the right instructor who has a passion for teaching the subject well and understands that different people learn in different ways.

[lakelandterrier]

Originally Posted by sergeant

I will rarely out of the marina/canal areas.

On inland waterways, canals etc. is a radio of any use? Does anyone monitor a channel and co-ordinate emergencies like MCA do at sea?

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by SPR

on my VHF SRC courses, I have a selection of Dummy PLB's, EPIRBs, SARTs and now running with Icom 323 radios as well as m91d handheld radio.

We cover AIS and AIS SART's - I talk about Group MMSi's and uses.

If the course is run right , it's basically an Electronic Sea Safety Course since all of your Electronics that transmit must be added to your ships licence...

S.

Exactly. You'll learn a lot more on the course than you think.

Do the course dude.

[SPR]

Originally Posted by lakelandterrier

On inland waterways, canals etc. is a radio of any use? Does anyone monitor a channel and co-ordinate emergencies like MCA do at sea?

Scottish Canals use it for locks, and all inland waterway instructors need the VHF certificate of competence and authority to operate...if this answers your question partially...Loch Lomond you can talk to clyde opps belfast coastguard.

S.

[SPR]

then again..this might answer your question fully lol

https://www.waterways.org.uk/boating...sing_vhf_radio

[Sunstreaker]

It's important to consider those very real responsibilities you have as skipper when you step onto your boat and invest in yourself.

[bartiny]

op, pm sent, good info.

[rossymtb]

When I have just paid out £1000 for car insurance I'm waiting for the cheapest price haha.

But to put peoples mind at risk I always carry inside my dry bag
Vhf
Mobile
Flares
Tools
Repair kit

My boat is also equipped with my main engine,spare engine,oars,anchor with plenty of line

I also check tide times,weather and keep in touch with people who know where I am.

But yes I will do it sometime this year.

[kerny]

Originally Posted by rossymtb

But yes I will do it sometime this year.

There was a guy... who if he could get a few people together would do the course for about £50 quid all in at Holyhead coast guard station. I see that you live in N Wales it might be worth you trying to find out.

[kerny]

Originally Posted by kerny

There was a guy... who if he could get a few people together would do the course for about £50 quid all in at Holyhead coast guard station. I see that you live in N Wales it might be worth you trying to find out.

Just found his details from my kayak forum "North Wales Kayak Fishing", its from 3 years ago but he might still be around...


Contact Dave Brewer. He is a coast guard at Holyhead. He also runs VHF courses, and at a good price. .

[rossymtb]

Originally Posted by kerny

There was a guy... who if he could get a few people together would do the course for about £50 quid all in at Holyhead coast guard station. I see that you live in N Wales it might be worth you trying to find out.

Will keep my eye out. Would be good fun I bet to