VHF Instructor Training

[David G]

Hi,
Does anyone know if it is possible to become a VHF instructor as a standalone individual or do you need to be part of an RYA school?

If it is possible, how can I find out costs and costs of training equipment?

TIA

[Tim M]

You can become a standalone instructor, similar to other RYA instructing qualifications, but you'll only be able to teach and issue certificates whilst working through an RYA centre. Alternatively, if you just want to teach VHF and issue certificates, you can set up an RYA "shore based" centre (which could be something as simple as your sitting room) with the right bits of paper and equipment. This would allow you to teach offsite (ie outside of your sittingroom) so you could teach at customers locations.

[Ribochet]

This link gives guidance details to starting up your own RYA Recognised Teaching Centre (RTC). If you contact your local RYA Regional Development officer (RDO) they will be happy to advise

http://www.rya.org.uk/sitecollection...Shorebased.pdf

Relevant extract

9.2 SRC RADIO
9.2.1 There must be no more than 12 students on each course.
9.2.2 The centre must provide either: An RYA approved computer simulation programme AND at least one pair of training DSC radios with no more than 3 students per single radio/computer screen (for example 2 computer screens and one pair of radios for a maximum of 12 students) or: Training DSC radios with no more than 3 students per radio (minimum 1 pair), (for example, 2 pairs of radios for a maximum of 12 students). Note: Training MMSI numbers allocated by OFCOM are 2 3 5 8 9 9 9 8 0 to 2 3 5 8 9 9 9 9 9 inclusive.
9.2.3 A list of Training radio suppliers and Approved software is available in the Training Centres resources area of the RYA website.
9.2.4 Students must be provided with information before the course. This would normally be the G22 and G26 handbooks.
9.2.5 SRC courses may be subject to spot checks.
9.2.6 Minimum 8 hours tuition. Minimum 3 hours tuition for conversion courses.
9.2.7 An inspection will be carried out every 4-5 years for which the centre will pay. Overseas centres will pay for the Inspector’s travel/living expenses and must be inspected before recognition can be granted.