Anyone interested in doing training / exam for the LRC on the East Coast? If we can get someone to instruct a group I can arrange suitable premises with a good pub for lunches around the corner.
Erm, why would anyone want a Long Range Certificate? Or am I missing something. I do have a Restricted Operators Certificate (pre GMDSS LRC) but sold the SSB radio years ago. Surely a Satphone and laptop are a more practical (and economical) alternative plus a Ham radio for the various maritime nets. You can't make phone calls with a SSB anymore and there must be more boats with Satphones than SSBs. Just curious, that's all!
I asked Lowestoft college if they would do one for me in May. They were going to investigate and get back to me. That was a couple of weeks ago. I could make April if there was space with this group.
Turtleback, May would certainly suit me if there is room; Sea Survival / Diesel / First Aid all going on in March / April. The former in Shotley which I see is where you keep your boat.
I wonder if Brittania at Shotley could organise something, as then we'd have accomodation available to keep costs down.... i'll ask them at the weekend if anyone is interested.... its another option maybe?
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Erm, why would anyone want a Long Range Certificate? Or am I missing something. I do have a Restricted Operators Certificate (pre GMDSS LRC) but sold the SSB radio years ago. Surely a Satphone and laptop are a more practical (and economical) alternative plus a Ham radio for the various maritime nets. You can't make phone calls with a SSB anymore and there must be more boats with Satphones than SSBs. Just curious, that's all!
[/ QUOTE ]Sat phones would be great for a 21 days Atlantic passage, but I imagine you could soon run up a terrifying bill if you are planning on going sailing for any length of time... on top of this, in the middle of an ocean, in the event of problems, you won't have the numbers of other boats nearby, so not much use really!