Radio

[OldDevonian]

I have just bought a keelboat (Sb3), and as part of the class rules a hand held VHF must be carried. Could you tell me which licence I need, and how quickly this could be obtained.

Thanks

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[snowleopard]

i believe you can no longer get the old VHF restricted licence which was a half-day course. the minimum now is the Short Range Certificate which includes DSC. The course takes a day including the exam (which no-one has ever failed). some local authorities offer it in their adult education program otherwise find a commercial school in the magazine ads.

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[Mike_Martin]

Re: Radio: Straight Forward

You will need to obtain the Short Range Certificate as your qualification. Details on where to take the course are at http://www.rya.org.uk go to training.

As to licensing the radio, it really comes down to whether you plan to use the hand-held just on her or on other boats as well. If you are only going to use it on this boat you should licence it as a normal ship station, however if the radio is going to move from boat to boat you should licence it as a Ship Portable. Forms are here http://www.ofcom.org.uk/licensing_numbering/radiocomms/maritime_licensing/?a=87101

Hope this helps,
Mike

<hr width=100% size=1>Team Executive,
Maritime & Aeronautical Team, Ofcom<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by Mike_Martin on 01/07/2004 13:33 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[discoduck]

Yes full days course and an exam. Also you need to spend £20.00 to the radio Licensing Centre 0870 243 4433. Not allowed to use the radio untill you have both, I believe the fine can be up to a thousand pounds. The radio course is about £80.00.Best of Luck

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[Mike_Martin]

I just feel that I should point out that people have failed the SRC, I have a friend who just cannot get his head around it. He failed and refuses to go back.

The point that you are trying to make is the the instructor/examiner will do their utmost to get you through it.

Mike

<hr width=100% size=1>Team Executive,
Maritime & Aeronautical Team, Ofcom

 

[EASLOOP]

Re: Radio: Straight Forward

Ancillary thought re: VHF.
I came ashore from Merchant Navy in 1970. I had a PMG 2nd Class and a BOT radar certificate. I have not kept my PMG up but does having spent 2 years at college in Plymouth obtaining my PMG afford me any breaks of the VHF licence ( I have a RT endorsement)
Look forward to a reply
rgds
John

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[LPW]

I know a 14 year old who passed it!


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[Mike_Martin]

Re: Radio: Straight Forward

If your PMG is endorsed for GMDSS then it will continue to be valid. If it isn't you'll need to get a GMDSS endorsement.

Have a chat with Mary Cunningham in Seafarer Standards at the MCA on 02380 329 136.


Mike

<hr width=100% size=1>Team Executive,
Maritime & Aeronautical Team, Ofcom

 

[Mike_Martin]

This is quite startling as the minimum age for taking it is 16! However, the ability of an individual to use radio at 14 is not suprising, I was doing so as a young Army Cadet.

The point still remains though, that some people are more adept than others and the instructor/examiner will try to get you through it, as failing the exam is likely to lead to a huge loss in confidence in using it.

Mike

<hr width=100% size=1>Team Executive,
Maritime & Aeronautical Team, Ofcom

 

[LPW]

quite right, infact the child got a certificate of competance which can apparently be changed into a full certificate when they are 16. (they are now 17!)

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