I've just completed the upgrade course so that I can use a GMDSS radio. Four hours to learn how to press a red button and a test at the end. Good job it's not compulsory to do a course before using a video recorder, it would take the RYA weeks.
Sorry, the RYA takes the blame again. The time required for the course was laid down by the Radiocommunications Agency - we poor instructors just have to follow the rules. Actually, I have found that more than a few need the time as many have never seen a computer before, let lone played on one.
