VHF operators course - yes or no?

[kilkerr1]

If I don't have a radio operators licence I do need to do the course and get one - don't I..? Obviously I want to learn how to use the thing properly, but I've heard so many yeas and nays about doing the actual course, me poor wee head's spinnin'...

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[Cornishman]

It's so simple even a Cornishman can understand it.
If you want to legally operate a VHF set at sea (whether it is fitted with DSC or not) you require an operator's licence. There are 3 ways of obtaining this:
1. If you have no licence at all you will need to attend the full course during which you will be assessed for the certificate of competence and the licence.
2. If you hold a VHF Only licence and your set is now fitted with DSC you need to do a short conversion course during which you will be assessed for your new licence. If your set is not yet DSC you need do nothing, your old VHF Only licence is sufficient.
3. If you think you know it all you can be examined for a licence without attending a course (not recommended).
I hope I have made myself clear, but if you have further questions do not hesitate to PM me.

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[Jools_of_Top_Cat]

Yes, it will focus you to learn things that you have maybe deemed unnesessary or irrelevant, channel allocation, when to use 16, when to mayday or pan pan, how to call up other ships.

I learnt on mine after using a VHF for years that I spoke too fast and garbled a bit, I now for important message passing write down important info like posn, eta crew etc. That way I can pass a more ledgible informed message. Being able to use the mock up VHF system with other students (headphones and microphone) I was able to get instant feedback.

It may on the other hand turn you into an old git, ie listening and pointing out to crew who has and has not got a VHF licence while out sailing.

Annoyances I note regularly....

Calling up vessel to contact without saying who they are

not saying over to complete transmittion

calling every 15 seconds (how long does it take you to get from helm to radio, what if your busy)

Not pre-deciding a working channel before setting off

OVER and OUT aaaarrrgh

Using 16 to work

Usind 25W all the bloody time, there is a button on the VHF, it is not just decoration.


But yes, do the course, we had a mix of people, sailor owners, sailor charterers, stinkies and the majority were anglers with cuddy type boats, it was interesting to spend the day with them. I was able to say that often to rx call I would have to leave the helm involving putting crew on or making sure everything was safe to leave, this was a revelation to them.

It was a fun day, I recommend it......


<hr width=100% size=1>Julian

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.topcatsail.co.uk/Honda_00.html>Honda Formula 4-Stroke racing</A>

 

[kilkerr1]

Thanks for your thoughts - I'll get on it right away!

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[scottnewcombe]

I did the course a while back now but one thing I could never remember was...once the caller has made contact and a working channel decided, who starts the call on the working channel


ie. "Yacht Bacardi this is LightnBitter over."

"LightnBitter this is Bacardi, go channel 8 over"

"Bacardi this is LightnBitter confirmed channel 8 out"

or something of the sort, anyway who starts up on ch8??


I kind of muddle through but protocol must say one or the other.

Scott

Out (Roger old chap over and out??)

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[Twister_Ken]

NO

1. Buy the book published by the RYA on VHF
2. Read, study, practise procedures in your head or with a consenting adult.
3. Book exam and take it.

I made the mistake of buying the book and doing the course, and wasted a day aa a consequence, watching videos, trying to get dummy equipment to work, playing with a PC-based mock-up of a DSC set (when I had a real one on my boat), and listening to a classroom full of other people making damn fool mistakes.

PS - bear in mind the answers you'll get from anyone in the training industry will reflect the fact that getting people on courses is their livelihood.

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[TwoStroke]

Re: NO

I did the VHF DSC course - a day's course on a Saturday. Met some new friends and had a good old natter about boating. /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

Well worth it and you may find it a timely refresher. Also DSC sets are coming down in price (under £200.00). It's also easier I find to show friends new to boating, lift this red flap and press button twice (in an emergency I hasten to add).

<hr width=100% size=1>How much to fill'er up!

 

[petery]

I found the VHF course totally useless. You get more information on the adhesive sheets that Yachting Magazines often give away.

There is absolutely no quality control on the standard of lecturers - one school never gives a written exam. I complained to the RYA; filled in questionnaires and the school is still running a nice little earner - showing videos and drinking coffee - and no exam. If your'e breathing at the end of the course you pass.

There are obviously some decent teachers out there, but I reckon the only schools/lecturers you can totally rely on are those that also give the MCA long range certificate courses.

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[andyball]

sad to say we found the same...wished we'd just read the book & booked the exam.

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[milltech]

Tell me where it is? Sounds just the sort of course for my DSC certificate, no exam and everyone gets a prize.

<hr width=100% size=1>John
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.allgadgets.co.uk>http://www.allgadgets.co.uk</A>

 

[Spyro]

exam?

If you want to take the exam without doing the course how and where do you take it?

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[Twister_Ken]

Re: exam?

In theory any training centre should examine you. Whether they'll do that if they feel 'cheated' out of the course fee is, of course, another question. Some time on the 'phone ought to find one that will.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.writeforweb.com/twister1>Let's Twist Again</A>