VHF Radio

VHF Radio SRC Module:1  

One Day Course:  0930-1800

Evening Course: 1930-2200(3 evenings)

Dates and Prices

(If you have a group of 6 or more we will run a special course for you) 

 

VHF radiotelephones in small boats are now becoming much more usual and as a result of the increase in the number of operators the discipline of radiotelephony procedure is becoming more and more important.

 

In many respects it is a pity that the word "telephone" was ever used because VHF is really a massive "party line". At sea, VHF R/T is a lot more — it is a complete communication system but it differs from other forms of radio communication in two major aspects. Firstly, it is very seriously restricted in range, although, for some purposes, this restriction is a positive advantage because the same frequency can be shared by dozens of stations as long as they are not too close to each other. The second major difference between VHF R/T and other types of radio communication is what is known as the "capture" effect. If two stations are transmitting simultaneously and a third is within range of both, one of the transmitters will dominate the conversation and completely exclude the other. Thus one conversation may be completely wiped out by another transmission cutting in. The existence of this "capture effect" makes it essential that proper discipline be observed.

There are rules laid down for the procedure and, as in every other sphere of life, there are operating procedures which "grow up" and eventually become the accepted "norm" . The correct procedure is well worth learning and well worth teaching to members of your crew. Five minutes spent that everyone on board your boat will know how to open your radiotelephone will be five minutes well spent.

VHF Regulations

In Ireland to operate a VHF radio you need a certificate of proficiency in operating a VHF radio and also a license for the radio set. In order to get the licence for the set for your craft you first need the cert. of proficiency. This certificate is gained by sitting an exam prepared and conducted by the Department of Communications. SailCork organises this exam for participants of the VHF Radio Course.

VHF Course Aims

The aim of the VHF Radio course run by SailCork is to familiarise participants with the operation of the VHF Radio, with the rules and regulations governing it’s operation and with the correct procedures to use in all situations. Naturally the course has the vital role of preparing participants for the exam.

The course is run in the comfortable surroundings of SailCork’s classrooms using up to date audio visual facilities. Besides answering any questions on the operation of the VHF radio the course also offers the opportunity to use a radio set. Our instructors will guide you through the working of the VHF and help you through the exam during a very informative, enjoyable day. Eddie English and his team at SailCork were the first to provide a VHF radio course specially for the leisure user. Course participants include leisure and commercial fishermen, coastguard and lifeboat crews, dinghy and cruiser sailors, motor boaters and powerboaters, ski boat drivers, dive boat drivers, sea kayakers, dinghy and powerboat instructors and many more.

Courses are normally run over three evenings (approx. 2.5 hours each evening with a relaxed question and answer session over coffee after the class) or one long day with the exam at the end of the course. Courses are run on a regular basis in Cobh and we also run courses for clubs and organisations away from our base in Cobh (These courses need to be booked well in advance- contact us now if you are interested) Remember everyone needs a VHF Radio!!
 

The course prepares candidates for the Department of Communications exam to Certificate of proficiency in VHF radio operation. The exam is run at the end of the course - we have 100% pass rate at SailCork!  Once you have a VHF Cert you can get a license for your boat - download license application form here.

 

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