A VHF is an essential item of safety equipment and should be fitted or carried on all boats. If you are using a VHF marine radio it is mandatory to be licensed to use it. A VHF radio course to ensure that you know how to use VHF Radio and will allow you to pass the required exam to gain your Radio Operator’s Certificate.
This VHF radio course and covers the rules and regulations, channels to use, do’s and don’ts, Mayday calls etc. By the end of the course you will be ready to take your exam and join the hundreds of succesful candidates who have passed through SailCork having gained their licence. We are proud of our 100% pass rate!
Customer quotes on VHF Radio Course:
"Very good VHF Radio course -much more comfortable using VHF radio now" "Very good course – clear, concise, excellent instructors and a very relaxed atmosphere" "Good teachers – keen and interested" "Excellent course – well presented in a friendly atmosphere" "This is an excellent course – covers all the basics – absoultely essential"
GMDSS Short Range Certificate (SRC)
This course is intended for those who wish to obtain a Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Short Range Certificate. This is the "full" VHF Radio course.
The Short Range Certificate (SRC) includes DSC (Digital Selective Calling). This radio operators licence is required to operate VHF radio equipment. These radio regulations apply to all vessels and marine leisure craft.
The course is designed to teach students all aspects of radiotelophony apractical DSC alerting and marine radio procedures and techniques used in Distress, Urgency, Safety and Routine situations.
Course schedule: Evenings: 19:00 – 22:15 (3 evenings) and w-ends Fri evening 19:00 – 22:15 and Sat 09:00 – 17:30
Certification: VHF Short Range Certificate. Enables you to get a license for a VHF radio with your call sign AND an MMSI number to operate the Digital Selective Calling (DSC) facility on VHF.
Course Fee: €295 (includes Dept. exam fees)
VHF Radio SRC Module 2
This course is an upgrade course for those who already have SRC 1 to enable them to use the DSC facility on the VHF radio.
Course schedule: Evenings: 2 evenings 19:00 – 22:15 W-end Sat 10:00- 17:30
Pre-Requisites: VHF SRC 1 Cert (You must have a copy of your Cert)
Certification: VHF Short Range Certificate. Enables you to get a license for a VHF radio with your call sign AND an MMSI number to operate the Digital Selective Calling (DSC) facility on VHF.
Course Fee: €195 (includes Dept. exam fees)
You need VHF afloat
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. See the advantages of VHF Radio on Youtube.
VHF radio it is a complete communication system and is vital in terms of safety. For vessels in distress it offers the facility to send a voice "MAYDAY" and also a digital message over DSC.
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 run on a regular basis in Cobh and the RCYC in Crosshaven – we also run courses for clubs and organisations away from our base in Cobh – If you have a group of 6 or more we will run a special course for you. (These courses need to be booked well in advance- contact us now if you are interested) Remember everyone needs a VHF Radio to be safe at sea!!
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.
Video on the EPIRB – Emergency Position Indication Radio Beacon.
Video on SART – Search and Rescue Radar Transponder
DSC Radio
What is DSC Radio video Watch video on DSC trancievers. Watch video on how DSC works.
Digital Radio Communications video
If you already have a SRC 1 Cert or the old VHF Restricted Cert you can attend a Module 2 course to get a Digital Selective Calling (DSC) cert.
The main extra things on this course are the operation of Digital Selective Calling and knowing about the NAVTEX and other instruments.
Call Jo English at SailCork on 021 4811237 for dates and prices and for booking.
Remember if you have a group of 6 or more we can travel and we will run a special course for you
Dept. Transport, Tourism and the Marine forms for Ships Radio License, EPIRB registration form etc
