| The
VHF Radio- VHF
SRC Module 1 2008 |
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". Sometimes a radiotelephone is used as a telephone
since it enables a sailor at sea to talk to his home
or office by being "plugged in" to the shore telephone
system. But, at sea, VHF R/T is 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. International
Sailing organises this exam for participants of the
VHF Radio Course.
VHF
Course Aims
The
aim of the VHF Radio course run by International Sailing
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 International
Sailing’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. 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)
with the exam at a later date. 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)
| Everyone
needs a VHF Radio!! |
Course prepares candidates for the Department
of communications exam to Certificate of proficiency
in VHF radio operation.
Course
contents
What
is a VHF Radio? Distress safety and calling up. Ship
to Port Stations. Coastguard in UK- Coast stations in
Ireland. Ship to Coast Radio Stations. Ship to Ship.
Digital Selective Calling. SART, EPIRB AND BATTERIES.
Why
use a VHF Radio?
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1.
To talk to friends afloat
2. To communicate with shorebase
3. To receive free information.
4. To make link phone calls
5. For safety emergency + distress
What do I need to operate VHF Radio? How does
a VHF work? What are the controls ?
Also
covered extensively on this course are the use
and operating procedures of the marine EPIRB,
SART and batteries.
There
are two evenings of lectures and one evening of
practical tutorials followed by the department
Examination
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SailCork
VHF
courses 2007-8
Course
prepares candidates for Department of Communications
test leading to Certificate of Proficiency in VHF Radio
operation. You and your crew should how to operate your
VHF radio properly and go afloat with confidence.
Course
dates:
- All courses now include exam from Dept. Communications
.
Course
fee: €230
- including course notes and Dept. Communications exam
fee
VHF
SRC Module 2 ....................Dates TBA!
This
course is Irish Dept. Marine recognised
The syllabus of the
VHF SRC Module 2 is largely dedicated to the features
of GMDSS and concentrates on the use of DSC VHF Radios.
The purpose and use of
Digital Selective Calling facilities. Types of DSC call.
MMSI number. MID number. Categories of call. DSC facilities
and usage. Search and Rescue procedures in GMDSS. Distress,
Urgency and Safety communication procedures in GMDSS.
NAVTEX Ðdefinition and
usage. EPIRB, SART and Batteries
Next
course -September contact us for dates
Experienced,
professional instructors
Approved
by the Irish Sailing Association and Bord Failte
Over 30 years of experience in the marine training area.
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SailCork
East Hill, Cobh,
Co. Cork, Ireland
|
Tel:
353 021 4811237
Email: info@sailcork.com
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