So what’s the VHF Marine Radio Course all about?
It is important that you and your crew know what to do when the vessel is in grave or imminent danger with a VHF Radio – don’t ever think you can handle the MAYDAY situation all by yourself – delegate or share the workload!:
- you need to respond to an emergency call; and
- you need to make one, so your message can be understood and others know where you are, nature of problem and persons on board (POB).
- In an emergency, knowledge of distress and safety procedures assists everyone involved in the rescue.
VHF marine radio communications can also provide a variety of services to small vessels, including vital weather, navigational information, and many other services important to skippers. All of these use different VHF marine radio channels. The more you know about the operation of marine radios, the more benefit you’ll have from yours.
Vital Communications
VHF marine radio communications can also provide a variety of services to small vessels, including vital weather, navigational information, and many other services important to skippers. All of these use different VHF marine radio channels. The more you know about the operation of marine radios, the more benefit you’ll have from yours.
The handbook is a learner’s guide for those who are intending to sit for their VHF marine radio operator’s VHF certificate exam (SROCP). This qualification allows the holder to legally use a VHF marine radio in Australian waters.
If you only have a 27Mhz radio, then this course handbook is ideal to learn and understand the procedures of operating a 27MHz marine radio without having to sit for the examination as no certificate is needed.
After you have sat for the exam with an authorised AMC Invigilator, you should be able to demonstrate:
- A practical knowledge of using a VHF radio with digital selective calling (DSC) facilities
- How to activate an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) of the 406 MHz type.
- An ability to use VHF radio telephony and digital selective calling (DSC) operating procedures.
- An understanding of simple maintenance practices required to keep the VHF marine radio equipment in good working order
- How to repair minor faults to aerials, fuses and batteries.
- An understanding of the VHF ship station regulations.
- A basic knowledge of the Australian marine search and rescue system.