2012 Dates

Suggested Previous Experience

None. But you should study the RYA Booklets G22 & G26 before attending the course which are included in the cost of the course and will be sent to you on booking.

Course Content

You will be taught in our East Anglian based water-side classroom. You learn normal voice procedures for VHF radio and the use of Digital Selective Calling (DSC) using the latest Icom radio simulators, followed by a short written test. This standard qualification for the operation of equipment using procedures and techniques also coves GMDSS equipment such as Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB) and Search and Rescue (SART) as part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).

Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is an integral part of all new VHF sets. This feature allows calls to specific vessels.

Syllabus

General knowledge of VHF radiotelephone communications in the maritime mobile service.

The general principles and basic features of the maritime service relevant to vessels not subject to a compulsory fit under the safety of lives at sea (SOLAS) Convention.

Detailed working knowledge of radio equipment

The VHF radio installation. Purpose and use of Digital Selective Calling (DSC) facilities.

Operational procedures and practical operation of the GMDSS equipment

Search and Rescue (SAR) Procedures in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety system (GMDSS). Distress, urgency and safety communication procedures in the GMDSS. Protection of distress frequencies. Maritime Safety Information (MSI). Alerting and Locating Signals.

Operational procedures and regulations for VHF communications

Ability to exchange communications relevant to the safety of life at sea. Regulations, obligatory procedures and practices. Practical and theoretical knowledge of radiotelephone procedures.

Distress situations

Define a distress situation. Initiate a DSC distress alert, with position and time input manually or automatically. Send a Mayday call and massage by voice. Respond appropriately to a DSC distress alert and to a Mayday call message, including relay of a distress message. Deploy an EPIRB and SART.

Urgency Situations

Define an urgency situation, Initiate a DSC urgency alert. Send a Pan Pan call and message by voice, respond appropriately to an urgency message.

Safety Situations

Identify a situation in which a safety message is appropriate. Initiate a DSC alert. Send a message by voice. Receive Maritime Safety Information by NAVTEX.

Routine Communication

Initiate a DSC routine call. Establish communication and exchange messages with other stations by voice on appropriate channels. Test the radio phone by means of an appropriate test call. Enter a DSC group and individual Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI). Maintain an appropriate listening watch on DSC and voice channels. Use the international phonetic alphabet.

Award

GMDSS Short Range Certificate if successful, after which the candidate has to apply to the RYA for a licence at an additional cost of £30 (payable to the RYA) and provide a passport sized photograph.