VHF / DSC / GMDSS (VHF – Short Range Certificate) Courses in Port Solent, Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK

If you ask any skipper why they have a VHF marine radio aboard, they will mention safety.

They will more than likely tell you that more than one regular crew member also holds an Operators Licence, as it could well be the skipper that is incapacitated, (it is your life line as well as chat net).

Introduced in Jan 2014 there are two new methods of training: Classroom or Online Courses.

Both routes of training will ensure a good base understanding of the Global Maritime Safety System (GMDSS).

Both routes will comprise of an Instructional phase and an assessment phase.

On successful completion of the assessment phase you will be awarded the RYA, Short Range Certificate (marine Radio Operators Certificate of Competence).

The VHF / DSC / GMDSS Course Covers:

• The basics of radio operation & workings
• The Phonetic Alphabet
• The use of Correct Frequencies
• Emergency calls & normal calls
• Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
• Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (GMDSS)
• Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
• Search & Rescue Transponder (SART)
• Navigational Teletext (NAVTEX)

VHF / DSC / GMDSS Course Duration:

A minimum of 10hr training time, this is broken down into two phases, 3hr self reading & 7hr tuition.

This is then followed with an assessment by an independent examiner at our school.

We provide the RYA VHF Handbook once you have signed up for the course. (included in the price, £13.99 + postage) .

Minimum Age: Age 16.

Cost of the VHF / DSC / GMDSS Course:

With regret and due to the increase in services such as fuel and electricity during the past year.
For the first time in 5 years we need to change our prices.

The one day classroom course is £100 per head.
This payment includes your VHF book. This is to be paid by bank transfer prior to course (Bank details on application and booking).

After completion of the course an assessor will be organised to attend and conduct your assessment.
On completion of your assessment, all the correct paper work will be completed for your licence application.
You then send this to the RYA with your payment (£60.00 at this time).
This is to cover the cost of licence to be produced (£30.00 at this time) along with the payment for the assessor (£30.00 at this time).

The assessment will be paid by the RYA direct to the assessor (£30).

For more details contact: Cliff on +447767398892 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.