VHF Marine Radio Short Range Course

Purpose

The aim of VHF Marine Radio Short Range course is to prepare students for the use of Maritime VHF for routine and emergency Procedures.

Target Audience

The course is for Offshore Oil and Gas rigs and work barges who do not required to keep GMDSS equipment as per SOLAS, but carry only basic VHF radio for local short range communication.

Course Content

1.The general principles and basic features  of  the maritime mobile service relevant to vessels Not subject to a compulsory fit under the SOLAS convention:

• Types of communication of the maritime mobile service
• Types of station in the maritime mobile service
• Elementary knowledge of radiofrequencies and channels appropriate to the VHF maritime mobile band
• Functionality of ship station equipment

2. Detailed working knowledge of radio equipment:

• Radiotelephone channels
• Basic controls and usage
• Portable two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus
• Maritime VHF antennas
• Purpose and use of Digital Selective Calling (DSC) facilities
• Types of Call
• The Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number system
• Call categorisation and priority (eg. Mayday)
• Call telecommand and traffic information
• VHF DSC facilities and usage
• Protection of distress frequencies
• Maritime Safety Information
• Alerting and locating signals
• Emergency Position Indication Radio Beacons (EPIRBs)
• Search and Rescue Radar Transponder (SART)

3. Operational Procedures and regulations for VHF radiotelephone communications:

• Ability to exchange communications relevant to the safety of life at sea
• Distress communications
• Urgency communications
• Safety communications
• Reception of MS/ by VHF radiotelephone
• Awareness of the existence and use of the IMO Standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary
• Use of international phonetic alphabet
• Regulations, Obligatory procedures and practices
• Practical and theoretical knowledge of radiotelephone call procedures
• Traffic charges
• Practical traffic routines

Marine VHF Radio Certification: Short Range Communication & Safety

Purpose

The Marine VHF Radio Short Range Certification course is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to use Maritime VHF radios for routine operations and emergency procedures. The course focuses on practical application and regulatory compliance for safe, effective communication in marine environments.

Target Audience

This course is intended for offshore oil and gas rigs, work barges, and small vessels that are not required to carry GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) equipment under the SOLAS Convention, but rely on basic VHF radio for local short-range communication.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of the course, participants will:

• Understand the general principles and functions of the VHF maritime mobile service.
• Gain in-depth knowledge of VHF radio equipment and operational procedures.
• Be able to conduct routine and emergency communications using VHF marine radio.
• Know the relevant international regulations and procedures for maritime radio communication.

Course Content

1. Principles and Features of the Maritime Mobile Service
• Types of communication within the maritime mobile service
• Station types in the maritime mobile service
• Overview of radio frequencies and channels in the VHF maritime mobile band
• Basic understanding of ship station equipment and its functionalities
2. Detailed Knowledge of VHF Radio Equipment
• Radiotelephone channels and their usage
• Operation of VHF radiotelephone equipment, including portable devices
• Maritime VHF antennas: setup and usage
• Introduction to Digital Selective Calling (DSC) functions and usage
o Types of calls: Routine, Urgency, Distress
o Understanding the Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number system
o Use of distress frequencies and Maritime Safety Information (MSI)
• Emergency equipment: EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons) and SART (Search and Rescue Radar Transponders)
3. Operational Procedures and Regulatory Requirements
• Proper communication practices for maritime safety
• Procedures for distress, urgency, and safety communications
• Usage of the International Phonetic Alphabet in marine communication
• Regulations and obligatory practices for the use of VHF radio
• Traffic routines, charges, and operational considerations

Course Benefits

This course provides delegates with comprehensive knowledge of marine communication rules, as well as how to use different communication channels effectively. Participants will leave with practical and theoretical understanding, ready to handle communication in both routine operations and emergency situations.

Certification

Upon successful completion, participants will receive the Marine VHF Radio Short Range Certification, confirming their ability to operate a VHF marine radio in compliance with international maritime safety standards.

Why Choose This Course?

• Expert Instruction: Learn from experienced maritime communication professionals.
• Practical Training: Hands-on experience using government-licensed VHF equipment.
• Compliance Focused: Ensure adherence to SOLAS and other international regulations.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Gain both theoretical and practical knowledge of marine communication.

For more information, or to enrol in the Marine VHF Radio Short Range Certification, please contact us today!