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