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VHF DSC SHORT RANGE ONLINE COURSE

Take a look at this introductory video:

If you would like to take the course then contact us and you can be up taking the course today. The course fee includes access to accompanying student course pack. This will accompany the Online or classroom based training course and this will be sent out to you via post. The pack includes the VHF Radio e'book  (SRCP) Examination form and a Distress card will be issued. A hardcopy alternate to the e'book is available upon request.

Reading Requirements

In preparation for this course students should read from the Booklet G31 (supplied) Pages 29, 40, 41, 42, 45 and 46 which covers respectively:

Special channels, Prowords, Phonetic alphabet and a Distress call and Message.  

Recommended & Required Reading Material:

CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND TO PURCHASE

VHF SRC course syllabus

 

The aim of this course is to prepare students for the use of Maritime VHF for routine and emergency procedures. This is the only legally required course for leisure boaters operating in UK waters.

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 radio frequencies 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

 

3. Operational procedures of the GMDSS and detailed practical operation of GMDSS subsystems and 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

  • Alerting and locating signals

  • Emergency Position Indication Radio Beacons (EPIRBs)

  • Search and Rescue Radar Transponder (SART)

 

4. 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 MSI 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

 

Note: This is an abbreviated Course Syllabus

This course has the following minimum requirements:

Internet connection (broadband or 3G). Charges may apply for 3G .
1024 x 768 screen resolution - this must be available screen space (menu bars, docks or task bars may conceal part of the course window on smaller screens).
JavaScript must be enabled in your web browser.
Microphone and speakers/headphones.

Platform specific minimum requirements:

Mac Intel processor OS X 10.7 (Lion) or above.

PC Windows Vista Service Pack 2 1 GHz (x86) processor 512 MB RAM Sound card. Windows XP and earlier operating systems are not compatible with this course.
Quicktime (for viewing videos) available here.

Netbooks are not supported due to the reduced screen resolution.

iPad/iPad Mini using iOS 6 or above. 
Older generation iPads may have performance issues. We strongly recommend installing the SRC Taster Course before buying the full course to check that it will work on your device.

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