01 286 3362
01 286 3362
MARINE VHF RADIO
VHF CERTIFICATE,
VHF LICENCE
Although anyone can simply walk into a shop and buy a marine VHF radio many countries have regulations and laws regarding their sale and use.
The regulations are not difficult to comply with and are, for the most part, similar for Ireland and the UK as well as most other European jurisdictions.
The rules regarding buying and using a VHF transceiver apply to handheld portable VHF radios and fixed or permanently installed VHF radios.
There are 3 basic legal requirements:
1) The radio must be CE approved and carry the CE mark
and the RTTE Declaration of Conformity
2) The radio may only be operated by someone who holds an appropriate Certificate of Competency or under the control of someone who does.
The Short Range Certificate (SRC) includes DSC and does not need renewing.
3) The boat must have a licence, known by the catchy title of:
'Licence to establish a Wireless Telegraph Ship Station'
Clubs and other organisations
We are more than happy to run VHF radio courses for clubs and other organisations anywhere - please call us at 01 286 3362 if you would like to discuss running a course for your organisation.
STATEMENT No. QQ-RTTE_ 22/21
A marine VHF radio transceiver is an absolutely essential item of safety equipment afloat.
Anyone who goes afloat on a vessel of any type should know how to operate one correctly.
Understanding how to communicate effectively with rescue services should you ever find yourself in need of urgent help at sea could literally mean the difference between life or death.
Since April of 2001 all new fixed VHF transceivers must include Digital Selective Calling (DSC). DSC is an enormous step forward in marine communications - you should understand what DSC can do and how to operate it.
A VHF radio certificate is a prerequisite for those undertaking many of the Irish Sailing Association and Royal Yachting Association assessments and exams.
It may also be required to comply with the Irish Department of Transport and the UK's Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) manning requirements for small commercial vessels.
Unlike many schools we use real VHF/DSC radios for practical training on our courses. After all you won't be using simulators or computers on your boat to make VHF calls.
VHF DSC UPGRADE
The 'old' Restricted Certificate of Competency in Radio Telephony' was discontinued early in 2000 and has been replaced by the SRC. The old certificate is still valid but it does not include DSC. Holders of the old restricted VHF certificate can upgrade to the current SRC by doing a short course if they wish to, and if they fit a new radio with DSC they will need to, in order to apply for an MMSI number.
A mobile phone should not be considered as an acceptable substitute for a VHF transceiver as a phone has substantial drawbacks especially if you need assistance.
INLAND WATERWAYS
A VHF radio transmitter used on the inland waterways and lakes of Ireland must comply with the same legal requirements as one used at sea: an operator's certificate and a licence for the boat are both required.
MOBILE PHONES
! NOTE that since June the 1st. of 2004 the Irish government does not recognise the UK SRC and therefore will not issue either Authority to Operate or a Ship Station Licence to the holder of an RYA/MCA certificate.
* The range of a mobile at sea is often much less than VHF range.
* There may be no mobile coverage a few miles offshore in many areas.
* You can't call a passing ship or boat.
* Most importantly in an emergency only the number you ring will hear you; the ships, leisure craft, yachts, dive boats and others near to you will be unaware that you need help.
* If you use your phone to ring 999 (or 112) time will be lost while your call is re-routed to the Coast Guard who must then transmit the details to all vessels and rescue services via Relays, all of which will cost precious time - time you may not have.
* A DSC Distress transmission will automatically alert all ships and rescue services to listen, and respond if appropriate, to your voice Distress communications.
* There is also some evidence that suggests that mobile phone transmissions may affect the accuracy of GPS positioning.
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