FAQs

Should I have some pre-course knowledge before going on the VHF Radio course?

I would recommend that you learn the phonetic alphabet before the course, as you will be tested on it. also the RYA have an interactive site were you can test your knowledge before coming on the course click here.

Is there a minimum age for the VHF Radio Course?

The minimum age for the VHF Radio Course is 12 years old. Anybody taking the course under the age of 16 will obtain a Certificate of Competence if they pass the course successfully. On their 16th birthday they will receive their Authority to Operate.

I have a pre-1999 restricted VHF radio certificate. Can I upgrade it to include Digital Selective Calling (DSC)?

Yes, you can upgrade the licence. You would need to show the restricted licence on the day of the course, since the restricted licence is pre-1999 we would suggest that you take the full course and the cost of the course would be discounted.

Will Seavoice Training run a course for a group, i.e. a dive club or sailing club etc?

Yes, we will run a group course for a minimum of 6 to a maximum of 10 persons ( Group / Club members only) at any suitable venue. This option attracts a group discount depending on the distance travelled by Seavoice Training.

Can I just take the exam without going on the full day VHF radio course?

Yes, the RYA will let you take the examination without any tuition. It’s a 30 minute exam paper, and the cost for examination only set by the RYA at present is £70.

If I pass the course, can I teach my crew on the boat how to use the VHF radio?

Yes, when you have passed the course you can ask a member of crew to use the radio under your guidance, but it would be a good idea for them to enrol on the course in the future.

I have purchased a second-hand radio with DSC. Can I fit it to my boat?

Firstly, make sure that the last owner’s MMSI Number had been deleted from the transceiver by a radio electronic engineer, and then apply to OFCOM for a new licence online to receive a new MMSI number for your radio. http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/radiocommunication-licences/maritime-radio/

I only have a hand held VHF radio, what type of licence do I need?

You will need a ship’s portable licence. The set will be issued with an international callsign, which includes the letter T to denote that it is a transportable and licensed to an individual and not the vessel. See https://services.ofcom.org.uk

I’m going to use my radio in the European inland water ways. Do I need Automatic Transmitter Identification System ( ATIS) fitting to my radio?

Yes, you will need to upgrade your set to transmit ATIS. For more info go to: http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/radiocommunication-licences/ships-radio/faq/atis-faq

I would like to take the VHF Radio course or exam only. Will Seavoice Training teach me on my own?

Yes, we will teach you on a one-to-one basis. We can come out to your home or boat, but this method incurs an increased fee. Please call for more details.

I have just purchased an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB ). Who do I register it with in the UK?

You register it on the EPIRB Registry with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in Falmouth. To register online go to: http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga07-home/emergencyresponse/mcga-searchandrescue/epirb/mcga-sar-epirb-online.htm

I want to buy a VHF radio for my boat, can I buy one through Seavoice Training?

Yes, we supply VHF radio sets and hand held VHF radios at competitive prices. Please ask us for more details. We are agents for http://www.smgeurope.com

I am a Sea Kayaker and have been told that as well as a VHF hand held radio and mobile phone I can get a PLB. What type do you suggest?

We suggest a small Personal Location Beacon ( PLB), such as a FASTFIND 200 OR 210 made by McMurdo. It’s totally waterproof and has a GPS 50 channel receiver inside for better location in an emergency situation. Also this small PLB operates on a global 406 MHz system with a 121.5 MHz homing signal. Seavoice Training can obtain these PLBs for you at a competitive price delivered to your door. For more information see http://www.fastfindplb.com/en/index.php