Recent advances in marine electronics and satellite navigation systems prompted a detailed review of existing marine safety and distress radio procedures; this in turn has led to the introduction of a number of significant improvements to international safety at sea. The new protocol is known as the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and during the last few years it has become a world-wide mandatory requirement that all commercial vessels over 300 gross tons., be re-equipped and their crews re-trained to operate this new digital based distress procedure. Importantly, there is now no requirement for commercial vessels to keep a listening watch on channel 16.

As far as the British yachtsman is concerned, the Coastguard have promised to maintain a listening watch on VHF channel 16, for now - but this will only cover UK coastal waters up to 30 miles offshore. Even now, this promise is reportedly going to be down-graded to a “loudspeaker watch” by 2005. Current old style VHF sets are not capable of operating the new Digital Selective Calling (DSC) channels and will need to be replaced (upgrade is not possible) and with new type radio equipment prices now falling, their universal introduction appears to be inevitable. In addition, the issue of the old VHF and MF/HF radio operator’s certificates have now been discontinued in the UK, since the beginning of September 2000, and replaced with the new GMDSS versions.

UK and European coastal waters are designated area A1 and to operate GMDSS, a new type VHF set with a “Class D” type of DSC controller is needed, together with a revised operators certificate called the Short Range Certificate (SRC), which covers both voice and digital use. Similar to the previous VHF certification procedure, the new SRC certificate can be obtained by attending a one-day study course which includes a practical/theoretical assessment. It has been suggested that existing holders of the old style VHF radio certificate can upgrade their old licence to DSC VHF, by attending a short half day conversion course and assessment. Although we ourselves anticipate that many will recognise the problems of skill fade and will want to take the opportunity to refresh their overall knowledge by completing the whole day - more time to practice and course cost savings are minimal.

Our class size is restricted to ensure that you get personal tuition throughout and that essential “hands-on” learning experience with the simulator equipment. Our specialist radio instructor has an in depth knowledge and really loves the subject. Consequently his enthusiasm is infectious with stories that will illuminate your learning experience and reinforce the syllabus material. You will also find that we will utilise our own particular teaching aids which add significantly to the style of teaching. Being based in Cowes, the home of yachting, gives all our classes a special atmosphere and often this threads through the conversation - some may call it subliminal learning! Others would call it just fun!! We find that the very short trip over the water to Cowes means that you are away from your normal environment and are able to focus entirely on the challenge of learning the subject.

Prior to the course, it is advisable that students attending should acquaint themselves with the phonetic alphabet, also the content of the Mayday Distress call and message. An information sheet on this will be sent to you with your course Joining Instructions.

All course materials and equipment are provided; however, you may wish to bring your own note pad.