Widsa wrote:Hi Guys,

I did my course with the Hastings Coast guard at Yaringa marina.
If you would like I will post up the details when the next one pops up.
It was 2 short sessions going over the finer points and then you send away for your license.
I would advise to do it sooner rather than later as he told us they may be changing the licence soon to one you have to renew but those who have the Marine Radio Operator licence do not have to renew.
Pay once and its valid for life.

The other handy thing and one of my main reasons for me getting the licence was so that I could apply for my MMSI (Free).
The MMSI is a unique number like a telephone number and allows you to send digital calls over VHF radio.
When you apply you put in emergency contacts numbers, vessel details and photos etc. which are all attached to your MMSI
Probably more valid for boats, I have my VHF linked to my GPS/sounder so if in distress I hit one button and it sends out an emergency call to all people who have a DSC VHF with the nature of distress and exact location.
The coastguard will then have a photo of my boat, its location, what type of distress I have with a simple one button push (2 for type of distress)
I hope I never have to use this but it is nice to have.

You can also do neat stuff like call your friend who has an MMSI and automatically get their location and switch them to your chosen frequency.
Again not that useful on a Yak but it definitely is on a boat.

Personally I got a lot more out of the course than I thought I would and recommend you take it.
It is illegal to use the VHF without a licence and improper use can have serious consequences if there is an emergency situation.
Its also nice to know there are others out there who know how to use the radio and if any of us are in trouble we can assist.

My 2 cents.

Will.

sog wrote: While it is illegal to use a vhf unlicensed, you are allowed to use it in an emergency.
To me though, its worth getting, and I intend to do so.

Widsa wrote:things you should and should not do so emergency services can do their thing uninterrupted.

hammertym wrote:

Widsa wrote:things you should and should not do so emergency services can do their thing uninterrupted.

yep stay of 16 and 72 people..... you should only ever transmit on those if you need help.... just in case anyone owns a radio and doesn't already know

Widsa wrote:I recall finding out after I did my course that a friend is qualified to do the licence testing and course.
I will chase up with him to see if he is interested in taking a group and what costs etc are involved.

Widsa wrote:I recall finding out after I did my course that a friend is qualified to do the licence testing and course.
I will chase up with him to see if he is interested in taking a group and what costs etc are involved.

AP-M wrote:Not sure how many people would be interested but might be worth checking to see if we can organise a discount from someone running the course if we organise a group of people to all go at once.