A one-day course for anyone who owns or used a fixed of hand-held marine VHF radio. The Short Range Certificate is the minimum qualification required by law to control the operation of VHF and DSC equipment on any British flagged vessel fitted with a radio. A radio is an important piece of safety equipment on board and it is vital to understand the correct procedures. This course is a pre-requisite to Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore examinations. This course is followed by an exam.
Course Content
Basics of radio operation
Correct frequencies (channels) to use
Distress, emergency & medical assistance procedures
Ship to shore calls
Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
Global Maritime Distress & Safety Systems (GMDSS)
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB)
Search and Rescue (SART)
Costs Include:
Use of Simulators
Course Materials
Refreshments
RYA EXAM FEE IS NOT INCLUDED (currently £60)
Courses are non-residential so accommodation is required in one of the hotels or guest houses near the Centre. We can provide a list of recommendations.
Price: 450Euro (plus exam fee 60GPB)
Previous Experience: None
Assumed Knowledge: None
Duration: 1 Day or Online
This course is designed for seafarers who sail out of range of VHF coastal stations (approx 50nm) and require the security of effective world-wide communications (valid for vessels up to 300 grt).
The Long Range Certificate is a GMDSS qualification which will qualify the operator for use of both MF/HF (SSB) and VHF equipment. There are no nationality requirements. The qualification is internationally recognised.
WHO NEEDS THE LRC?
- Blue-water yachtsmen fitting long range communications.
- Commercial Vessels less than 200 G.R.T.
- Commercial Yachtmasters (Limited) - LRC is an acceptable qualification
THE BASIC LRC COURSE COVERS THE PRACTICAL OPERATION AND PROCEDURES OF:
- MF/HF Single Sideband Radio (SSB)
- VHF Radio communications
- VHF/MF/HF Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
- NAVTEX
- EPIRBs (radio beacons) & SARTS
THE examination has 3 elements:
- Radio procedures ( short written paper)
- Voice exercise- Simulated Distress Communications.
- Practical Equipment Operation, demonstrating use of the equipment
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
- Please bring two passport photographs and your passport or discharge book
- Fluency in the phonetic alphabet.
- VHF Certificate desirable
RECOMMENDED READING
'GMDSS - A User's Handbook' by Denise Brehaut. This publication will supplement the course notes and will be a very valuable reference during, and after the course.
COURSE FEES
- Long Range Certificate : 650 Euro
- Exam Fee: £140
For more information on course dates, please contact us or for information on course location, please visit about/location.
GMDSS - RESTRICTED OPERATOR'S CERTIFICATE (ROC)
The base GMDSS qualification for the Professional Mariner.
The GMDSS Restricted Operator's Certificate (ROC) has been introduced by the MCA to serve the needs of SOLAS Conventions vessels that sail exclusively within GMDSS A1 Sea Areas.
On such ships bridge watch-keepers require the ROC or the higher grade General Certificate (GOC). with the STCW (PREVIOUSLY STCW-95) endorsement.
The GMDSS ROC will be of particular interest for candidates for MCA 200 tons certificates and Pilots, Harbour Masters and marine shore staff.
COURSE STRUCTURE
The GMDSS (ROC) follows a course syllabus and standard as laid down by the IMO and CEPT. There are no nationality requirements in order to he awarded the ROC. The qualification is internationally recognised. The ROC course is 3 days followed by the examination.
The examination has 3 elements
- Radio Procedures - (written or oral paper)
- Voice exercise - Simulated Distress Communications
- Operational Performance Test -
Course commences: 0900 -1700 each day
Examination: early evening on the third day.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
- Please bring two passport photographs and either your passport or discharge book.
- Fluency in English : Although there are no nationality requirements, all candidates must be fluent in both English and the phonetic alphabet.
STCW requirements:
seafarers who hold UK certificates who have to comply with requirements of the STCW Code must have their GMDSS Certificates endorsed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
The MCA website also has some useful links around certification and training
COURSE FEES
Course Fee per person (based on min of 3 candidates): 695Euro.
plus the MCA examination fee £160 pounds:
Maximum number of students on this course is five.
We have a wide range of equipment to offer you practical experience.
Individuals and Marine companies interested in other course dates - please contact us
Any queries on individual circumstances can be referred to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
GMDSS GENERAL OPERATOR CERTIFICATE (GOC)
The GOC certificate is the highest GMDSS operators qualification suitable for the professional mariner including Merchant Navy Deck Officers, offshore Radio Operators serving on mobile platforms and Commercial Yachtmasters.
This MCA certificate can be STCW endorsed and permits the holder to operate the radio installation on GMDSS compliant/compulsorily equipped vessels operating in any of the GMDSS Sea areas (A1 - A4).
COURSE STRUCTURE
10 consecutive days, including examination or 3weeks evening training
5 candidates maximum, every two student has their own equipment to work with.
Theory is underpinned with practical work on a wide range of GMDSS equipment.
The examination has 3 elements:
- Radio Procedures (25 minutes written paper)
- Voice exercise (Simulated Distress)
- Practical operation of GMDSS systems
The examination is toward the end of day 10 and may finish late.
We work hard to ensure you have the knowledge and practical ability you require.
Your instructors breadth of experience in training and radio communication is unrivalled,
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Two passport photographs and either your passport or discharge book.
Fluency in English: Although there is no nationality requirement all candidates must be fluent in both English and the phonetic alphabet.
You should be over 18 years of age.
Recommended reading:
‘GMDSS A User’s Handbook’ By Denise Brehaut. Published by Adlard Coles Nautical ISBN 978-1408114933
STCW requirements: seafarers who hold UK certificates who have to comply with requirements of the STCW Code must have their GMDSS Certificates endorsed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
COURSE FEE
Course Fee per person (based on min of 3 candidates): 1500Euro
Duration 10 days
Plus the MCA exam fee, currently £180
Included - in the course price a simple light lunch may be provided, also tea, coffee, and biscuits.