RYA GMDSS Short Range Certificate course and exam for Yachtsmen

<BODY BGCOLOR="#ffffff" TEXT="#000000" LINK="#000000" VLINK="#000000" ALINK="#000000"> <P>GMDSS Short Range Certificate is required if you wish to operate a marine VHF radio from onboard your yacht. On this RYA marine radio GMDSS VHF radio operator's course you will learn how to use a DSC marine VHF radio. Note we only use real marine VHF radios during our course, ICOM M601, M421 M501, ICOM DS100, SILVA S10, NASA SX35, SKANTI DSCall, SIMRAD RD-68 and RAYMARINE VHF DSC radios.</P> <P>RYA GMDSS Marine Radio operators licence / certificate is a legal requirement if you wish to transmit on the marine VHF band including VHF Channel 16.</P> <P>The Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (GMDSS) became operational on 1st February 1999. An increasing amount of GMDSS VHF equipment is now available for small craft. To prepare maritime users for VHF communications in the GMDSS era, the MCA/RYA have introduced the GMDSS Short Range Certificate and this is now the minimum radio qualification examined in the UK. (Existing holders of the VHF radio certificate are still legal to operate, but must update to SRC if they fit or operate GMDSS equipment. This latest development is marine communications will add a new feature to the VHF radio with the introduction of Digital Selective Calling (DSC). It permits other vessels to be called up by their identity number and also provides a button that will generate a distress alert which in turn contains the position of the vessel. Marine VHF is the best way of summoning help, you can contact the coastguard up to 50 miles off shore and talk to other boats up to 15-20 miles on the open sea. </P> <P>These features all reduce the load on the traditional calling channel 16 and obviate the eliminate the need for listening continually on the channel. The SRC is a mandatory qualification for operators on small craft fitted with VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC). This thorough ½ day course covers all aspects of the RYA and MCA syllabus. It will enable you to become a competent communicator in all GMDSS VHF/DSC procedures. The theory sessions will be followed by a short examination to test the students knowledge. Upon successful completion of this examination the certificate will be issued by the RYA. PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE No previous experience is necessary or required to start this course although the pre course work is highly recommended for all students. Knowing the phonetic alphabet, channel allocation and the may day format will be highly beneficial. COURSE OBJECTIVE To certify the individual in the use of VHF short-range and GMDSS. This course is also and introduction to chart work and plotting a course on a chart. The course is all classroom based and comprises or several academic theory sessions followed by Q&A.; By the end of this course the student will be able to:<BR> a) Make routine calls on VHF and communicate on DSC. <BR>b) In the case of an emergency, plot the position of the vessel and determine the position of the vessel taking into account wind and tides. <BR>c) Communicate clearly using the correct phonetics and radio procedures. <BR><BR>CERTIFICATION Application is direct to the RYA via YachtCom on successful completion of the course. Please bring two passport photographs and a cheque or debit/credit card for the RYA.<BR></P> <P>The RYA marine radio operators SRC course covers the SRC syllabus in a very comprehensive manner and will be an invaluable reference book during the course. COURSE CONTENT * VHF voice procedures * Distress, urgency, safety & routine traffic * Radio requirements & regulations * Navtex, EPIRBS & SARTS * Practical training sessions on simulator * Ships license & operators certificate </P> <P ALIGN="CENTER">GMDSS - GMDSS - GMDSS - GMDSS</P> </BODY>