Need Cheap VHF Marine Licence Course

[B Murr]

Bought myself a boat during the summer. I carry a handheld VHF radio on board just in case I ever need to call coastguard in an emergency. However if I am to comply with regs I should really have a licence to operate the radio, there are a few places which run courses to get people to pass the exam for such licencs but they all charge about 250 to 300 euros. Surely it must be possible to teach yourself using a book or online tool and then just sit the exam? Does anyone know of a cheap way to learn the necessary to get through the exam ??

 

[wessie]

volunteer for whatever your coastal rescue service is called

 

[Loiq]

we sent one of our guys down to work partime on a youth sailing project, for the summer and he had his license at the end. If you have time there are cheap ways to do it or pay the money and have it in 2 days.

on hindsight paying would have been easier...

 

[The Foolish Fellow]

cft

check with the local cft clubs to see if they are organising any .

 

[Magwych]

EUR250-300 and a 15 hour course

The RYA Short Range Certficate (VHF) is about £80.00 over here, and takes about 5-6 hours.

 

[luke scott]

Wrong forum

Go to www.powerboat.ie/forums and ask the same question. At least you'll get relevant answers from people with boats & radios. You can have my licence now as I sold the boat .

 

[B Murr]

Cheers folks, I'll see what crops up with the powerboat forum. Volunteering sounds intersting but I probably wouldn't be able to commit the time. Just found this too http://www.egmdss.com/ie/ so looks hopefull.

 

[GerryC]

..........I should really have a licence to operate the radio, there are a few places which run courses to get people to pass the exam for such licencs but they all charge about 250 to 300 euros. Surely it must be possible to teach yourself using a book or online tool and then just sit the exam?

Of course it is possible.
Press the button to speak and learn some of the Phonetic Alphabet
A - Alpha
B - Bravo
C - Charlie
Etc
It's the standard NATO Phonetic Alphabet. There are lots of other standards in use throughout the world, but then the great thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from.

That will be €20 please.

One more lesson and you are ready for the sea - feck the exam.