BISHAM ABBEY SAILING & NAVIGATION SCHOOL
Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre
Bisham, Near Marlow, Bucks, SL7 1RT
Tel: 01628 474960
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BISHAM ABBEY SAILING & NAVIGATION SCHOOL |
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At the moment short range radio communications are undergoing rapid change. The introduction of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) has brought about the need to revise the radio operator qualifications. The Short Range Certificate (SRC) is now the basic radio operator qualification whether or not Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is fitted on the vessel. The SRC authorises the holder to operate a VHF Radiotelephone, on board any British vessel, which is voluntarily fitted with radio equipment. Digital Selective Calling as well as being a more efficient and reliable system, obviates the necessity of keeping a listening watch.
Restricted (VHF only) Radio Operator Certificates of Competence issued prior to 1 September 2000 remain valid qualifications for the operation of non-GMDSS VHF Radiotelephones. Some elements of the pre-GMDSS (VHF only) means of communication are still pertinent but it is likely that there will be an increasing imperative for the yachtsman to participate in the new system if he wants to be certain of the ability to send an effective distress message, should the need arise.
Yachts and small craft are not bound by either international convention or national regulations to carry radio transmitters and receivers and are under no obligation to participate in GMDSS. However, if the yachtsman wants the ability to communicate with other ships, harbour authorities and Rescue Co-ordination Centres, he has no alternative but to keep reasonably up to date with the equipment and techniques of the commercial shipping world.
At Bisham Abbey Sailing and Navigation School we are able to offer the boat owner the one day VHF - GMDSS Short Range Certificate course(this replaces the Restricted (VHF only) Radio Operators course)
One day course, small numbers. This course replaces the Restricted (VHF only) Radio Operators course and is for students with no existing Marine VHF qualification. It covers both basic marine band VHF operation and Global Maritime Distress and Safety System procedures using Digital Selective Calling. Students will be able to practice procedures using SIMRAD V. H. F; D. S. C. and G. M. D. S. S. equipment fitted with dummy loads in order that they may be operated in the classroom environment. The use of this equipment rather than the computer generated simulators used at many other training establishments enables the student to experience hands-on use of the equipment & procedures. These are used during the morning & early afternoon and assessment is a continuous process. The all important practical assessment is complemented by a written test covering other areas of the syllabus.
Upon receipt of your cheque & booking form we will send by return a copy of the RYA publication ‘VHF Radio (inc. GMDSS)’ which should be studied as preparation for the course. Students should become familiar with the phonetic alphabet which is in the booklet. A passport sized photograph is required for the Licence. An additional certificate issue fee of £25 is payable to the RYA on the day. There is no age limit for the assessment or examination for the SRC, however an authority to operate will not be issued to any person under the age of 16.
Tea and coffee provided. Hours daily are 0900-1700hrs
Please bring a packed lunch.
Course dates are as follows:
| (ref): | VHF/EXTRA: | Wednesday | 09 | July | 2008 |
| (ref): | VHF 197: | Monday | 04 | August | 2008 |
| (ref): | VHF 200: | Wednesday | 10 | September | 2008 |
| (ref): | VHF 201: | Saturday | 11 | October | 2008 |
| (ref): | VHF 202: | Friday | 24 | October | 2008 |
| (ref): | VHF 203: | Saturday | 15 | November | 2008 |
| (ref): | VHF 204: | Thursday | 04 | December | 2008 |
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BISHAM ABBEY SAILING & NAVIGATION SCHOOL LTD Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre Bisham, Near Marlow, Bucks, SL7 1RT Tel: 01628 474960 |
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