The basic radio operator's qualification is now entitled the Short Range Certificate (SRC). It is a requirement for sailors if they wish to operate VHF radios with Digital Selective Calling (DSC), even if you already possess the old VHF certificate.

At Team Sailing we run courses to gain this qualification, normally on Saturdays or Sundays. They take place in the classroom at Haslar Marina, using radio voice simulators and a course handbook.

You will learn:

• An awareness of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
• Use of the VHF/DSC
• How to make routine calls
• How to make urgency and distress communications
• An understanding of Navtex, SART and EPIRB

The cost of this course is £80, and on receipt of your booking form and cheque, we will send you the RYA publication "VHF radio (inc GMDSS)". This should be studied before the course, and in particular the phonetic alphabet should be learned.

On the day you should bring with you a passport-sized photograph, and a cheque payable to the RYA for the certificate itself (this costs £22 currently).

Tea, coffee and soft drinks are provided. For lunch you should either bring sandwiches, or meals can be bought locally.

With group bookings of three or more, the course can be tailor-made to suit your availability, at times which are mutually convenient. The cost will be determined by the precise arrangements which are agreed.

Course price: £80 plus certificate (currently £22)