BOATIES can earn their VHF radio licence in a three-hour lesson offered by Redland Bay Coast Guard.
The Australian Waters Qualification radio course will be delivered on Saturday, October 28 at the RBCG base at Meissner Street, Redland Bay.
Instructor John Josefski, who once worked with the Australian Air Force, said he hoped to deliver the very basics of what took him three months of intensive training to learn.
- Read more: New radio qualification for boaties
- Read more: Water rescues and boats adrift as winds lash bay
- Read more: New rescue boats set for Raby Bay VMR
Mr Josefksi said being a qualified VHF radio operator was not only important in avoiding licencing fines, but could also save lives.
He said many VHF radio owners were not aware of how to use the equipment, with some unable to dial into frequencies or make distress calls properly.
He said users, once licenced, could also apply for a nine-digit Maritime Mobile Service Identity number used by rescue services to recognise the vessel.
“The licence allows the holders to apply for a MMSI number from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority for the Digital Selective Calling facility on VHF radio,” Mr Josefski said.
“The course covers basic radio procedures, emergency calling, Digital Selective Calling and the operation of EPIRPs.”
The three-hour course, which also covers the need for accuracy, brevity and clarity in radio communications, is $70.
For more information, contact John on 0400 075 429 or the RBCG base on 3206 7777.
