A VHF marine radio course will be held at Redland Bay Coast Guard's Meissner Street base this month.
Recreational boaties who complete the course will obtain a license that allows them to legally operate a VHF radio in local waters.
Instructor John Josefski said it was mandatory for anyone using a VHF radio to hold the license.
"The Australian Water Qualification also enables the operator to apply for an MMSI," he said.
"This is a Maritime Mobile Service Indicator which, when entered into the radio, activates the digital selective calling function.
"This ... would alert authorities that there is an emergency situation."
The course, which costs $70 and runs for about three hours, will be held on Saturday, March 13 at the coast guard base on Meisner Street, Redland Bay.
Two courses were held in July and August last year after a long lay-off due to the pandemic.
Coast guard had been unable to hold sessions for about three months due to restrictions.
A VHF radio can be used for things like traffic control, calling for emergency help and to communicate with other ships.
The devices should be on board all powerboats and can be handheld or fixed to a vessel.
For more information and to register for the March course, contact John Josefski on 0400 075 429 or email radio.qf7@coastguard.com.au.
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