Using VHF Radio: The Boat Owner's 20-Minute Guide

This quick-start guide to VHF Marine Radio teaches skippers and crews the essentials of radio use afloat. You must have a licence for the equipment and one for the operator: this guide tells you how to obtain these licences and what you must do to qualify for the VHF Short Range Certificate (SRC). It also explains how the radio is used in Routine and Distress situations, with actual sample radio conversations. You will learn how Digital Selective Calling (DSC), introduced with the GMDSS, can automate calling of other vessels and shore stations. You find how different radio channels are allocated to different purposes and understand the major controls found on every VHF DSC Radio. This book offers suggestions for other resources which can help you make the most of your investment in marine radio, and help you to attain the all-important Radio Licence, to stay safe and legal.