What training for UK coastal waters?

[j3r3m7]

So what's the quickest and most basic vhf license I can obtain? I take it it's a legal requirement to have one prior to using a handset.

[rossl]

Your need a the VHF-DSC i think, if you are using a handset you need the licence, but if you say you haven't got a radio when the coast guards ask then you don't need one ;-), but the lock master at portishead may ask to see it as you need a radio to get in the lock normally, and they are very useful if you get stuck out in rough waters and the boats dead (But a mobile phone will do).

I think they do daily courses @ workman marine in portishead.

cheers
ross

[Beautiful Freak]

Yeah, it's just a one day course to get a VHF licence. Then in theory you should be buying an annual ships radio licence to actually use the VHF (you get a disc like a tax disc and your MMSI number if you're using DSC) but I think a lot of people don't seem to bother. Check out www.radiolicencecentre.co.uk (think they're actually in Bristol) if you want more info.