Use of Marine Radios
Posted: Sat Nov 02, 2013 2:04 pm
G'day Gents,
I'm not sure if this topic has been discussed on the forum previously but I was keen to get peoples thoughts on it.
I've known for sometime that there is a requirement to have a certificate in proficiency for using marine radio's whether they be VHF, MHF or HF, either via a MROCP or MROVCP course. I haven't previously done this course but am looking at doing it in the near future.
My reason for basically doing the course is the recent purchase that I made of a Lowrance Link 8 VHF radio that has a number of features such as DSC and AIS.
For these features to work you require a MMSI which is obtained through AMSA. Unfortunately to be able to obtain this number you need to have the proficiency in one of the above courses.
Although there is no requirement by law to carry a marine radio, to me they offer a significant number of safety features specifically for vessels travelling offshore and especially with the features that come with modern day radios.
I know there is very little that can be done regarding the laws surrounding the use of marine radios, however I was wondering if anyone else was under the assumption that the rules and regulations regarding the use and operation of marine radio's is to harsh and whether there is not enough emphasis on the requirements for marine radio's to be carried or used in vessels travelling offshore in particular.
If anyone is interested I queried the price of the MROCP course and was quoted $350. The course is 2 days and includes the certificate and test. I guess the good thing is there is no renewal requirements for this qualification ever. I say that tongue in cheek.
What gets me, is the cost of the course is about the same amount that I paid for the radio itself.
Keen to hear what people think of this issue.
Good fishing chaps.
Macka
I'm not sure if this topic has been discussed on the forum previously but I was keen to get peoples thoughts on it.
I've known for sometime that there is a requirement to have a certificate in proficiency for using marine radio's whether they be VHF, MHF or HF, either via a MROCP or MROVCP course. I haven't previously done this course but am looking at doing it in the near future.
My reason for basically doing the course is the recent purchase that I made of a Lowrance Link 8 VHF radio that has a number of features such as DSC and AIS.
For these features to work you require a MMSI which is obtained through AMSA. Unfortunately to be able to obtain this number you need to have the proficiency in one of the above courses.
Although there is no requirement by law to carry a marine radio, to me they offer a significant number of safety features specifically for vessels travelling offshore and especially with the features that come with modern day radios.
I know there is very little that can be done regarding the laws surrounding the use of marine radios, however I was wondering if anyone else was under the assumption that the rules and regulations regarding the use and operation of marine radio's is to harsh and whether there is not enough emphasis on the requirements for marine radio's to be carried or used in vessels travelling offshore in particular.
If anyone is interested I queried the price of the MROCP course and was quoted $350. The course is 2 days and includes the certificate and test. I guess the good thing is there is no renewal requirements for this qualification ever. I say that tongue in cheek.
What gets me, is the cost of the course is about the same amount that I paid for the radio itself.
Keen to hear what people think of this issue.
Good fishing chaps.
Macka