Hand held VHF

[GBC]

Various Uhf/Vhf radios for sale out of Hong Kong on ebay all the time - I got a couple of the 5w KYD's which turn out to be basically the same as a Moto$%^^a which retails for a whole lot more.
Haven't had it long, but had no probs so far.

And before you start bugs, I am in no way affilliated with ebay or KYD.

I have however, been a commercial skipper, and see the licensing of Uhf operators as ridiculous - esp as now that most emergency organisations which used to rely on the i.e. Police etc, have switched to digital comms anyway? No better safety backup than a handheld for the situations you guys are discussing - enjoy them.

[Got_the_Fever]

After reading this post I still dont know wether or not to go for a 27mhz or a vhf radio. I am totally lost about needing a licence or not. I think it is time to go and talk to the coast guard at scarborough to help me sort out this dilemma.

Kel [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]

[subzero]

Here is a link to the Leisure Marine site that has a pretty good write up about the different sets.
http://www.leisure-marine.com.au/Use...rineradios.asp
To me their are 3 critical things about using a Marine Radio.

• Knowing when to use it
  How to use it
  Not be afraid to use it

I PERSONALLY could not care less wether people sit their license or not, just that they have been given the skills and confidence to use it when the need arises without hesitation, hesitate and you may not have time to make the call!!! (That doesnt mean panic either).

If anyone wants to sit in on a course this Saturday at VMR Victoria Point, I have a couple of spaces available. You will not be able to sit a test as I would not get the papers from the O.M.C on time. However, a full days course for free, you walk away hopefully having learnt something that may benefit you a great deal in the future, the offer is on the table if anyone wants it. (You might like to donate a couple of $ for your tea/coffee and bikies though).

Cheers Lloyd

[SatNav]

Now there is definently an offer too good to be refused. What's a few bucks for tea and bickies and come away KNOWING when to use it and HOW to use it!

[longtail]

Lloyd - when i did marine studies at high school ( err 16 years ago ) i sat the exam and got the cert for a MARINE RADIO OPERATORS CERTIFICATE OF PROFICIENTY , is this the same as the license that is issued now??

cheers
Jason

[subzero]

Gidday Longtail, the Restricted Radiotelephone Operators Certificate of Proficiency (RROCP) was issued prior to the first of February 1999.

The Marine Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency (MROCP) was introduced in 1999 to include the use of Digital Selective Calling.

Holders of the pre 1999 RROCP and the earlier Third Class commercial Operators Certificates are considered qualified for life to operate small vessel marine radio equipment, including those fitted with DSC capabilitys but the ACA (Now days known as the Australian Communications and Media Authority) recommends that people do re-qualify for one of the new certificates.

I found their fact sheet which covers the requirements and recomendations to do with the licensing for Marine Radio's and their use at the link below.

http://www.acma.gov.au/ACMAINTER.131...RD::pc=PC_1743

In a nutshel, their have been some important changes since you having sat yours, their has been some re-designation of frequencies and whom those frequencys are monitored by, (Or not monitored by at all in some cases), as well as the introduction of Digital Selective Calling (DSC).

For frequency re-designation go here

http://www.amcom.amc.edu.au/handbook...s_01012004.pdf

Your certificate, (Licence) is valid so therefore you hold the legal accreditation, wether or not you are competant is another matter. (And I am not saying you arent competant, you may have kept up to date with changes etc and use your radio frequently and wisely).

I hope that answers your question.

Cheers Lloyd

[longtail]

thanks for that Lloyd . i will have to sit in on one of your courses sometime

i use my radio everytime i go out , so i would like to think i am still competent however i have a VHF that is DSC capable and would like to learn how to use that feature.

thanks again

Jason