Wanted vhf radio

arkamelis · 14 June 2012, 19:59

hi was thinking of getting a vhf radio, just incase the day ever comes i need it. i have read you need a licence, but can you get away without one if its a hand held one ? if so anybody got one ?
matt

thomas · 14 June 2012, 20:45

No, get a licence - the course is a bit tedious but there's stuff you need to know. You can get a hefty fine, although I've never met anyone who's had one.

m chappelow · 14 June 2012, 21:03

you need 2 types ,

certificate of competence ,.....
which usually takes a 1 or 2 day course to allow you to operate a vhf marine radio correctly,

Ships radio licence ,No test needed!
which is free !as long as you do it via the ofcom web site and you can print it off there and then unless you want to do it all by post and it will then cost you £20,,,for a hand held it used to come under (T)Transporable ,this allows you to carry a vhf radio set on your boat.
.http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/radioc...s/ships-radio/

Bobh · 14 June 2012, 22:11

Ark get your licence bud as Thomas said theres stuff you need to know. When I did mine was all done in a day, s'pose it was a little easier for me being used to radios (radio amateur) but I didn't know about using pan, pan or securitae, securitae, and what's more its nice to get your certificate back wiv your picture on.

Max... · 14 June 2012, 22:15

As above do the course, lots of previous discussions on this and some will say don't bother but the course is fun, easy and once you have the licence you have it for life. And as Bobh says it gives you a great feeling of achievement.

As for radio choice general consensus is go for a Standard Horizon (my preference) or an Icom. DSC is not essential but handy to have especially as the VHF course majors on it's use.

arkamelis · 15 June 2012, 21:01

thanks for the info everbody. think that sums it up, will start looking into course asap.

Big thanks " will check the link out "

SIBer · 15 June 2012, 21:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by m chappelow

you need 2 types ,

certificate of competence ,.....
which usually takes a 1 or 2 day course to allow you to operate a vhf marine radio correctly,

Ships radio licence ,No test needed!
which is free !as long as you do it via the ofcom web site and you can print it off there and then unless you want to do it all by post and it will then cost you £20,,,for a hand held it used to come under (T)Transporable ,this allows you to carry a vhf radio set on your boat.
.Ofcom | Ship

I did a one day course & test in 2004. Cost was £70 all in, in a room above a pub

Has this now changed?

EnglishLes · 15 June 2012, 21:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIBer

I did a one day course & test in 2004. Cost was £70 all in, in a room above a pub

Has this now changed?

I did a one day course in May 2012 £75 for the course £30 for the license. Proper little training room for 6 people, PC to simulate some radio functions and internally linked radios to talk to each other and practice the correct terminology/protocols.

Channel Ribs · 16 June 2012, 07:30

When you come to look for a handheld I can highly recommend something like the Standard Horizon HX290E, they are about 100 quid.

You can get marine radios for 50 pounds or so, but the saving is just not worth it as you can't rely on it when things go wrong.

SIBer · 16 June 2012, 09:44

I recently borrowed a £50 Midland Atlantic for a trip - It is pretty naff and I'm glad I didn't buy one. The waterproof bag supplied was split the first time the owner used it. Its not very loud, a faff to change channels and the channel scanner is really slow and no dual watch. I've used better kids PMR radios.

I've researched the Standard Horizon HX290 and I would definitely get one if I went on the sea again. icoms are also well regarded, better for regular or hard use but are more expensive.

arkamelis · 16 June 2012, 10:53

thank you, will look into the course and might get the horizon hx when i pass

Channel Ribs · 16 June 2012, 12:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by arkamelis

thank you, will look into the course and might get the horizon hx when i pass

You don't need to worry about passing or failing, the course does involve demonstrating that you have achieved the required standard but with a full day of coaching you will be fine.

As mentioned the course is quite long, but really worthwhile and if you find a good trainer it is great fun and will lead to all sorts of interesting extra bits of insight that you never knew you didn't now.

SIBer · 16 June 2012, 19:50

My experience is as above. I tutor said no-one fails. My class was an interesting bunch of nautical types. A few narrow-boaters, yachties, divers and some going on flotilla holidays in the med. There was one teenager who found it "boring" who clearly didn't want to be there having been dragged there by her parents. She did have to do the assessment again but still got her ticket.
I found it very interesting and enjoyable, made more so by the experience (or lack) of my fellow students.

My top tips:
Its "Over" OR "Out" and not a big 10-4 good buddy.
Don't try asking for a rig check to see if you are burning anyone's needle by using a kicker and a big twig.

GJ0KYZ · 17 June 2012, 00:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIBer

My top tips: Its "Over" OR "Out" and not a big 10-4 good buddy. Don't try asking for a rig check to see if you are burning anyone's needle by using a kicker and a big twig.

Blimey, that takes me back. Does anyone know if people still use CB radio in the UK or has it died a death?

EnglishLes · 17 June 2012, 07:41

A quick Google search shows that there are plenty of stores that still stock these (including Maplin). There is even a specialist store for 4x4 ones.

SIBer · 18 June 2012, 21:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by GJ0KYZ

Blimey, that takes me back. Does anyone know if people still use CB radio in the UK or has it died a death?

The 4x4's and farmers still use the rigs. And perhaps some truckers...

Convoy ( GB ) - YouTube