Vhf.... - Page 2

myndit · 03 May 2004, 18:52

You can buy an XM DSC VHF for £148.99 from www.gaelforce.net. Looks like it can also be connected to your GPS for distress calls. Not sure about the waterproofing level though.

Good luck on the DSC course, we arranged it with our local instructor at my company works. Needed 8 people to make it worthwhile.

Rgds

Doug Green

Tim M · 03 May 2004, 18:55

Well, I phoned another place that was listed on the RYA website. Got though to this lady who said she was very busy with sailing courses, so would give me a call and let me do the course if she had a free Saturday afternoon!
I left messages with two other places which havn't got back to me......

The Jackeens · 03 May 2004, 19:03

What's your travel radius?

Missus

tim griffin · 03 May 2004, 19:03

tim the problem is the instructors have to make them cost effective and make a profit, its just starting to swing into the busy time of year for all the other courses, next year i plan to do more even if its for just one, no good to you i know, but its because people get frustrated waiting for a course to fill up, good luck i am sure you will find a course phone the RYA 0845 3450 384 they may be able to tell you when next one is coming up in your area
regards tim
www.griffmarineservices.co.uk

Tim M · 03 May 2004, 19:21

Radius. Well. The closer the better really! However, if I found somewhere that did the course fairly soon and for the right price, I might travel a moderate distance.

Richard B · 03 May 2004, 19:25

have a look at this if it's any good (20mins from M25)... course dates are at bottom of page:
http://www.bishamabbeysailing.co.uk/vhf.html

The Jackeens · 03 May 2004, 19:37

PM sent but I think Richard's idea is the best...they should have lots of spaces (and you & Louise thought it was v.g. Rich.?)

Missus

Tim M · 03 May 2004, 19:40

Thanks for all the help everybody.
The price of that (Richard's) one is nearly double the cost of the local one, and given that it about 120 miles away, I think I will just have to wait for the man down the road to get five other students together!

David Hickman · 03 May 2004, 19:46

I see what you mean, that's is a bit high for a VHF/DSC course!
I think we should double our prices Tim!!!!!

tim griffin · 03 May 2004, 19:52

£110 robbery average should be around £75 all, in at those prices i could retire
it does pay to shop around personaly i would like to see some standard pricing
in the industry + or - some but that is way over the top
regards tim
www.griffmarineservices.co.uk

Richard B · 03 May 2004, 19:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Jackeens

(and you & Louise thought it was v.g. Rich.?)

Yes, certainly very good, and your recommendation (really can't guess who!

) very good as well. In fact, of the (three) RYA training schools I've had experience of, all excellent.

As for a high price, well I would say that £45 for a day's training of any type is very, very good value. £90 was good value IMHO. I've found that on all RYA courses you get not only the core syllabus, but the attention of an experienced and enthusiastic mariner. Priceless, really. In fact, once the premises and equipment have been deducted, I wonder what's left, precious little? Oh dear, I think I've just started a nationwide course price-rise!

Compare this to IT training... (£350+ per day)

The Jackeens · 03 May 2004, 20:02

I just saw your brochure Rich but didn't Bisham have banks of DSC as distinct from the 'one-teach... one-lot-of-apparatus course' we were on...
While ours was brill and did the job I imagine you pay for the VG facilities at
B. A.

Missus

tim griffin · 03 May 2004, 20:04

are you saying you were on a course and only one radio between the group
regards tim
www.griffmarineservices.co.uk

Richard B · 03 May 2004, 20:05

Yes, they have "the real thing" instead of a computer simulator. They run on a closed circuit. You can also send DSC alerts to each other.

The Jackeens · 03 May 2004, 20:08

are you saying you were on a course and only one radio between the group

Nope

We had hand helds and a computer simulator for the DSC.
He used videos as well...

Missus

The Jackeens · 03 May 2004, 20:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard B

You can also send DSC alerts to each other.

if you ate too much at lunch & were sinking under the table

Missus

tim griffin · 03 May 2004, 20:10

how many computers /handhelds per student ratio and how much
regards tim
www.griffmarineservices.co.uk

The Jackeens · 03 May 2004, 20:16

Won't quote price for the reasons you gave!!!!
But we had a few radios...(can't rem. now!!!!)

Bigger considerations for us were

Location, location, location

Qualifications of Instructor
(he did our water training with us so we trusted him

)

Timing...we wanted to be able to use the radio (general use ) asap

Actually along with the millions of other things on JK's list maybe he should set up a section for Instructors???

Missus

tim griffin · 03 May 2004, 20:25

just interested in the course understand about pricing thing
have a thing about some schools charging high prices .but agree with you
if you know the instructor and are happy with the service you will go back and do more courses, also it shows it is a better school by offering more than just pb2 shows they are committed to training and like most instructors have a passion for what they do, no need for a instructors forum IMHO
regards tim
www.griffmarine services.co.uk

The Jackeens · 03 May 2004, 20:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim griffin

no need for a instructors forum IMHO
regards tim
www.griffmarine services.co.uk

Well we could do your courses and give you stars (or send a Govt. WATCHDOG in like OFSTED) and then ye could price accordingly....

Only jokin really...I think it's brill to see you Instructors taking part in the Forum.
We benefit from your experience and you'll know by word-of-mouth business if you're doing a good job...Probably helps being here and contributing a lot (as you do)

Missus