CLUB LEADS THE WAY IN VHF RADIO TRAINING
South of Perth Yacht Club’s innovative training program has made it possible for members to access VHF licensing courses at cost price. Three groups have already taken part in the scheme with qualified volunteer instructors Dave Ewart and Bernie Kaaks, achieving excellent results.
The cost of a VHF licence is $89, charged by the Australian Maritime College which administers radio licensing in Australia. The Club is charging members $100 per person which includes a coffee at half time!
The course is conducted over two separate three-hour sessions, finishing up with a formal exam and practical.
It is well known that VHF radios on pleasure boats are covered by a class licence and do not have to be separately registered, but if a person wishes to press the “transmit” button on the microphone of their radio, they will need a licence to do so.
Anecdotally, it seems many club members with radios on their boats do not have a licence to operate them. The Club’s training courses not only make it legitimate to use the radio but also teaches correct operations and safety features.
Training is done in small groups so each member can receive personalised attention. Results to date have been extraordinarily encouraging. If you are reading this and are one of those who is still not licensed to operate your radio, why not apply now.
