PDC COURSE RYA GMDSS

The GLOBAL MARITIME DISTRESS and SAFETY SYSTEM (GMDSS) became operational on 1st February 1999. An increasing amount of GMDSS VHF equipment is now available for small craft.

To prepare maritime users for VHF communications in the GMDSS era, the MCA/RYA have introduced the GMDSS Short Range Certificate and this is now the minimum radio qualification examined in the UK. (Existing holders of the VHF radio certificate are still legal to operate, but must update to SRC if they fit or operate GMDSS equipment.

This latest development is marine communications will add a new feature to the VHF radio with the introduction of Digital Selective Calling (DSC).

It permits other vessels to be called up by their identity number and also provides a button that will generate a distress alert which in turn contains the position of the vessel.

Marine VHF is the best way of summoning help; you can contact the coastguard up to 50 miles off shore and talk to other boats up to 15-20 miles on the open sea.

These features all reduce the load on the traditional calling channel 16 and obviate and eliminate the need for listening continually on the channel.

The SRC is a mandatory qualification for operators on small craft fitted with VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC).

This thorough day course covers all aspects of the RYA and MCA syllabus. It will enable you to become a competent communicator in all GMDSS VHF/DSC procedures. The theory sessions will be followed by a short examination to test the student's knowledge. Upon successful completion of this examination the certificate will be issued by the RYA.

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