Getting started in radio communications

[Malthouse]

had it on ch 16 (monitor only) and not heard a peep all week given we live near one of the largest inland ports in Europe im surprised

While I cannot condone listening into a licensed and certified radio frequency .... I am surprised about that, might be worth researching the local port frequencies (for a paper exercise only)

[Yorkshire Andy]

Gotcha

was wondering about CH16 as on the coastguard rescue type programs when they have pulled a family back to harbor in their little pleasure / speed boat after its conked out HMCG turn up pull the boat owner to one side and politely rollock them for only having a standard mobile phone. they really didnt like the
"We are somewhere near Brixham we can still see the shore" as a location


As they made out the coastguard can triangulate your transmission form a VHF radio on ch 16,
Im sure i remember one saying you can pick a handset up from the Chandlery no mention of getting licensed....

Suppose like a lot of things the Authorities will turn a blind eye if you use it correctly in a life or death situation or to save someone else ....




wonder what the legalities are of people streaming the radio traffic on the net eg
http://www.southamptonweather.co.uk/sotonvts.php

[Malthouse]

Some great points!

Maritime licensing is not required prior to purchase, so yes you can get a radio for your boat no questions asked. It is also perfectly legal to use one to summon help without a licence, however to use it for routine communication you need both an operator's certificate and a vessel licence.

Anyone can listen, however if you are a certified operator then you have agreed not to divulge what you hear. Because I am an instructor I am forbidden from encouraging anyone to listen though, without being licensed/certified.

Yes indeed, the coasties and lifeboats can triangulate a radio signal. Quickly and effectively.

[Yorkshire Andy]

thanks for clearing that up

[ForgeCorvus]

And to become a Certified Operator you need to do what ?

[Malthouse]

And to become a Certified Operator you need to do what ?

To be a certified maritime vhf operator you need to take the RYA one-day GDMSS course, available from colleges, boat clubs and commercial training centres.

[Yorkshire Andy]

just come across this site makes far more sense than the owners book that comes with it

http://www.miklor.com/uv5r/

[Malthouse]

Loads of info on there, but if you are having trouble with anything pop a message on here.

[ForgeCorvus]

And to become a Certified Operator you need to do what ?

To be a certified maritime vhf operator you need to take the RYA one-day GDMSS course, available from colleges, boat clubs and commercial training centres.

OK, had a quick look around
The course seems to be about a ton (some providers tell you theres an extra fee for the actual ticket to be processed..... These tend to be the cheaper ones though)

Is the Boafang able to receive Maritime 16 ?

[northern bloke]

Having seen years ago home base antennas which seemed nothing more than ally poles of various diameters that fitted inside each other with jubilee clips to adjust lengths for SWR can someone advise I have a ally flag pole about 20 to 23ft in two sections that fit together about half way can this be converted to an antenna? or would it be better to mount a whip antenna on top but I was thinking stealth