Maritime VHF Radio Operator Certificate™ - Coastguard Boating Education
Channel: Coastguard Boating Education
Date: 2018-10-11

Any person operating a maritime VHF radio must hold, as a minimum requirement, a Maritime VHF Radio Operator Certificate (unless transmitting in an emergency or a distress situation). In addition, all maritime radio communications are required to be positively identified through the use of a Callsign (and in the case of a VHF DSC radio, an MMSI).

Knowing how to use a maritime VHF radio correctly and with confidence is vital in the event of an emergency. This course covers the protocols that must be followed when communicating over the maritime radio network.

Maritime VHF radios can be used for receiving weather forecasts, safety information, communicating between boats, or communicating boat to shore.  

The Maritime VHF Radio Operator Certificate course covers the general features and functions of a maritime VHF radio, correct distress and urgency procedures for ‘Mayday’ and ‘Pan Pan’ calls, pro-words and phonetic alphabet, trip reports, weather services, callsigns, EPIRBS and other search and rescue equipment.