vhf query?

[fishyyak]

if a kayaker had the use of a vhf radio,but did not have a cirtificate of compitance,would he still get a normal response from coastguard or other users?

[fishyyak]

also do you need the cirtificate with you to purchase a new vhf fadio?

[SEAJUNKY]

Hi Mate

The coast guard would not know that you didn't have a license when you call them. No you do not need to produce a license when buying a radio. But the fact remains that if you got into an emergency situation would you know how to deal with it. I would recommend that everybody should attend a VHF course. If you live in the north Wales area I can give you the phone number of an instructor who I'm sure could fit you in on one of his courses.

Steve

[fishyyak]

ok,thanks alot steve

[JIMBOB]

You do need a valid license to legally operate a VHF radio for transmitting emergency calls, but as Steve says you don't need one to buy a radio. If you are caught using one abusively or without a valid license then you could be looking at upto a £5000 fine and possibly 6 months in prison.

[ZEBRA]

the basic procedures
www.northwaleskayakfishing.co.uk/id150.html

[fishyyak]

a liscence i will get for sure,thank you

[izzetafox]

One thing to bear in mind: YES you need the license BUT I think the RNLI would rather an unlicensed operater issued a Mayday and prevented a loss of life than not issue a Mayday at all.
Plus you can monitor transmissions....I have read of a yakker on the Isle Of Wight who heard of kids swept offshore on an inflatable and was local and able to respond and towed the kids back.
Again if you were unlicensed and responded like this you would be a hero.

So in exceptional circumstances it could be deemed OK to temporarily be unlicensed.

IMHO of course, not speaking on behalf of the Forum or it's administrators...

[JIMBOB]

It is illegal to transmit a distress call without a license full stop, however I would have thought that each case would be dealt with accordingly. If such use resulted in a life saved then the courts would, I imagine, take this into account.

[[adb1256-DAVE]]

Hi FY it is all about the ability to use the radio in the correct manner,being able to be understood by Knowing the sequence in which you should pass on info about the situation at the time, this sequence of info allows the coastguard to now what is about to be received next , so there is no need for them to ask questions and waste valuable time....For Example if you were sinking and needed assistance to be picked up then you would transmit on Channel 16 this message ie.."MAY DAY"3x,,,, Name of Vessel "Topcat"3x,,,, MAYDAY Topcat,,,, Position in Long /Lat Co-ordinates,or land marks and approx distances,,, Situation- Sinking,,,, Immediate Assistance required,,,,Number of people on board,,,, Other info-Abandoning to life raft .OVER.....This is known as a:- M.I.P.N.A.N.O.O........Contact Allison Travis at Valley Marine Training 01407 740021 [e-mail]... these 1 day courses are held in RNLI Building Harbor Promenade Holyhead Hope this is of some use if you live in the area......Dave

[SEAJUNKY]

You could also contact Dave Brewer. Dave is a coast guard on Angelsey, and co ordinates some of the rescue teams as well as doing the one day VHF courses. I actually attended one of Daves courses, which was a day well spent. His number is 07970 766285. The course cost £65 including the license, which I think is an excellent price.

[fishyyak]

thanks for your help i will book myself in on a course a.s.a.p.