VHF Course - A bit Pricey???

[Sea Dog Steve]

Recently changed my Boat and wanted to complete the VHF Course to keep myself right. My local RYA approved centre is charing £130.00 for the course....is this about right or does anyone know anywhere less expensive....even better, is it possible to do this on-line??

[gazaaa]

I am doing the course for free online. Im using the following. http://www.egmdss.com/ie/. The only problem I have is that i dont know if you can do the exam only. It would be great if you could. In saying that you can put a price on saftey .

[Cluais]

I'm doing one the end of the month 230 euro
At the end of the day it's a once off

[hugo]

For what's involved, €230 is a rip-off, IMO. But I've seen at least one other one at €300.

Anyway I'm expecting that quite soon radios will be a thing of the past and we'll all have to carry registered automatic distress beacons instead. They're getting smaller and cheaper all the time, and will save the authorities the cost of a manned service.

[JimC]

Yes the courses are expensive for what they are. As Cluais said they are a one off and can be a craic if done with buddies. I would prefer to have the course done rather operate without.

i dont know if you can do the exam only.

I checked this out a while back. It would appear you can. You need to have enough people though. It is not the normal practice so even if you had enough bodies it could be tricky to organise.

Im using the following. http://www.egmdss.com/ie/

Interestingly enough while in conversation with "The Dept" online courses, rya courses were rubbished as being not up to the mark. I found it strange.

quite soon radios will be a thing of the past

I would not reckon in our lifetime! Two way communications will always be necessary. Fine to have an EPIRB or suchlike but it would be a shame to drown while waiting for the helicopter when a boat a mile away did not know there was a problem!

On the subject: There are a few of us who have the "old" VHF qualification and need to do the SRC2 module in order to get our MMSI numbers. I am trying to get a class together (in the autumn) to do just the SRC2. Are there any other guys looking to do this course?

[White Shark]

To Jim from Cork.
Please let me have details of src2 module, I may be able to attend
Location Limerick.
Rgds White Shark.

[Sea Dog Steve]

Thanks for the info..Sounds LIke the prices are very varied.....But as is stated, "What price safety". Thanks for the link, i'll look into it and see if its what I want--if not, I'll fork out the cash...its a shame the likees of the RNLI have'nt devised more online courses as they offer a lot of flexibility.. a full day or two in between work, family and fishing is sometimes hard to find!