Whether you are using a VHF handheld or fixed station on a yacht, powerboat or any other vessel, you should have authority to operate a VHF radio and you must be both qualified to get a Department. of Transport radio license for your vessel.

Course Description

The covers the training and assessment required to obtain a Short Range Certificate and is accredited by the Irish Department of Transport.

The course covers the different uses of a VHF in the maritime world. You will learn the rules and regulations governing radiotelephony, how to assess different situations where a VHF is used and how to operate the VHF to make these calls.

The course also extensively covers the use of Digital Selective Calling (DSC).

The course covers the all the required training for the assessment in:

- Types of Communications in the Maritime Mobile Service
- Types of Stations in the Maritime Mobile Service
- Radio Frequencies and Channels
- Functionality of Ship Station Equipment
- Basic controls and usage of VHF radio
- VHF antennas Purpose and use of Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
- Search and Rescue Procedures (SAR)
- Distress, Urgency and Safety Communications in GMDSS
- Maritime Safety Information (MSI)
- Alerting and Location Signals
- Operational procedures and regulations for VHF Communications in regards to Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
- The rules and regulations relating to the use of VHF radio

On completion of the course you will be assessed by an external Dept. of Transport examiner on the day.

The course fees include training and Certificate of Training (CoT) to successful candidates.

Important - New Department of Transport Requirements

The Department of Transport has introduced new registration and certification requirements for everyone attending this course (Sept 2026)

Seafarer Registration—Required Before the Course

Before attending, every participant must:

- Register as a Seafarer with the Department of Transport.
- Obtain a Seafarer’s ID Number.
- Provide their Seafarer’s ID Number to Galway Bay Sailing Club before the course begins.

This requirement applies to all participants, including recreational users who may only intend to operate a handheld VHF radio from a Sailing boat, Kayak and/or other similar small crafts.

Registration is completed online and is a straightforward process. It is no more complicated than the previous system where forms were completed manually.

Register as a Seafarer here:

https://www.seafarers.ie/ERegister

Please complete your registration in good time, as you will not be able to undertake the course without a valid Seafarer’s ID Number.

Certification Following the Course

On successful completion of the course and assessment, participants will receive a Certificate of Training (CoT).

The Certificate of Training is sufficient for general recreational use.

A formal Certificate of Competency (CoC) is required for:

- Professional or commercial use.
- Anyone wishing to register their VHF transceiver with the Department of Transport.

To obtain a Certificate of Competency, participants must submit the following to the Department of Transport:

- Their Certificate of Training.
- The applicable certification fee, currently €50.

The Department of Transport will process the application and issue the Certificate of Competency directly to the participant.

Please Note

A Certificate of Training cannot be issues without a valid Seafarer’s ID Number.

The €50 Certificate of Competency application fee is paid separately to the Department of Transport and is not included in the GBSC course fee,

Duration

This VHF course will be on the Saturday and Sunday Morning followed by the exam.

Location

The course take place at the Galway Bay Sailing Club in Rinville, Oranmore, H91 W678.

Terms and Conditions

The GBSC Terms and Conditions are available here to review

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VHF Radio - Short Range Certificate including DSC - Saturday / Sunday Morning