Hand held VHF, DSC, GPS Radio

[Gybemaster]

I have a fixed Icom IC-M505 DSC VHF in my Cheetah Cat which has got great range and clarity, plus an old non-DSC Icom handheld for use in the kayak.

The handheld has had a few soakings, and never given any problems. This seems to be the case with Icom's and I have read many good reviews about them being the best bet if they are to get wet. Plus, their after sales service is very good indeed.

I do tend to be brand loyal, if I have had good experiences. I would rather pay a little more for peace of mind, especially where safety is concerned.

Now I have the F-Rib 330 I want a decent DSC hand-held, so am hoping the price will drop a little in time for the new season, as the unit was only launched around September.

[chris moody]

The new iCom DSC handheld does seem over priced.

[Redlinebuzz]

So I've been looking into these radios and the regulations , am I right in saying If I am not using international channels I don't have to take the Short Range Course , I only have to licence it with ofcom which is free online ? There are other things I could find to spend £100 on safety related if I don't need the Short Range Certificate, the RYA words it in such a way that isn't very clear, thanks in advance guys.

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[Martin]

I was going to answer this but I see Roger is on with it,he'll give you the full ins & outs lol..
Over to you Mr Black

[chris moody]

To transmit on a VHF radio in the UK, other than in the case of a Mayday situation (dire and imminent danger), you need both the radio to have a VHF licence (free from OFCOM) and a VHF SRC certificate for the operator (or the operator to be under the guidance of another SRC operator with a certificate)

[Redlinebuzz]

Thanks for that, I think it might be a better idea for me to go with an EPIRB, same price and from what I understand, better coverage ?

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[Andy B]

To transmit on a VHF radio in the UK, other than in the case of a Mayday situation (dire and imminent danger), you need both the radio to have a VHF licence (free from OFCOM) and a VHF SRC certificate for the operator (or the operator to be under the guidance of another SRC operator with a certificate)

Show me a prosecution?

Unless you are going to use a radio in a professional capacity then a basic knowledge of radio etiquette is all you'll need.
Never heard of a case of the authorities or anyone else for that matter refusing to respond to a radio call until a VHF licence had been verified!

I've also witnessed a lot of bad radio traffic from licenced individuals

[Shannon]

christ is right but you are better to have a radio than a plb in my opinon because a plb can be a long time getting a responce , maybe hours later but on the radio
you can talk to the emergency servicdes.

[rogerblack]

I was going to answer this but I see Roger is on with it,he'll give you the full ins & outs lol..
Over to you Mr Black

I'm keeping my big gob shut on this for once, Martin!

[Martin]

I was going to answer this but I see Roger is on with it,he'll give you the full ins & outs lol..
Over to you Mr Black

I'm keeping my big gob shut on this for once, Martin!

Hahaaa
I saw you were online at the time I was going to answer. The last time you answered such it was so in depth, I thought bugger that, I'll let Roger do it.