Radio Poll

[sparerib]

Thats another thing that I don't like.....must sound like a right grumpy old git....the operators certificate(licence) is administered by the RYA, who as a LTD company have a monopoly, but are also a charity.....lower business rates on property, less or no tax......grrrrrrrrrrrrr

[chris moody]

But very little of the cost of a VHF course and exam goes to the RYA. The majority of your money goes to:
The training school running the course
The instructor running the course
The assessor running the exam

Only a small amount goes to the RYA.

Thats another thing that I don't like.....must sound like a right grumpy old git....the operators certificate(licence) is administered by the RYA, who as a LTD company have a monopoly, but are also a charity.....lower business rates on property, less or no tax......grrrrrrrrrrrrr

[sparerib]

But very little of the cost of a VHF course and exam goes to the RYA. The majority of your money goes to:
The training school running the course
The instructor running the course
The assessor running the exam

Only a small amount goes to the RYA.

Really? well i might stand corrected....I thought a fee was paid to the centre for the course, and a separate fee for the exam/license which goes to the RYA?

Thats another thing that I don't like.....must sound like a right grumpy old git....the operators certificate(licence) is administered by the RYA, who as a LTD company have a monopoly, but are also a charity.....lower business rates on property, less or no tax......grrrrrrrrrrrrr

[rogerblack]

When I did it (April 2015) the fee of £79 for the course was paid to the course provider; the £60 fee for the test and certificate was paid directly to the RYA.

[Sarah]

Hi all - hope to clarify:
Course fee goes to Training Centre which is an individual business - they set their own price and from this will provide your course book, venue, instructor, admin including sending off applications after course (along with the myriad of other things any business in any sector faces by way of overheads including an annual fee to the RYA for recognition)
You then pay the RYA the 'license' application fee directly to them which is set at £60 (you now generally pay this online in advance of your course - this has changed in last few months). Its fair to say I don't know where all this money goes but part of it goes to paying an assessor to attend the centre at the end of the day to run the assessment.

Hope this helps.

[sparerib]

Hi all - hope to clarify:
Course fee goes to Training Centre which is an individual business - they set their own price and from this will provide your course book, venue, instructor, admin including sending off applications after course (along with the myriad of other things any business in any sector faces by way of overheads including an annual fee to the RYA for recognition)
You then pay the RYA the 'license' application fee directly to them which is set at £60 (you now generally pay this online in advance of your course - this has changed in last few months). Its fair to say I don't know where all this money goes but part of it goes to paying an assessor to attend the centre at the end of the day to run the assessment.

Hope this helps.

Thanks Sarah, kinda reinforces my point re the RYA charity set up, reduced overheads versus high overheads for a business. I don't have a problem paying for a service, dislike doing the same to a Quango that has conveniently obtained charity status.... The same reason I have a massive dislike for charity shops

[Sarah]

On this occasion I might have a slightly different view, in this case they will costs to administer the scheme, they process the applications, update the syllabus, provide support and advice to instructors....not sure how much this costs but they do actively get involved
As for charity vs business I do take your point generally - I have no idea how this applies to the RYA though and what functions go through the charity or business - I haven't studied the financials - would rather go boating.... :-D As you say we may be heading off topic - time to get afloat.
Have to say this has been a fascinating discussion -who knew it would run for so long!

[sparerib]

Spoke to OFCOM today...... Apparenty it is not illegal to "monitor" on a marine VHF radio without a SRC. He said that is what the licence is for. He did say however....... the MCA may have their own view on it. Their own view???? It's OFCOM that sets the standard and ensures the law is upheld as per the WT Act 2006? So.... I/we/you/they, are legal to monitor as long as you don't transmit unless it is in an emergency.

I also asked if responding to an emergency via a transmission is legal. His reply was that if I was replying to an emergency then it would be classed as an "emergency transmission" and therefore legal. The guy, also confirmed this with his manager at the time.

[Sarah]

Love it when there is a joined up approach!! :-D Don't suppose you happened to get a name?

[The Hobbit]

Love it when there is a joined up approach!! :-D Don't suppose you happened to get a name?

I did Sarah, The guy I spoke too was called Jack. He gave me all the info and then said I'll get my manager to confirm it, which he did....... or just went to the loo whilst I was on hold lol.