Course Names: Irish Marine VHF Radio Licence; ISA Coastal Navigation for Small Boats Certificate

	Before you apply for a Ships Radio Licence (this applies to all vessels, irrespective of size) you should possess the necessary qualification. In the case of craft fitted with VHF only, the qualification is the Radio Operators Short Range Certificate Module 1. For vessels fitted with VHF DSC, (digital selective calling), the qualification required is the Radio Operators Short Range Certificate (SRC) Module 2 or full SRC.
If you use a hand held VHF the boat must have a ship station licence also. Before attempting the examination you should attend a course provided by a recognised course provider. Possession of a radio operator’s certificate will enable you to use the correct radio procedure should you be encounter difficulty whilst afloat. MORE IMPORTANTLY!! You will be capable of assisting a nearby vessel or person and possibly save a life or lives!! The ability to use maritime VHF correctly can be a great confidence booster should the unforeseen occur.
Pre-Requisites: Some watersports knowledge and experience is recommended
Equipment: Classroom based course. All notes provided.
Ratio: Minimum 8, maximum 10 clients per course
Duration: 1 evening (7.30pm-10pm) and 1 full day (9am to 4.30pm; Written Exam: 4.30-5.30pm; Oral Exam: 15mins per candidate. Expect to be fully complete by 7/8pm).
Cost: Was €280pp Now only €265 per person includes tuition, course notes, exam fees and ComReg fees
Award: Marine VHF (SRC modules 1 and 2 combined)
To book this course by phone, simply call 01-8456946, by email to info@dmgsailsports.com or by post, simply complete our booking form and return to us along with a cheque made payable to DMG Sailsports for €70pp. Postal address is DMG Sailsports, Malahide Marina, Malahide, Co. Dublin.

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	This course will provide participants with an introduction to the theory based skills required to read and understand the weather and forecasting, use charts for navigation and passage planning, understand tides and tidal information, and understand safety requirements and procedures to keep you and your crew safe while out on the water.
Pre-Requisites: Participants should have completed either: ISA National Powerboat Certificate (open powerboats); ISA Improving Skills Certificate (sailing dinghies, keelboats or catamarans); ISA Competent Crew Certificate (sailing yachts); ISA Helmsman Certificate (motor yachts)
Equipment: Course is shorebased. All paperwork, plotters, charts and course notes are provided.
Ratio: Minimum 4, maximum 8 clients per instructor
Duration: 1 full day (10am to 5pm), 1 evening (7-10pm)
Cost: Was €220 Now only €200 per person
Award: ISA Coastal Navigation for Small Boats Certificate (on successful completion)
To book this course by phone, simply call 01-8456946, by email to info@dmgsailsports.com or by post, simply complete our booking form and return to us along with a cheque made payable to DMG Sailsports for €70pp. Postal address is DMG Sailsports, Malahide Marina, Malahide, Co. Dublin.

Course Program

• Weather: Be able to identify common weather conditions and describe how they may affect your boating activities. Be able to identify sources of weather forecasts. Be able to interpret the forecast with regard to planned activities. Be able to explain the significance of commonly used terms in marine forecasts. Be able to identify the significance to powerboaters of common weather patterns illustrated on synoptic chart.
• Navigation: Have demonstrated that you can: Orientate a chart or map using topographical features, navigation marks and/or compass; Identify features, including hazards, from a chart; Identify your position on the chart; Identify distances from the chart and accurately predict expected progress; Describe the effects of compass deviation and variation; Use transits to fix position and hold a course; Plot a course to steer, taking account of the effects of wind & current. Be able to describe the principal features of, and considerations to be made, when using the following equipment to navigate by day and by night: GPS, Electronic Chart Plotter, Depth Sounder, Compass. Be able to identify: The principal day marks used in IALA-A buoyage system and describe their significance; Be able to identify these buoys at night.
• Passage Planning: Have devised passage/pilotage plans for: A coastal passage by day; A coastal passage by night; Entering into and departing from a harbour. Be able to identify where to obtain the information needed to devise a passage plan. Be able to programme a passage plan into a GPS set. Be able to accurately predict how much fuel you will need.
• Coastal Knowledge: Be able to describe the effect tides can have on your boating activities. Be able to identify relevant tidal information on charts and in almanacs. Be able to calculate tidal heights and rates of flow for any port and apply these when planning activities.
• Application of the "Rules of the Road": Be able to identify the type, aspect and behaviour of vessels by day and by night from navigation lights and day shapes. Be able to identify the correct navigation lights and day shapes to use on powerboats used. Be able to use and understand manoeuvring (sound) signals.
• Safety: Be able to describe when and how to summon assistance. Be able to describe how to manage a medical emergency afloat. Be able to describe causes, symptoms and remedies for: Hypothermia, Sea sickness, Sun stroke, Dehydration.

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