SSB Radio Course - The Long Range Certificate, the radio operator's certificate for the blue-water cruiser
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ICOM M710

This course is designed for seafarers who sail out of range of VHF coastal stations (approx 50nm) and require the security of effective world-wide communications. (valid for vessels up to 300 grt)
The Long Range Certificate is a GMDSS qualification which will qualify the operator for use of both MF/HF (SSB) and VHF equipment. There are no nationality requirements.The qualification is internationally recognised.


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Who Needs the LRC?

Blue-water yachtsmen fitting long range communications.
  • Commercial Vessels less than 300 G.R.T. who operate outside of Sea Area A1.
  • MCA Code of Practice Category 0 and 1 vessels. (Vessels must have qualified radio operator)
  • Commercial Yachtmasters (Limited) - LRC is an acceptable qualification




    The basic LRC Course covers the practical operation and procedures of:
    • MF/HF Single Sideband Radio (SSB)
    • VHF Radio communications
    • VHF/MF/HF Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
    • NAVTEX
    • EPIRBs (radio beacons) & SARTS
    • WEATHER FAX and other sources of Radio weather information *
    • SATELLITE Systems - The facilities/cost of the major satellite providers. *
    • HF Email.- A review of the equipment requirements and system providers *
    * Indicates non-examinable topics discussed on the fourth day.

    The LRC examination is in four parts:

    • Radio Regulations - Multi-choice paper
    • SOLAS (Distress Urgency etc) - Written answers
    • Communications Exercise - Practice of distress procedures
    • Practical Equipment Operation. Demonstrating use of the equipment

    About our Long Range Course

    3 or 4 Day course ?

    To get the best out of the course you need 4 days. However, the course is structured to complete the examination requirements and examination in 3 Days.
    The 4th day covers subjects not included in the syllabus but of general interest to the cruising yachtsmen i.e an appreciation of the facilities offered by the major satellite systems. An overiew of the ICOM 800 Series of transceivers. The use of HF Email, and getting weather fax and data through the SSB.
    Should time be at a premium it is possible to complete the course after the examination on Monday, with the option of attending the satellite and weather fax component on a later course.


    Venue:
    • Southampton -River Hamble - Universal Marina .

    Cost:
    • 4 Day Long Range Course (Sat/Sun/Mon/Tues) £325
    • Exam Fee: £95

    2009 Dates:

    VENU Jan 17-20 Feb 14-17 Mar 2-5th
    14-17
    Apr 18-21 May 16-19 Jun 20-23
    Southampton Jul 18-21 Aug 15-18 Sep 19-22 Oct 17-20 Nov 21-24 Dec 12-15

    2010 Dates:

    VENU Jan 16-19Feb 20-23Mar 20-23Apr 19-22 May 17-20Jun 21-24
    SouthamptonJul 19-22 Aug 16-19Sep 18-21 Oct 23-26Nov 20-23Dec 11-14


    To Book a Course:
    downloadpage
    Click button to check on-line Course Availability and Booking

    or
    Check On-Line the Course avilability, download Booking Form
    Complete and return with course fee to the office address (Hayling).


    Course Requirements:
    • 2 Passport photographs
    • Fluency in the phonetic alphabet
    • VHF Certificate desirable


    Recommended Reading

    'GMDSS - A User's Handbook' by Denise Brehaut
    Publishers Adlard Coles Nautical IBSN Code 0-7136-7856-9
    This publication will supplement the course notes and will be a very valuable reference during, and after the course.


    Home Page - RADAR - SRC - GMDSS ROC - Marine Frequencies & Nets - Licencing Info
    RT Training, John Finch,
    Office : 286 Sea Front, Hayling Island, Hants PO11 0AZ United Kingdom
    Phone/Fax: ++ 44 (0)2392 462122
    E Mail: info@marineradio.co.uk ...... Please use a Subject Heading "COURSES"