Short Range Certificate for Radio Operators
Description of the course
Target group
Who is Short Range Radio Operator?
Why the Short Range Certificate Matters
Practical Applications of the Short Range Certificate
Duration of the training course
Approval
Price
Certificate validity
This training course is specifically designed for seafarers who meet the following criteria:
- Vessel Type:
Seafarers operating on vessels less than 300 Gross Tonnage (GT). These are typically non-SOLAS vessels, meaning they are not subject to the mandatory safety standards established by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).
- Radio Duties:
Seafarers who will be in charge of or performing radio duties on the vessel. This includes any crew member responsible for managing communication equipment and ensuring compliance with maritime communication protocols.
- Navigating in GMDSS A1 Area:
Seafarers on vessels that are navigating inside GMDSS A1 areas. The A1 area typically includes coastal waters where VHF radio coverage is provided by shore-based stations, up to 20-30 nautical miles from the coast.
Course contents
The Short Range Radio Operator’s training course covers the following topics:
- GMDSS Equipment:
Vessels that are equipped with GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) equipment and operate using the related radio frequencies. This system is critical for ensuring safety and communication at sea, particularly in emergency situations.
- Regulatory Compliance:
Location
The training aligns with the CEPT/ERC/REC 31-04 2009 guidelines, which outline harmonized examination procedures for maritime radio operators. This ensures that seafarers are qualified in accordance with Articles S47 and S48 of the Radio Regulations, which govern the use of radio frequencies and techniques within the GMDSS framework.
A Short Range Operator is a person who holds a Short Range Certificate (SRC), which is an internationally recognized qualification issued to seafarers operating within the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Area A1. This area typically includes regions covered by VHF radio communications, such as coastal waters up to 20-30 nautical miles from shore, where a ship is in continuous range of a shore-based VHF radio station.
The course Short range certificate complies with all requirements of the STCW Convention, as amended, as well as covers all subject areas recommended by CEPT/ERC/REC 31-04 2009 “Harmonized examination procedures for Maritime Radio Operator’s Certificate appropriate to vessel which use the frequencies and techniques of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) on non-compulsory basis”, Articles S47 and S48 of the Radio Regulations.
The course is certified by Latvian Maritime Administration.
The course is certified by Latvian Maritime Administration.
The Short Range Certificate is essential for several reasons, particularly within maritime communication and safety operations: Routine VHF radio communications & ship to shore calls, DSC – digital selective calling, Use of the right radio channels, Distress, emergency and medical calls, Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (GMDSS), Emergency position indicating radio beacons – EPIRBS and SARTs.
Objectives of the course
The Short Range Certificate has several practical applications that are essential for maritime communication and safety:
- Routine VHF Radio Communications & Ship-to-Shore Calls
Routine Communications: The SRC allows operators to handle day-to-day radio communications between vessels and between ships and shore stations. This includes exchanging navigational information, reporting positions or entry into ports.
Ship-to-Shore Calls: The certificate enables seafarers to make ship-to-shore calls, which are often used for logistical coordination, such as arranging supplies, reporting arrival times, or checking in with port authorities.
Ship-to-Shore Calls: The certificate enables seafarers to make ship-to-shore calls, which are often used for logistical coordination, such as arranging supplies, reporting arrival times, or checking in with port authorities.
- DSC – Digital Selective Calling
DSC Operations: One of the core skills certified by the SRC is the ability to use Digital Selective Calling (DSC), a standard for sending pre-defined digital messages via VHF, MF, and HF radio. This system automates and streamlines the communication process, making it easier and faster to send distress alerts and routine calls.
- Use of the Right Radio Channels
Channel Selection: The SRC ensures that operators know which VHF radio channels to use for specific purposes. For instance, Channel 16 is designated for distress, safety, and calling, while other channels are reserved for ship-to-ship or ship-to-shore communications.
- Distress, Emergency, and Medical Calls
Distress Calls: In life-threatening situations, the SRC enables operators to manage distress calls effectively. This includes the use of mayday procedures, broadcasting the vessel’s position, and providing essential information to rescue services.
- Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (GMDSS)
Understanding GMDSS: The SRC provides operators with the knowledge and skills to operate within the GMDSS framework. This system is designed to automate and improve emergency communications in maritime situations, ensuring that all distress calls are quickly and efficiently handled.
The course is designed to equip participants with the skills necessary to operate GMDSS equipment effectively, manage radio communications during distress situations, and prevent accidental alarms. By the end of the course, participants will be capable of ensuring the safety and security of their vessel through proper communication protocols and emergency response procedures.
- Principles and basic peculiarities of Maritime Radio communications which are not covered by SOLAS Convention;
- VHF radio installations;
- Purpose & Use of DSC Facilities;
- SAR operations;
- GMDSS Distress, Urgency and Safety radio communication procedures;
- Distress Frequencies Protection;
- MSI;
- GMDSS alarms and signals;
- Communication in English for the safety of life at sea;
- Requirements, mandatory procedures and training;
- Radiotelephony procedures.
The duration of the Short Range Radio Operator’s training course is 2 working days.
Riga, Latvia
The price is 210 EUR.
Certificate is valid Unlimited.
Check the course days on our calendar
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