VHF Marine Radio Operator Course
Description of the course
Target group
What is a VHF Marine Radio and Why is it Important?
A VHF marine radio is a key communication tool used on boats for short-range contact. It allows vessels to talk to each other, marinas, and emergency services like the coast guard.
It's especially important in emergencies — Channel 16 is monitored 24/7 for distress calls.
VHF radios are also used for:
- Weather and navigation updates;
- Docking coordination;
- Routine ship-to-ship communication.
Every boater should know how to use a VHF marine radio — it’s essential for safety at sea and is often required to obtain a marine VHF radio licence, depending on your country.
You can take this course in person at Novikontas in Riga or online from anywhere, making it easy to fit into your schedule and work towards your marine VHF licence.
Type of Person
Do you need this course?
Why it helps
Recreational boater
For safe navigation & emergencies
Yacht crew
Often required by employers or marinas
Beginner with no sea experience
No diploma or experience required
Teen (16+) interested in boating
Can legally join and start learning
Professional sailor with Short range certificate
They likely already have the licence
This marine VHF course is for recreational boaters, yacht crew, and anyone who needs basic communication skills at sea.
It's ideal for beginners — they do not need prior radio experience, a maritime diploma, or sea service.
You can join the course from the age of 16, making it one of the most accessible options at Novikontas.
In some countries, authorities require yacht owners to have a valid certificate for using VHF radio equipment. You can use the Novikontas certificate in certain cases — contact us if you’re unsure about the rules in your country.
It's ideal for beginners — they do not need prior radio experience, a maritime diploma, or sea service.
You can join the course from the age of 16, making it one of the most accessible options at Novikontas.
In some countries, authorities require yacht owners to have a valid certificate for using VHF radio equipment. You can use the Novikontas certificate in certain cases — contact us if you’re unsure about the rules in your country.
Course Aim
Course contents
Entry requirements
To provide participants with:
- The ability to operate marine VHF radio equipment efficiently and safely;
- Knowledge of distress, urgency, and safety communication procedures;
- Familiarity with standard operating procedures and radio communication etiquette;
- Hands-on practice with Digital Selective Calling (DSC);
- Practical exercises on a radio simulator (Wartsila GMDSS simulator ).
- Basics of marine VHF radio communication;
- How to operate VHF radio equipment;
- Distress, urgency, and safety communication procedures;
- Standard operating procedures and correct radio etiquette;
- Use of Digital Selective Calling (DSC);
- Practical radio exercises and simulations on the Wartsila GMDSS simulator.
- Minimum age: 16 years;
- Basic knowledge of English;
- No previous radio operator experience required.
Price
Location
VHF Radio Certification
Upon successful completion of the course and assessment, participants will receive a Novikontas VHF Radio Operator Certificate.
Equipment
Practical exercises are conducted on a professional radio simulator (Wartsila GMDSS simulator ).
Course limitations:
Maximum 11 participants per group.
1 day / 6 hours.
Duration of the training course
- Novikontas Training Center - Riga, Latvia.
- Available Online Training.
The price is 210 EUR per person.
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