Try this RYA link for a synopsis of Shorebased Courses Shorebased
All Courses below are provided by Northumbria Sailing, as recognised by the Royal Yachting Association, with a modern classroom providing comfortable surroundings. Also available are online Courses. RYA Student Packs will be provided, at the appropriate cost, as well as basic refreshments. Maximum Student: Instructor ratios are shown.
Restricted (VHF only) Radio Operator’s Certificate
You are required to have an Owner’s licence if you have a marine radio, either fixed or hand held. In addition onboard there needs to be someone with an Operator’s certificate enabling the holder to use the set unsupervised. This Operator’s certificate is also required for an EPIRB and SART. The RYA Course, delivered on behalf of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, will help you gain this qualification.
During the Course you will be instructed in the basics of radio operation, frequencies, distress, Digital Selective Calling and other emergency equipment. A RYA online option is also available.
Ofcom; ‘Licensing ensures that radio equipment used onboard ships does not cause undue interference to other communications and is operated by competent persons’
Breach is a criminal offence, maximum fine £5,000 and/or 6 months plus equipment confiscation (even more on trial!).
Northumbria Sailing instructs on a one person per VHF set basis, giving you a proper chance to play and learn. This is a 7 hour Course, preceded by 3 hours at home preparation, followed by a short written and practical test. Maximum Student: Instructor ratio; 8:1. RYA VHF Radio
This Course take place over two evenings or a full day. Cost £125 per person, to include the 98 page RYA manual, but excluding the £70 payable to the RYA who issue the licence. Full Day and Evening dates by arrangement, if the diary permits (could be at your home or Club). One to One also available at £195. Next availability; May 2nd, June 6th & September 19th.
Online VHF Course with radio simulator This Course can also be done at home. Upon completion of the online course you will obtain a certificate but will still need to pass the Practical and Theory test if you require the SRC. You may already have your lifetime certificate but would like to revise and update your knowledge for your own safety. Now you can do this without having to go through a real time test. Cost £95 to include RYA Manual.
The RYA require you to book your practical examination at the time of enrolling on a Course. Beware of anyone offering this Course without this. RYA Practical VHF
RYA Radar
The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea requires that proper use be made of radar, if onboard. Thus if a skipper breaks the Rules he could be prosecuted under The Merchant Shipping (Distress Signals and Prevention of Collisions) Regulations 1996. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch criticised both skippers’ use of radar following a collision; Collision between Gas Monarch and Whispa
The message is clear – if you have radar you must be able to use it properly. Candidates for RYA Yachtmaster examinations are expected to be conversant with radar.
This is a single day Course, 0930 to 1700, aimed at increasing your knowledge of radar as an aid to navigation but with particular emphasis on collision avoidance. Candidates will have an opportunity to use a simulator. The relative merits of Radar and AIS will also be discussed. Maximum Student: Instructor ratio; 8:1. RYA Radar Day Course
Cost £130 which includes the RYA booklet, but excludes the RYA Pack, currently £11. ‘Thank you very much for yesterday’s course’ – Stephen
RYA First Aid
Are you able to attend to a medical emergency whilst at sea? Even GP’s attend this Course to be trained in such situations and defibrillator use is covered too. Find out during this one day Course the latest recommendations on what to do at sea from an experienced sailor with over 50 years in nursing to include A & E. Cost £95 plus £8.50 Pack. The RYA certificate lasts three years and is required for Yachtmasters and Instructors, but is available to all others. Minimum length of Course is 8 hours and maximum Student: Instructor ratio; 5:1. To check which certificates are acceptable to the RYA e.g. for examinations. First Aid Certificates
There is an optional endorsement for drugs (not as bad as it sounds) costing an extra £20. RYA First Aid Day Course
PERSONAL SURVIVAL. This Course is a must for all fit and healthy seafarers over the age of 16. The RYA Basic Sea Survival Course is unavailable in the North East, but this is the STCW equivalent and an accepted substitute by the RYA. The Course is delivered by the former South Shields Maritime College in their Pool on the banks of the River Tyne to educate in the ability to survive at sea after vessel abandonment. Cost £235. Wet in the Pool
RYA Diesel Engine Day Course. An introductory one day course to for those unfamiliar with diesel engines. RYA Examiners have requested greater knowledge from candidates. You will be shown the theory in the morning session and, in the afternoon, have an opportunity to carry out simple maintenance tasks on a Volvo Penta 2003 engine, formerly installed on a yacht. Those requiring an advanced course are invited to seek out the MCA 5 Day Course. Cost £130 plus £11 for the RYA Pack. Maximum Student: Engine ratio; 6:1. ‘I just wanted to say thank you, to you and Steve, for the Course yesterday. I enjoyed it and learnt much. I will now be buying a small pot of yellow paint. That was the top tip’ – Paul . RYA Diesel Engine Course