Hi all,
I need some advice regarding radio operator licences. I am hoping one day do some coastal crusing in the NT/northern WA - do many private vessels carry/use HF? The kind of boats I have been looking at (and hope one day to own) all seem only to have VHF. I'm not sure whether to undertake a course for MF/HF operator's licence or just a VHF operator's course. I don't ever intend to get into commercial operations.
Any help greatly appreaciated,
jim
Jim, the way I read it, most people that are into coastal cruising generally find they have none or very little need for a HF set and seem to do very well with just a VHF. A HF set comes into its own if you venture further offshore and distance of reception becomes an issue plus also by utilising a modem connected to your HF and computer you have email facilities nearly anywhere.
Having had a look at www.marineradiolicence.com.au/ I get the feeling that to have to have two licenses is a cynical ploy to extract more money out sailors. Surely if you can show proficiency in one radio you must have the same proficiency in another, after all it's only the frequency that has changed.
I had HF set fitted and in 2 years, never heard anything else than weather forecast.
Now I have all band radio tuned, if I feel to listen forecast.
What I find very nice toy is GPS plotter with AIS receiver connected.
You don't need to do both, the MROCP covers both VHF and HF. However HF will only be useful for long range cruising. After many years using HF in the Navy, I would rather use my Iridium SATPHONE. More reliable communications.
My bad, Morningbad, you are correct the MROCP course cover you for both types of radio. I had just needed to read further down the page and I would have seen it too
No worries LooseChange. I have recently started with Marine Rescue Sydney as a radio operator and have learned a lot already, this being one of them.
I also learned, despite what I had been told through the media and magazines like Cruising Helmsman, that HF 2182KHz is monitored by Marine Rescue Sydney and they listen out 24/7.
As Ramona will remember from our Navy days, HF is notoriously unreliable at communicating with who you want to. Atmospherics, side lobes, technical problems etc often disrupt communications. It is expensive to install and repair.
My SAT PHONE has worked fine every time I have used it on the boat. Expensive in operating costs for data but a SATPHONE can also download. Quite cheap now for phone calls.
If you have a working HF, great, it has its uses. If you don't, my advice is don't bother.
I just used http://www.amc.edu.au/revision-questions-mrocp to get both if ever as its just a couple more questions, or you could www.amc.edu.au/revision-questions-mrovcp and then contact a Examiner it only cost me $55 or something But I have never used and proberly will never use a HF due to the cost to keep it legal on the boat that was about $100 so I ripped it out and sold it on ebay.
Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply. It's great that experienced sailors make the effort to help out new chums like me. Much appreciated.
We have HF on our yacht, and have just recently starting using it - Need it for Cat 1 & 2 racing. It is indeed witchcraft - Sometimes fantastic, other times unreliable, but we still have lots to learn.
On the licence front, get the full HF/VHF licence. 3/4 of the course is common to both, so do the extra bit & be covered for both.
Note that most of the radio course is beaurocratic rubbish, rules & regs; I believe ACMA is considering finally moving away from this approach & making the licence more accessible & practical orientated.
Poods 
