Short course300 h · Online · 5 modules

Basic VHF Marine Radio Communications Course

This course gives you the essential skills to communicate clearly and safely by VHF radio at sea. You will learn how the VHF set works, from fixed and handheld units to the antenna, controls, MMSI number and digital selective calling, how to structure a radiotelephone call using the phonetic alphabet and standard phrases, how to talk to ports, marinas, VTS and other vessels, and how to make distress, urgency and safety calls, finishing with a complete simulation of VHF communications.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules5
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About the program

What is the Basic VHF Marine Radio Communications Course?

This short course is designed for recreational and professional sailors preparing for or refreshing their short-range radio operator knowledge, crews of commercial and fishing vessels, port and marina staff who coordinate operations by radio, water sports enthusiasts such as kayakers, sailors and windsurfers who want to respond better in an emergency, and members of sea rescue organizations. You will study the role of radio in maritime safety, VHF frequency bands and channels, radio discipline and the ITU Radio Regulations, the VHF equipment and its set-up, call procedures and standard phraseology, the GMDSS distress, urgency and safety procedures, and maritime safety information.

What sets this course apart: it focuses on everyday VHF use on small and medium-sized vessels rather than on long-range GMDSS equipment, so you learn exactly what you need on the radio, from a routine call to a marina to a full Mayday; it covers both the voice procedures and the practical side of the set, including installation, MMSI configuration, DSC and periodic checks; and it ends with a complete simulation of VHF communications that brings routine, safety and emergency traffic together.

Program typeShort course
ModeOnline
Duration300 hours
Modules5
Start1 December

Program highlights

  • VHF fundamentals: the role of radio in safety, frequency bands, channels, radio discipline and call priorities.
  • Know your set: fixed and handheld radios, antenna installation, main controls and routine checks.
  • MMSI and DSC: configuring the number and using digital selective calling, including distress alerts and cancellations.
  • Speaking clearly: call structure, the phonetic alphabet and Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP).
  • Distress, urgency and safety: Mayday, Pan-Pan and Securite messages and coordination with rescue centers.
  • Safety information: VHF weather bulletins, navigational warnings, NAVTEX, EPIRBs and SARTs.
Syllabus

Syllabus of the Basic VHF Marine Radio Communications Course

5 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Foundations of maritime communications

  • 1.1. The role of radio in maritime safety
  • 1.2. VHF frequency bands and channels
  • 1.3. Licenses, certificates and the radio operator
  • 1.4. Radio discipline and priority of communications
  • 1.5. The ITU Radio Regulations
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

The VHF equipment

  • 2.1. Fixed and handheld sets
  • 2.2. Installing the set and the antenna
  • 2.3. Main controls and functions
  • 2.4. The MMSI number and digital selective calling set-up
  • 2.5. Maintenance and periodic checks
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

Communication procedures

  • 3.1. Structure of a radiotelephone call
  • 3.2. The phonetic alphabet and Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP)
  • 3.3. Communicating with ports, marinas and vessel traffic services (VTS)
  • 3.4. Ship-to-ship communications
  • 3.5. Keeping a radio log
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Distress, urgency and safety (GMDSS)

  • 4.1. Distress, urgency and safety calls: Mayday, Pan-Pan and Securite
  • 4.2. Content of the distress message
  • 4.3. Digital selective calling distress alerts and how to cancel them
  • 4.4. Coordination with maritime rescue centers
  • 4.5. EPIRB beacons and SART transponders
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Maritime safety information and final practice

  • 5.1. VHF weather bulletins
  • 5.2. Notices to mariners and radio navigational warnings
  • 5.3. The NAVTEX system
  • 5.4. Common errors in radio communications
  • 5.5. Final project: complete simulation of VHF communications
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Basic VHF Marine Radio Communications Course

It is 300 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.

4 h30 h
With 12 h per week
6
months to finish
25 weeks
weeks in total

This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.

Faculty

Academic leadership and faculty

The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.

Dra. Marina AlcoverDr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesEng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerDr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dra. Nuria LlobregatDr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsEng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaEng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraEng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration Coordinator
Objectives

Objectives of the Basic VHF Marine Radio Communications Course

01Use VHF equipment correctly to send and receive information essential to maritime safety, following the proper calling and listening procedures for distress, urgency, safety and routine traffic.
02Apply the right calling and listening procedures in different situations, using the international phonetic alphabet and IMO standard vocabulary to keep messages clear and avoid misunderstandings.
03Interpret and act on weather information and navigational warnings broadcast by VHF, picking out wind, visibility and hazards and adapting the passage plan to the type of vessel.
04Handle emergencies by transmitting accurate distress alerts and following established protocols, notifying the competent authorities and coordinating the initial response.
05Know and comply with the rules on VHF use at sea, operating in line with the Radio Regulations and GMDSS procedures, including correct channel use and distress, safety and routine calls.
06Communicate effectively with other vessels and shore stations to coordinate maneuvers and avoid collisions, using the available means and standard maritime phraseology.
Careers

Career opportunities after the Basic VHF Marine Radio Communications Course

01Radio operator on recreational and working vessels, handling routine, safety and distress communications, together with the operator certificate required by the competent authority
02Shore staff at ports and marinas, coordinating berthing, operations and emergencies by radio
03Crew member on recreational boats responsible for basic communications for safety and navigation
04Sea rescue staff or volunteer, supporting emergency communications and the coordination of rescues
05Support staff at maritime service companies in communications and operations
06Fisher with sound command of safety and distress communications during fishing activity
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Basic VHF Marine Radio Communications Course

Channel 16. It is the international channel for distress, urgency and safety calls and for initial calling, after which routine traffic moves to a working channel. Digital selective calling uses channel 70.

Mayday signals grave and imminent danger to a vessel or person requiring immediate help; Pan-Pan signals an urgent situation that is not yet life-threatening; Securite introduces a safety message, such as a navigational or weather warning.

No. Navalis teaches the subject; the radio operator certificate, where required, is issued by the competent authority in each country after its own exam or requirements are met. The course prepares you with the knowledge those certificates cover.

The Maritime Mobile Service Identity is a nine-digit number that identifies your vessel or station. It must be programmed into a DSC radio so that distress alerts and selective calls carry your identity and position.

No. The course starts with the basics of how marine radio works and builds up to emergency procedures and a full simulation of VHF traffic.

Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7, with concise video lessons, communication exercises, complementary materials and tutorials with the teaching staff.

The course comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of 60 hours each. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enroll.

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Online admission

Admission process

No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.

Entry requirements
  • Profile: aimed at recreational and professional sailors, crews, port and marina staff, water sports enthusiasts and members of rescue organizations; no specific prior training is required, although basic knowledge of radio and nautical terminology helps.
  • Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
  • Technical resources: a computer, tablet or smartphone with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and audio for the communication exercises.
  • Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
  1. 01
    Application
    Your details, background and documents.
  2. 02
    Instant review
    We check that everything is complete and in order.
  3. 03
    Enrollment
    Choose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Start my applicationFrom $196 deposit

Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.

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