This unit covers everything you need to know about using marine VHF radios and EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons) on a vessel. You'll get hands-on with how to send and receive messages clearly and effectively, making sure you can communicate in both everyday and emergency situations according to strict regulations.
 
Being skilled in VHF radio communication and EPIRB use is crucial for safety at sea. This training is not just about following rules; it's about keeping you and everyone else safe on the water. Plus, it's a key step in meeting the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) certification requirements for operating commercial vessels under the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) Part D.
 
If you're planning to helm a boat within 12 nautical miles of the Australian coast, this unit is essential. It ensures you're up to speed with the Radiocommunications (Maritime Ship Station – 27 MHz and VHF) Class License 2001 requirements, making you a responsible and legally compliant mariner.

This unit is offered over a three-month period through a blended delivery model of face-to-face and online training and assessment. The face-to-face component is delivered as a practical workshop (1 day). Prior to commencement of the face-to-face component of the unit, online pre-learning and formative assessment activities must be completed. You will have online support from trainers and assessors throughout the duration of the unit.

You are welcome to attend more than one face-to-face workshop during the three-month program if you would like extra learning or if the trainer and assessor has identified that you need extra time in order to gain competence. Extra workshops incur no further costs and are included in your original unit fee/s.

Please note: The unit can be completed prior to the three-month period; however, this is based on a student's current level of knowledge and experience.

You will need a computer or tablet with internet access for the online components of this program. All resources required for the practical workshop will be provided by PTG. 

The Australian Waters Qualification (AWQ) is another name for the MARC059 - Transmit and receive information by marine VHF radio within Australian Territorial Waters. It is a study unit in the Maritime Training Package, which is developed by Australian Industry Standards and endorsed by the Department of Education, Skills, and Employment.

Legislative and regulatory requirements that are applicable to this unit:

• This unit is one of the requirements to obtain Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) certification as defined in the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) Part D.
• This unit applies to all boaters using marine VHF radio equipment to transmit and receive information to and from shore and vessel-based operators within Australian Territorial Waters – defined as all waters within 12 nautical miles from the coastal baseline.
• This unit is consistent with the requirements of the Radiocommunications (Maritime Ship Station – 27 MHz and VHF) Class License 2001.

For more information:
Marine radio qualifications | ACMA
Australian Waters Qualification | ACMA

For information on PTG payment plans, please contact Paradigm Training Group.