Reeds VHF Manual: Book Review

The Reeds VHF manual for people who need to pass the certificate at close range in order to use their VHF, whether fixed or portable, legally – or to supervise other people while they are doing it.

A lot of people have already taken this short exam and have the certificate stowed away with their ship’s papers – but has it all sunk?

Easy enough to remember everyday use, call a marina for a berth or watch channel 16, not necessarily second nature to remember crisis procedures or be aware of more mundane uses of the MMSI system.

Andy du Port is keen to promote the ways in which DSC calls can be used to relieve some of the pressure on the Channel 16 system, which not everyone will have considered.

The text begins with an explanation of the role played by VHF in the overall GMDSS system and how the proliferation of AIS has affected our awareness of others at sea.

I recently bought a new portable VHF with GPS and AIS and regret to say that I had to look for a friend more technically competent to deactivate the collision alarm, in order to make the set suitable for use. ordinary.

Andy du Port’s book does not offer this kind of advice (I should have gone through the manual), rather it provides a more general overview of the role AIS plays in collision prevention.

It does not replace radar and is not included in Colregs.

What his book offers is a setting in which one can become confident enough to use DCS to establish contact with a possibly unconscious ship and avoid a close-quarters situation – as well as a hands-on refresher course for that exam.

The layout is engaging and the message is straightforward, read this book, understand and memorize its information, try a practice exam and then do the real thing if you need the certificate, or take to the seas with renewed confidence that you are okay with it. up to date.

Buy the Reeds VHF manual on Amazon (UK)

Buy Reeds VHF Manual on Amazon (US)

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