All operators of marine radios in Australia are required by law to hold a certificate of proficiency.

For commercial RYA Yachtmasters, AMSA Masters, and Coxswains, a marine radio operator's qualification is a pre-requisite for certification.  

Recreational sailors and powerboat operators are also strongly recommended to hold a marine radio operator's certificate. 

The marine radio provides an essential link to global safety services and other seafarers. It may one day save your life!

Course content

• Radio wave propagation
• Use of the radio in distress or urgency situations
• Global search and rescue systems – GMDSS
• Digital Selective Calling (DSC) for VHF and HF radios
• Radio protocol during search and rescue
• Satellite communications from your boat
• Battery maintenance and vessel electrics
• How emergency position indicating beacons work 

Our Instructors 

Our Marine Radio Operators' course is presented by an experienced ACMA-qualified instructor/invigilator in our comfortable waterside classroom.  

Private course or exam?

If you can get your own group together, you pay for 5 places and can bring up to 8. Contact us using the private course enquiry button above.

Study at home 

If you prefer to study the course syllabus in your own time, we can arrange an invigilated examination for you at Flying Fish for $295 inclusive of exam fees. 

Training, exam fee, and certification.

Qualifications 

• ACMA Marine Radio Operator Certificate (HF / VHF)
• The course meets World Sailing SR 3.25 for racing yachts and is approved by the CYCA 

• No previous experience is necessary.
• When you book we will send you some pre-course reading. 
• it is very helpful to learn the Phonetic Alphabet beforehand.

• Go on to train for satellite or GMDSS endorsements.
• Check out our other essential marine safety courses 

• Billy Sykes - North Sails Australia 
• Marine Radio Operator and Marine First Aid
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• “Thank you Flying Fish, great courses and very professionally run 
• Li Peihong - China
• Yachtmaster Offshore Fast Track
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• “ Flying Fish is the best choice to learn and enjoy sailing. Authentic British style management, a friendly coaching team, a loving student atmosphere, a tailored teaching program, and a glimpse of the southern hemisphere's deep blue charm. ”
• Lyndsay Barnes - UK
• Yachtmaster Offshore Fast Track
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• “ Joining the Flying Fish Yachtmaster programme was one of the best decisions I ever made, My new office is floating on Sydney Harbour. If you’re considering doing the course, sign up now and don’t give it a second thought. But be warned, it could change your life ”