VHF DSC Radio Software Overview

The standard method of communicating between vessels, and between ship and shore, over distances up to about 40 miles is by marine VHF radio. The actual distance over which communication is possible is limited to line of sight which in turn is primarily determined by the height of each party's aerial. Shore stations and tall vessels can have much greater range than a pair of small launches for example.

It is a legal requirement for any VHF marine radio to be operated under the control of a person holding the appropriate operator's licence. Older style VHF radios can be operated by holders of the VHF Restricted Operators licence, but newer sets which offer Digital Selective Calling require the holding of a Short Range Certificate.

You can obtain the SRC in either of two ways: Attend a tutored course during which the instructor will assess your competence, or study all the necessary material yourself and then apply to be examined at a participating radio school.

LightMaster Software produce two different software products to assist in the preparation for the GMDSS Short Range Course or Exam and can also supply suitable books.

The VHF DSC Radio Simulator presents two models of radio using DSC, complete with fully functional controls. The user can send or receive every type of DSC alert, such as Routine, Safety, Urgency and Distress. A remote monitor panel allows the user to see the content of each alert sent out, and how the GPS position and time can be incorporated into a distress alert. Since it is not possible to practice the most vital procedures on a real radio, the DSC Simulator is the ideal method to ensure you are ready for the unexpected situation.

The VHF DSC Simulator is used extensively throughout the UK and abroad as the standard method of teaching, or learning, VHF Radio operation, in accordance with the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.

The VHF DSC Tutorial is designed to supplement Simulator practice by providing step-by-step interactive teaching of the principles and practice of marine radio operation. Ideally every student enrolling on a VHF DSC Radio course should work through the Tutorial in advance of the course. Then instructors can concentrate on teaching effective communication, without the distraction of teaching the associated button-pressing. Anyone who decides to bypass the course, and take a VHF exam directly, will find both programs invaluable.

If you plan to attend a VHF course, the Tutorial is ideal preparation to give you a head-start on this very intensive day's training, or is a near-essential for those who plan to enter themselves for a VHF exam.

VHF DSC TutorPlus

The Tutor and the Simulator are each very effective aids to learning effective use of your VHF radio equipment. Together they provide an even better training experience, with step-by-step guidance of the Tutor and unlimited practice with the Simulator, so LightMaster make the two programs available on a single CD, offering a substantial saving over the individual prices.

With the benefits of both products at a bargain price, the combined CD is called the VHF DSC TutorPlus and is the most popular of our VHF radio CDs. Now includes both Mk2 and Mk3 Simulators at the same low price.