Royal Yachting Association (GMDSS and RYA First Aid courses)

GMDSS

World shipping updated its radio equipment and radio procedures to a new system called Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) in 1999. GMDSS is automated and does not involve Morse code or the need to listen continually on calling channels. It is requires by law that users of radio equipment hold this license to do even the most basic things such as contact the coastguard.

Here at Aquatech we run the course and exam required to attain this license. We have a certain number of set courses (please see attached skill development brochure) and we can also arrange dates for groups of six or more. Discounts are also available for larger groups.

This course replaced the "Restricted Certificate of Competence in Radio Telephony VHF Only" so if you have done this course we are also offering the GMDSS in the form of an update.

The cost is £65.00 for the full course which includes your manuals too, we arrange updates on the same days that we run the standard full course but with a condensed course syllabus. Also, there is a £25.00 RYA licence fee which will be payable on the day, and you will need to bring one passport sized photograph.

Please contact us if you are interested, courses are arranged at mutually agreeable times.

First Aid

We also run the RYA First Aid Course, at a cost of £75.00. Please note that First Aid Certificates are valid for three years from date of issue.

This one day of training covers emergency resuscitation and basic First Aid with an emphasis on watersports. It is the minimum First Aid qualification required by RYA Instructors and Yachtmasters. We recommend that every sailor and boat handler attend this days training.

The RYA First Aid Course is unique in First Aid terms, as it is aimed at watersports enthusiasts and takes a realistic look at the levels of First Aid that can be performed in a yacht, powerboat or dinghy.

Our instructors fully appreciate the difference between conventional First Aid and RYA First Aid. The certificate lasts for three years. This course is also run over two evenings. We generally run at least one of these courses a month.

If you are interested in any of the above courses, please fill in the attached course enrolement form and return to the address above with a cheque for £75.00 payable to "Aquatech Diving Centre". If any of the dates are not suitable, please call us for alternatives and where possible we will cater for group bookings.

Current course dates can be found here

We run these courses all through the year please contact us for your preference of dates if none that suit you are available