| B175Chris |
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| 05/05/2008 15:42 |
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VHF and the South of France
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I've searched around for the answer to this before answering, but haven't found anything, so I'll ask
I have a VHF of some kind in France, bought it at the Brum boat show, an iCom I think... cost about £100 two years ago - I know that to use it in the UK I need a licence and a course which will cost me 90 squids. When on the boat I feel a little exposed should i have a problem and the phone doesn't work, so i'd like to be able to use it, even if just in case of an emergency.
I haven't got £90 to spare - do I need a licence for my VHF to use it in the South of France? I'm prepared to do all the necessary research on how to correctly use it (I'm a very safe person when it comes to boating) but I haven't got the money to get a licence, so hopefully there's no requirement.
All advice appreciated as always
Chris
| seamaster_lanzarote |
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| 05/05/2008 16:17 |
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Re: VHF and the South of France
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Hi
What is the cost of being safe for (I quote) 'a very safe person when it comes to boating'??
Please dont take this the wrong way but if the cost of learning to use the radio in order to get a radio licence is such a large expense for you I think should do your homework on other possible expenses you could encounter when taking to the water in general before going to sea in foreign waters.
I say again 'I seek to cause no offence'!!
| B175Chris |
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| 05/05/2008 16:31 |
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Re: VHF and the South of France
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I understand what you're getting at, don't get me wrong - I feel I can work out how to effectively and safely use the VHF for emergencies without going on a course, by using the multitude of internet sites that are available - I know there's a lot of costs etc, I've been doing the boating for a few years now, they came as quite a shock
but £90 seems too much to me for one procedure I may never have to use.... thankfully we've got most of the fixed costs out of the way and have enough aside for fuel and engine repairs etc with insurance for any damage that may happen one day, but it really seems a waste to me if I'm in a country that doesn't require a licence...
| PhotoDog |
| (regular) |
| 05/05/2008 17:00 |
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Re: VHF and the South of France
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Come on Chris, you need a VHF licence.... its not just "one procedure" and it gives you a neat little licence with your picture in it as well....
It a one day course and no sweat, you can register your VHF for free from Offcom, (Register it to your boat) but you need a licence yourself to be able to use the VHF.
Your boat is I assumed a UK flagged boat, ergo you have to follow the law in realation to the Flag of the boat, the UK, ergo you need a licence to use the VHF..... if the boat was French flagged then different law may apply.
But really, if your in the least bit keen on the boaty thing then get someone to pay for the course as a pressie or soemthing, but its money well spent.
Tight arse!
| B175Chris |
| (regular) |
| 05/05/2008 17:11 |
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Re: VHF and the South of France
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Well to be honest at the moment I have nothing - no VHF, just a phone, and I've been fine *touch wood* If I learn the VHF emergency procedures and end up using them one day in an emergency I don't want to be fined or something in France, which is why i was hoping someone could direct me towards a website or info ...
I've no compulsion to get a licence - I don't go out far, I stay in very sheltered waters and there's always lots of boats around. Hopefully I'll never need to use one anyway
Yep, I'm a tight arse, but it's 2-3 weeks worth of my wages to pay for it - I'll get one when I get that Sunseeker 108 I've been dreaming of and cruise round a bit
, but at the minute unfortunately, circumstances dictate that this will be my last year with the boat as we're selling her at some point this year, and as it looks at the moment it'll be at least 4 years, maybe more, until I have a boat again, so it's not really worth it 
| PhotoDog |
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| 05/05/2008 17:14 |
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Re: VHF and the South of France
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When are you starting at Nottingham?
If your out of boating for the next 4 years you can come and crew for me.... anytime.
| Oneaway |
| (regular) |
| 05/05/2008 17:18 |
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Re: VHF and the South of France
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But I bet good money Chris has got an xbox 360 and the games to go with it, latest mobile phone, Nike trainers,loads of other very important crap,
as you say, tight arse won't pay £90 to do the course.
The radio could save your life, the other stuff won't
| B175Chris |
| (regular) |
| 05/05/2008 17:21 |
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Re: VHF and the South of France
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All being well, and my results being what I hope them to *fingers crossed* then I think the term starts near the end of September - if they don't go as planned I'll be starting at Coventry university and starting a European Business course, which will put me in Denmark for my first year and Belgium for the second, and Coventry for the third, so that'll stuff the boating for a while
I might give sailing a go one day, maybe while i'm at uni, so thanks for the offer, I'll let you know how things go in August, results-time
| Oneaway |
| (regular) |
| 05/05/2008 17:22 |
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Re: VHF and the South of France
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you'll have to take more than a pb advanced if you want to helm a ss 108 (over 24mtrs) Masters ticket required that'll cost more than 90 beer tokens
| PhotoDog |
| (regular) |
| 05/05/2008 17:24 |
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Re: VHF and the South of France
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When you get to Nottingham,,, join these guys...
Nottingham uni sailing club
They probably (Or maybe) do a VHF course, it not, suggest one......
Either way, good way to keep on the water... dont forget its those extra-curricular activites that can make a difference job wise afterwards... and sailing is big time up there...
I have a sneaking suspicion that you would take to it like the proverbial duck.
| B175Chris |
| (regular) |
| 05/05/2008 17:25 |
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Re: VHF and the South of France
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Nah dont do games consoles, I waste.. um... spend enough of my time on here, it's still more productive though I suppose, learn a few things here
As I say the main reason for not getting one is because I won't have a boat for a good few years unless I discover how to turn copper into pure gold - if I'd have been more clued up a couple of years ago I would have had one but for my last few weeks on her this summer, I'll be going round Port G, I'll be signed up to Seasafe24 or whatever it's called, always have a few mobile phones to hand on board that all have good signal, and the number of the St tropez Lifeboat station - should be fine
| B175Chris |
| (regular) |
| 05/05/2008 17:29 |
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Re: VHF and the South of France
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Nice link PD, cheers - hadn't realised it was so popular up there - there's a lake next to the business school but I feel that's probably more for decorative purposes
Maybe I could start the Nottingham Uni Powerboat branch! A few 18 footers tear-arsing it around a lake smaller than the local swimming pool, could be a right laugh! 
| PhotoDog |
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| 05/05/2008 17:32 |
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Re: VHF and the South of France
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Oh, Im sure that would go down well!!
NOT.
| B175Chris |
| (regular) |
| 05/05/2008 17:33 |
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Re: VHF and the South of France
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They always say that about us pioneers
| houghn |
| (regular) |
| 05/05/2008 17:56 |
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Re: VHF and the South of France
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You don't need a VHF licence to use a VHF in an emergency, and to be honest, if its an emergency do you care if you need one or not?
| B175Chris |
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| 05/05/2008 18:00 |
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Re: VHF and the South of France
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I'd probably use it anyway, but with it being France I'm interested to know if there could be any repercussions - it's one thing reasoning in English but in a different country I'm sure it'd be harder - Really I was just interested to know if it was illegal to use one without a licence in France, as I couldn't find a website...
| houghn |
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| 05/05/2008 18:08 |
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Re: VHF and the South of France
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The lack of fluent French is a big advantage in such situations, by the tenth "je ne comprehend pas", they'll give up. Anyway, as I say, the regs state that the person using the VHF must be a licence holder, or under the direct supervision of a licence holder, except in an emergency.
| B175Chris |
| (regular) |
| 05/05/2008 18:12 |
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Re: VHF and the South of France
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Thanks Nick, just wondered if the rules were different but apparently not
I'll stick the VHF in the everything boaty must go sale later in the year
| blueglass |
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| 05/05/2008 18:13 |
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Re: VHF and the South of France
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Quote:
but it's 2-3 weeks worth of my wages to pay for it(
So you earn £30.00 a week and youv'e got a boat in Port Grimeaud??!!!
mmm.......
| B175Chris |
| (regular) |
| 05/05/2008 18:16 |
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Re: VHF and the South of France
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About £35 a week on average - it's my parents' boat and my familys' holiday home, I'm just the captain
| blueglass |
| (regular) |
| 05/05/2008 18:23 |
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Re: VHF and the South of France
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OK see your problem.
| colmce |
| (regular) |
| 05/05/2008 20:36 |
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Re: VHF and the South of France
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You've got the VHF, as long as you only use it in extremis then I wouldn't worry about a certificate, limit your calls to genuine Pan-pans or maydays and I can't imagine anyone having a problem.(and if you get fined after the rescue would you care?)
As to the twats who say that safety has no price, bollocks, if I'd waited until I had the money to equip a boat to moderate safety standards I would have missed out on many years of sailing.
The instruction book of most VHFs gives you more than enough information to stop making a prat of your self.
| Kawasaki |
| (regular) |
| 05/05/2008 22:44 |
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Re: VHF and the South of France
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So You might be 'Sent To Coventry' well some good News there then!
VHF--- as per colmce.
Use it , don't abuse it.
French language bit!
Thought Maritime/ Aeroplane Language was Saxon based anyway?
Well tiss round ere, with some Celtic stuff thrown in.
I do hear some strange accents from what sounds like Southern Hemishpere speak calling Liverpool Pilot, from time to time.
In the Perpignon area last July.
Hactually Dave Snelson's Rent a Flat in Port Lacuatte (spelling?) Blatant Add Folks!.
Heard the VHF speak on me handheld, lot's of English going on.
So Chris buy a handheld.
Got Mine from Malthouse.
Standard Horizon £85 Blatant Add Folks!
Borrocks I don't care.
I don't care and neither will the Coastgaurd here on in France if you have to make an emergency call without said Ticket.
But, Chris, you know You have to Do It.
So Do It and stop muckin about.
Just stay off The Weed for a week or two
| jfm |
| (regular) |
| 06/05/2008 13:35 |
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Re: VHF and the South of France
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You'll be fine sans licence Chrtis. If boat is UK flagged then UK rules apply, as do local Fr rules.
So far as Uk rules are concerned, there is established practice of NOT checking up and enforcing, and under Uk law they cannot pick on you. So if you are pulled over and threatened with a massive £30 fine or summink I and many others will be witnesses for you and will say that in 20 years of boating no UK authority has EVER asked to see my licence. And you are allowed in emergency. So that covers off the UK rules.
As for French rules I dont know but I'd bet there are no local French rules. As you know use of VHF down there is much more sloppy (meant nicely; it's rule-free) than in solent say. I have been pulled over 3 times in France and asked for ship's papers, VAT stuff, my licences, etc, but never the VHF certificate
So save the £90, learn VHF use on internet, and broadcast and be damned :-)
| B175Chris |
| (regular) |
| 06/05/2008 16:57 |
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Re: VHF and the South of France
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Thanks for replies, Colmce, Kwaka and jfm, much appreciated
All equipment will be used in the safest way possible if used at all, I'm not a hoaxer and I've learnt a good few things over my time here. I'll learn all the procedures anyway, can't hurt to know how to use the thing