A few friends recently bought new DSC capable VHF radios and decided that we would do our VHF radio courses so we could then get MMSI numbers.

I did some digging and found that QF7 Volunteer Coastguard Redland Bay (Qld) runs courses for the AWQ certificate, which is the new version of the course and covers you for VHF use up to the limits of Australian territorial waters (12 nautical miles). And it qualifies you for the MMSI number.

The course costs just $70.
You need to supply:
* passport sized photo of yourself
* copy of phonetic alphabet that you have tried a bit to learn!
* USI student number, obtained online from the Australian Government (free of charge)

The course is run by their cheif radio officer John who is a retired RAAF radio officer who really knows his stuff, and is an excellent and friendly presenter. The course takes a couple of hours and finishes with a 25 question multiple choice exam, and then a short prac test conducted in their radio room.

5 of us attended and we all passed without any difficulty.

We all felt the course was really quite valuable and gained some useful knowledge, tips and confidence in the correct use of the VHF radio under both normal operating conditions and emergencies.

Highly recommended, even if you dont intend to get the MMSI number.