Restricted Operator Certificate (Maritime) – In-Person VHF Radio Course

Stay safe, stay legal, and stay connected. Whether you spend your days on a kayak, a yacht, a fishing boat, or anything in between, if things go south when you’re out on the ocean, knowing how to effectively use a VHF Radio can literally save lives.

Note: To operate a marine VHF radio in Canada, you are legally required to have a ROC-M (Restricted Operator’s Certificate (Maritime)).

In this in-person course, we will teach you all there is to know about the use of VHF radios and marine safety procedures and you will have a chance to practice various scenarios. Upon passing the test at the end of the course you will be issued the Restricted Operators Certificate (Maritime) ROC – M with DSC endorsement which is good for life.

Please note: You do NOT need a radio in order to take the course. We actually recommend holding off buying a radio (if you don’t already have one) until after the course as you will have a better sense of what radio is right for you.

Curious how a VHF radio can help keep you safe on the water? Read this article by our instructor Philip.

What will you learn:

• Use marine VHF radios including Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and the essentials of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
• Follow radio-use regulations and proper communication procedures (Distress / Urgency / Safety / Routine)
• Use the phonetic alphabet and standard procedural words so your calls are clear, efficient, and understood in any conditions
• Understand frequency selection, weather radio broadcasts, and doing things by the book when the pressure is on

Who is this for?
If you own or operate any vessel, whether a kayak, yacht, power boat, fishing boat, tender, etc., this course is for you. No previous radio experience necessary.

What you’ll get:

• Industry-recognized ROC(M) certification with DSC endorsement upon passing the exam
• Course book, instruction and exam with a certified instructor
• Confidence in handling radio emergencies, priority calls, and regular communications with other vessels and shore services
• Certification that doesn’t expire which means you’re good for life once you pass

Course Outline:

The course will run over two sessions.

In the first 3h session we will equip you with practical working knowledge of VHF radios and marine safety procedures. There will of course also be the opportunity to ask questions and we will do some practical exercises.

In the second session you will have the chance to ask any follow-up questions, do some practice and then do the exam which consists of a written and an oral portion. While the second session is scheduled to run 3 hours it often ends up being shorter.

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Rates

$179 (includes the printed book (handed out during the first session), certification & test fee, as well as the instruction)

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2025/26 Dates

Private Courses:

Do you have a group and want to have a lesson to fit your schedule and needs? Just contact us and we can make something work!

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Prerequisites

None

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Here’s What Some of Our Customers Say about the VHF Course:

Jordan G: I’d also like to say a special thank you to Philip. I really enjoyed the course and the […] exam, and it was because Philip made the subject matter engaging, fun, informative, and was extremely patient with all the questions our group threw at him. He did an excellent job.
I’d absolutely recommend Jericho for anyone looking to do their VHF Radio Cert.

Mike M: [The Instructor] knows this material like the back of his hand, but he was also very professional and welcoming, elaborated on the slides without parroting them, and gave me and I’m sure the other students a much better, sort of practical-feeling grasp of the material. I was genuinely worried I wouldn’t be able to absorb everything in the manual, but this has really helped in that regard.