ISSA RIB Skipper 1 with VHF Radio Course
Combined RIB & VHF Radio Training – 2 Days

ISSA Rib Skipper 1 Course & VHF Radio Course
Combined RIB & VHF Radio Training – 2 Days

Duration
2 Day

Level
Beginner

Location
Cape Panwa • Mai Khao

Certification
ISSA Certified

Experience
none required

Accommodation
Nearby Hotels & Vehicle

Why take this Course?

Why take this Course?

  • Perfect introduction to Rigid Inflatable Boats for complete beginners.
  • Learn safe launching, recovery and boat handling techniques.
  • Understand outboard engines, fuel systems and routine safety checks.
  • Operate a RIB as a yacht tender for crew and shore transfers.
  • Support sailing events, racing fleets and safety boat operations.
  • Build confidence operating a RIB under expert instruction.
  • Excellent preparation for the RIB Skipper 2 Course.
  • Gain your ISSA VHF Radio Operator Certificate.

VHF Radio Course:

The ISSA RIB Skipper 1 is a two part course. A one day practical and theoretical course and a one day mandatory VHF radio course.

VIEW VHF RADIO COURSE DETAILS

Continue Your Boating Journey :

RIB Skipper 2

Continue developing your boat handling, navigation and practical powerboat skills.

See the Course in Action

See the Course in Action

This combined programme consists of two one-day training modules: the ISSA RIB Skipper 1 Course and the ISSA VHF Radio Course. Together they provide the practical skills and communication knowledge required for safe RIB operation.

Course Overview - RIB Skipper 1 (1 Day)

Course Overview - RIB Skipper 1

The Sail in Asia RIB Skipper 1 Course is designed specifically for people with little or no previous experience of powerboats.

Throughout this practical one-day programme you'll become familiar with the construction, operation and safe handling of modern Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs), gaining confidence through hands-on instruction on the water.

Training covers launching and recovering the boat, outboard engine operation, manoeuvring at slow and higher speeds, anchoring, towing and essential safety procedures. By the end of the course you'll understand the responsibilities of operating a RIB safely and confidently.

Whether you're planning to purchase your own RIB, support sailing activities or simply enjoy recreational powerboating, the RIB Skipper 1 Course provides the ideal first step.

RIBs are used throughout the marine industry for a wide range of roles, from yacht tenders and sailing safety boats to diving support, rescue operations and recreational boating. The practical skills learned during this course provide an excellent introduction to operating these versatile craft safely and confidently.

RIB Skipper 1 is widely used for supporting dinghy sailing, coaching sessions and racing events, where safety boats play an important role both on and off the water.

Course Overview - VHF Radio Course (1 Day)

Course Overview - VHF Radio Course

The ISSA VHF Radio Course is a one-day classroom and practical programme designed to teach the correct use of modern marine VHF radios. Whether you're new to boating or progressing towards higher sailing qualifications, this course provides the knowledge and confidence to communicate safely and effectively at sea.

Training covers routine radio communications, Digital Selective Calling (DSC), Channel 16 procedures, GMDSS, radio protocol and the internationally recognised procedures used during routine, urgency and emergency situations. Through practical exercises, students learn to make routine radio calls, communicate with other vessels and coast stations, send Mayday and Mayday Relay messages, and understand the correct procedures for Search and Rescue communications.

On successful completion, you'll be awarded the internationally recognised ISSA VHF Radio Operator Certificate. This important safety qualification is recommended for anyone operating or crewing a yacht and is an essential requirement for progression to higher ISSA skipper qualifications, including Inshore Skipper, Offshore Skipper and Master of Yachts.

Why is VHF included?
Effective communication is an essential part of safe RIB operation. Whether acting as a yacht tender, supporting sailing races or assisting a flotilla, the ability to communicate clearly with other vessels and shore stations is an important practical skill. That's why the internationally recognised ISSA VHF Radio Operator Course forms part of this combined programme.

Course Schedule - RIB Skipper 1

Course Schedule - RIB Skipper 1

Morning

  • Welcome and safety briefing
  • Introduction to the RIB
  • Outboard engine familiarisation
  • Launching procedures
  • Slow-speed boat handling
  • Knots and ropework

Afternoon

  • Higher-speed manoeuvres
  • Coming alongside
  • Anchoring
  • Man Overboard recovery
  • Towing techniques
  • Course review

The schedule may be varied depending on weather and operating conditions.

Skills you will learn - RIB Skipper 1

Skills you will learn - RIB Skipper 1

Boat Handling

  • Launching and recovering a RIB
  • Slow-speed manoeuvring
  • Higher-speed handling
  • Coming alongside safely
  • Anchoring techniques
  • Towing procedures

Safety & Operation

  • Outboard engine operation
  • Fuel handling
  • Man Overboard recovery
  • Knots and ropework
  • Boat familiarisation
  • Safe operating practices

Skills you will learn - VHF Radio Course

Skills you will learn - VHF Radio Course

  • Line-of-sight operation and the basics of marine VHF radio
  • Rules and correct radio procedure
  • Basic radio operation
  • Relay procedures
  • NATO Phonetic Alphabet
  • Sailing on all points of sail
  • Channel 16 and calling procedures
  • Safety communications
  • Ship-to-ship channels
  • Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
  • Urgency calls
  • EPIRBs and emergency beacons
  • Emergency calls
  • Satellite communication devices
  • Obligations and responsibilities at sea
  • Search and Rescue Transponders (SART)

Official ISSA Student Textbook - RIB Skipper 1

Optional Study Guide - ISSA Student Textbook

The official ISSA RIB Skipper Student Handbook is available as an optional purchase and provides useful reference material before and after your course. It explains the techniques covered during training and serves as an excellent companion to your practical instruction on the water.

Sample Pages:

  • ISSA PDF Handbook index page fro RIB skipper 1 student textbook
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about distress signalling equipment including rockets, flares, smoke and lifebuoys
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about vhf radio basics
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about different types of yacht hull
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about operating the engine
  • ISSA PDF Handbook index page fro RIB skipper 1 student textbook
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about distress signalling equipment including rockets, flares, smoke and lifebuoys
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about vhf radio basics
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about different types of yacht hull
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about operating the engine
VIEW TEXTBOOK DETAILS

Official ISSA Student Textbook - VHF Radio

Optional Study Guide - ISSA Student Textbook

The Official ISSA VHF Radio Student Textbook is available as an optional purchase and is an excellent companion to your training. Many students choose to purchase a copy before attending the course to become familiar with the syllabus, while others use it afterwards as a valuable reference for marine radio procedures, safety communications and emergency protocols.

Sample Pages:

  • ISSA PDF Handbook VHF radio index page
  • SIA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about VHF communication
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about VHF radio basics
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about VHF radio basics
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about VHF radios, specifically digital selective calling
  • ISSA PDF Handbook VHF radio index page
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about VHF radios, specifically digital selective calling
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about VHF radio basics
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about VHF radio basics
  • SIA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about VHF communication
VIEW TEXTBOOK DETAILS

Course Availability

Course Availability

  • 2 Day Course
  • 29th  of every month (subject to calendar variations)
  • Training Available from Cape Panwa & Mai Khao
  • Advanced Booking Recommended • Discounts may be Available

Select your preferred course dates and we'll confirm availability before any payment is required:

Select your preferred course dates and we'll confirm availability before any payment is required:

CHECK AVAILABILTY

Early Bird Booking Discounts*

Early Bird Booking Discounts*

  • NORMAL PRICE
  • Booking within 89 days • 32,000 thb
  • 90 Day Discount
  • Book in advance 90 days plus • 29,000 thb

Early Bird Booking Discounts*

Early Bird Booking Discounts*

  • NORMAL PRICE
  • Booking within 29 days • 24,000 thb
  • 30 to 89 Day Discount
  • Booking within 30 to 89 Days • 22,000 thb
  • 90 Day + Discount
  • Book in advance 90 days plus • 20,000 thb

Flexible payment options available, including PayPal, Wise, KBank and direct bank transfer.
Early booking discounts may be available for courses reserved more than 60 days in advance. Contact our team for current availability, payment options and booking assistance.

PAYPAL
Online Payment

WISE
Electronic Transfer

KBANK
KPlus Payments

BANK TRANSFER
Direct Bank Transfer

Ready to take the Next Step?

Ready to take the Next Step?

Ready to experience powerboating? Send us your preferred dates and our team will confirm instructor and boat availability before arranging your course.

If this course sounds right for you, send us your preferred dates and details. We'll check availability, instructor scheduling and yacht allocation before confirming the next steps.

SEND COURSE ENQUIRY

Frequently Asked Questions about Sailing Courses

Courses operate from two dedicated Sail in Asia locations. Cape Panwa offers direct access to Phuket's southern islands and longer cruising routes, while Mai Khao provides convenient access from Phuket Airport and a relaxed training environment. Compare Cape Panwa and Mai Khao training bases →

Yes. Under instructor supervision you'll spend time operating the RIB and practising practical boat handling skills.

No. The combined ISSA RIB Skipper 1 with VHF Radio Course is designed specifically for complete beginners. No previous boating experience is required.

Yes. Under the supervision of an experienced instructor, you'll operate the RIB yourself while practising essential boat handling and safety manoeuvres.

You'll learn safe launching and recovery, engine operation, low and high-speed manoeuvring, anchoring, towing and essential RIB safety procedures. You'll also complete the ISSA VHF Radio Course and gain your internationally recognised VHF Radio Operator Certificate.

Yes. The published course fee includes both the ISSA RIB Skipper 1 Course and the mandatory ISSA VHF Radio Course, together with the associated training and certification.

Courses operate from two dedicated Sail in Asia locations. Cape Panwa offers direct access to Phuket's southern islands and longer cruising routes, while Mai Khao provides convenient access from Phuket Airport and a relaxed training environment. Compare Cape Panwa and Mai Khao training bases →

Waterproof roll bag, light deck shoes, shorts or long trousers, t shirt, sunglasses and sunblock.

Sailing Gloves, SiA T shirts, SiA Caps and Log Books.

Course fees typically include tuition, use of training vessels, certification fees where applicable and course materials. Specific inclusions are listed on each course page.

Yes. We can recommend a range of nearby accommodation options to suit different budgets and locations. Please contact us before booking if you'd like advice on the most convenient place to stay.

We accept a range of payment options, including credit card, Wise, KBank transfers and international bank transfer. Our team will confirm the most suitable payment method when your course availability has been confirmed.

Your Boating Journey Starts Here

Once you've gained confidence operating smaller RIBs, the ISSA RIB Skipper 2 Course introduces larger vessels, advanced manoeuvring, pilotage, chart plotters and the skills required for professional and recreational powerboat operations.

Need advice before booking?
Whether you have questions about course suitability, available dates, accommodation or the next stage of your sailing journey, our team is happy to help.
Contact us by email or WhatsApp — we're here to help.

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