ISSA VHF Radio Course
– 1 Day Recreational Course

ISSA Yacht Crew Course
– 4 Day Recreational Course

Duration
1 Day

Level
Beginner

Location
Cape Panwa • Mai Khao

Certification
ISSA Recognised

Experience
None Required

Accommodation
Nearby Hotels & Vehicle

Why take this Course?

Why take this Course?

  • Build confidence communicating at sea
  • Learn the correct use of Channel 16 and working channels
  • Practise real emergency and urgency radio procedures
  • Build confidence in helming, sail handling and seamanship
  • Understand GMDSS and Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
  • Essential safety qualification for recreational sailors
  • Recognised progression to higher ISSA sailing qualifications
  • One-day course with practical exercises and assessment
  • Gain your ISSA VHF Radio Operator Certificate

Where Can This Qualification Take You?

The ISSA VHF Radio Operator Certificate is a recommended or required qualification for many advanced sailing courses. Whether you're planning to skipper your own yacht, charter abroad or continue your ISSA training, confident radio communication is an essential safety skill.

See the Course in Action

See the Course in Action

Course Overview

Course Overview

The ISSA VHF Radio Course is a one-day practical and theory 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.

Skills You'll Learn

Skills You'll Learn

  • 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

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
  • 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
  • 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

  • 1 Day Course
  • 5th • every month
  • 19th • every month
  • Training Available from Cape Panwa & Mai Khao
  • Advanced Booking Recommended • Discounts Available*
  • Available all year round • twice monthly

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 • 8,000 thb
  • 90 Day Discount
  • Book in advance 90 days plus • 6,000 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?

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.

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

No previous sailing or boating experience is required.

On successful completion you'll receive the ISSA VHF Radio Operator Certificate

Yes. The course includes practical radio exercises throughout the day, followed by a written assessment to confirm your understanding of marine VHF radio procedures and emergency communications.

A VHF radio is one of the most important safety systems carried on board a yacht. This qualification teaches the correct use of routine radio communications, emergency procedures and internationally recognised radio protocol. It is also an essential qualification for progression to higher ISSA skipper certifications.

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. If you'd prefer to read offline or share the information with friends and family, you can download a printable PDF version below.

Download PDF

No. All VHF radios and training materials are provided during the course. Students will use modern marine VHF radios throughout the practical exercises and assessment.

Yes. Students receive practical instruction using modern marine VHF radios, giving you hands-on experience with the equipment used aboard recreational yachts.

Your course fee includes professional instruction, use of VHF radios during training, course handouts, the course assessment, ISSA certification (upon successful completion) and refreshments at the Sail in Asia Training Centre.

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.

Discounts may be available for courses booked well in advance or for multiple course bookings. Please contact us for current offers and availability. Our standard discounts for this course are listed above

Stay Safe. Stay Connected.

Whether you're new to boating or an experienced sailor, confident marine radio communication is one of the most important safety skills you can develop. Our experienced instructors will help you build the knowledge and confidence to use a VHF radio correctly whenever it matters most.

Need advice before booking?
Not sure which course is right for you? Our team is happy to answer your questions, discuss course options, recommend accommodation and help you choose the training programme that best matches your experience and goals.
Contact us by email or WhatsApp — we're here to help.

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