STCW - Marifoonbedieningscertificaat Cursus

The STCW – VHF Radio Operator Certificate Course prepares participants to safely and effectively use maritime radio communication. This practical training covers sending and receiving distress, urgency, and safety calls in accordance with international regulations. Upon successful completion, participants receive the VHF Radio Operator Certificate, officially recognized by the Netherlands Radiocommunications Agency (Agentschap Telecom).

Course duration: 1 day
Locations: Vlissingen
Cost per student: € 177,00 (excl. BTW)

Questions or need help? Send an email or call 0031 118 463382

Select a Start Date

No course
Full
Available
Selected

Select location

Select course

About this course

STCW – VHF Radio Operator Certificate Course

The STCW – VHF Radio Operator Certificate Course at DRTC is designed for seafarers and inland navigation personnel who wish to learn how to safely and effectively use maritime communication systems. Radio communication is an essential component of safety at sea and on inland waterways, and this course fully prepares participants to operate VHF radios in compliance with national and international regulations.

Objective

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be able to communicate correctly using maritime radio equipment, transmit and receive distress, urgency, and safety messages, and operate in full accordance with applicable radio communication regulations.

Target Group

This course is intended for anyone who sails professionally or recreationally on inland waterways, coastal waters, or at sea, and who is required to hold a VHF radio operator certificate in accordance with STCW and Agentschap Telecom regulations.

117
Practical info

Entry Requirements

  • Minimum age: 16 years
  • Basic understanding of maritime communication is an advantage
  • Valid proof of identity

Course Content

The training includes both theoretical and practical modules, covering:

  • Fundamentals of maritime radio communication
  • Use and operation of VHF radio equipment
  • Communication procedures in distress, urgency, and safety situations
  • Radiotelephony and Standard Marine Communication Phrases
  • Legal requirements and frequency management
  • Practical exercises using radio communication equipment

Certification

Upon successful completion of the examination, participants will receive the VHF Radio Operator Certificate, issued under the authority of Agentschap Telecom. DRTC manages all administrative procedures related to exam registration.

Course Duration

1 day (excluding examination)

Examination

1 hour – conducted under the supervision of Agentschap Telecom

Validity

Unlimited

117

Day 1 - Fundamentals of VHF Radiocommunication

Introduction and explanation of regulations and operating requirements. Overview of VHF channel layout and frequencies. Standard communication and message structure. Distress, urgency and safety communication procedures. Review and exam preparation.

What's on the program?

  • Day 1 - Fundamentals of VHF Radiocommunication

High-quality facilities that make a difference

With the best resources and facilities at our disposal, we are able to offer training and courses of the highest quality.

Classroom + GMDSS

Realistic training with modern maritime simulation

Classroom + GMDSS

Realistic training with GMDSS and maritime communication.

Realistic training with modern maritime simulation

Classroom + GMDSS

The Classroom Simulation is equipped with modern communication systems, including the GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System). Here, participants learn how to manage emergency, safety, and routine communication at sea safely and efficiently.

What makes this simulator unique is that trainees can practice all aspects of maritime communication — including distress calls, alerting, and coordination with rescue services — in a realistic yet safe environment.

Who is it for

The Classroom Simulation is used by maritime personnel, ship officers, nautical students, and offshore teams who need to be proficient in GMDSS operations and maritime communication procedures.

hz

What you’ll practice

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, participants will learn to:

  • Operate GMDSS equipment for distress, urgency, and safety calls

  • Follow correct procedures for routine communication at sea

  • Collaborate and communicate effectively as a team during emergency scenarios

  • Practice realistic navigation and communication situations

  • Integrate communication within broader Full Mission scenarios

For your organization

Would you like to train your crew in ship communication and navigation procedures?
Contact us — we offer customized programs using both Classroom and Full Mission simulations.

Our instructors

The people behind the training.

Our experienced trainers challenge you to bring out the best in yourself. Our program coordinators are available to provide you with all information and to answer any practical questions regarding the training.

Maarten Janse
Senior Maritime Instructor
Michel de Pooter
Senior Maritime Instructor
Jorian Schut
Maritime Instructor
Bas Gloudemans
Managing Director
Emile van Dooren
Instructor

Frequently asked questions

For some courses, you can choose VAT exemption. This means the training will be invoiced without 21% VAT. The exemption applies only to recognised vocational training programmes that fall under official supervision by organisations such as ILT, OPITO, GWO, or NOGEPA.

Choose VAT exemption if you are taking the course for professional purposes or as a private individual without VAT deduction rights.
Choose including VAT if you are booking on behalf of a company that can reclaim VAT from the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration.

Your invoice will then state:
“Exempt from VAT under Article 11, paragraph 1, section o of the Dutch VAT Act 1968.”

DRTC provides a wide range of accredited safety courses for the maritime, offshore, wind and industrial sectors.

  • STCW – including Basic Training, Advanced Fire Fighting, Proficiency in Survival Craft (PSCRB/FRB), Medical First Aid, Medical Care and Security Awareness.
  • GWO – Basic Safety Training (BST) and individual modules such as Working at Height, First Aid, Fire Awareness, Manual Handling, Sea Survival and Enhanced First Aid.
  • NOGEPA – Basic Offshore Safety, Helicopter Underwater Escape (HUET), Sea Survival, Fire-fighting and specialised refresher courses.
  • BHV/First Aid/VCA – Basic and refresher courses in Emergency Response, First Aid and Safety Certification for all sectors.

See the current course overview on our website or contact drtc@drtc.nl for advice on the right training for your needs.

For seafarers and maritime professionals who must comply with international STCW requirements.

Yes, our STCW courses are recognised by the Dutch flag state (the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate – ILT). Each certificate includes the relevant STCW reference, ensuring international recognition.

We offer Basic Training (BT), Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF), Medical First Aid (MFA), Medical Care (MC), Proficiency in (Fast) Rescue Boats (PSCRB/FRB), and Security Awareness/Designated Duties.

Most STCW certificates must be renewed every 5 years (depending on the module and sea time requirements). Check the course page for exact details.

Yes, a valid maritime medical certificate is mandatory for participation.

Bring valid identification, a medical certificate (mandatory), and swimwear/towel if the course includes a pool module. PPE and rescue equipment are provided by DRTC.

 

Courses are available in Dutch or English. Additional support for reading difficulties can be arranged on request.

You will receive a digital and/or physical certificate in compliance with STCW standards. The format may vary by course.

You can cancel your booking by contacting us via email or phone. For open enrolment courses you may cancel free of charge up to 5 working days before the start. For customised training you may cancel free of charge up to 14 working days before the start. If you cancel within those deadlines the full course fee will be invoiced.

Visit our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ page for more information, or contact us at +31 118 463 382 or email drtc@drtc.nl.