NEED ADVICE FOR 29 AMhz

[isivuba]

Hi need some advice please.
After doing my anual check found that my radio can reciver and when I push the button on the mic I can see that it's tx... but no voice coming through. Have put extra copper wiring for the earth and still no luck. Have a center consol so not much space to lay the earth wire out.

[Fritz]

Sorry bud cant help with that problem. But why dont you get a VHF for the boat and keep a handheld 29meg. They are wanting to get rid of them. And as far as I am concerned the sooner the better.

[isivuba]

Fritz cool but do'nt you need a licence for that and heard that the course offered is not given anymore (from the guy at the radio shop)

[dugong]

Sorry bud cant help with that problem. But why dont you get a VHF for the boat and keep a handheld 29meg. They are wanting to get rid of them. And as far as I am concerned the sooner the better.

There has been talk about changing but nothing doing yet, they will have to phased it over so when it happens it will take a year or 3. I agree they need to start changing, its a waste as a lot of guys have both.

[Toppie]

Fritz, dont get exited to soon. On salt water the VHF lasts just as long as a 29Mhz.  Along large parts of the coastline VHF still not going to speak to anybody.

[Fritz]

I will get hold of a number for you from one of the sailing schools. They still do cources. Its really very very easy. Even I could help you. With a bit of luck I might be able to get the paperwork for you.
 
 

[isivuba]

Thanks Fritz much appreciated.

[Fritz]

Fritz, dont get exited to soon. On salt water the VHF lasts just as long as a 29Mhz.  Along large parts of the coastline VHF still not going to speak to anybody.

Know what you saying Clive, but they could have made the dam things waterproof to some degree. I am on number three.
 
At least the VHF is waterproof.

[dugong]

I agree, most of the VHF's are well built, you can get decent 29megs but they are expensive. One of my mates has both on his 6 year old boat and he is also on his 3rd while the VHF is still100%.

[Fritz]

Thanks Fritz much appreciated.

Right PYT dont do this no more. But they gave me the number for SAMSA. You need to phone them and do the booking with them. They will send you all the paper work and stuff to study. You might be lucky and be able to do it up their at their ofices.
 
Their number is 031 3071501

[dugong]

SAMSA letter:
Samsa Comments on 29Mhz radios – dated 24 October 2011
As a guideline, Category A to C vessels should be provided with a fixed radio installation while, Category D vessels could be provided with either fixed or hand-held radio’s – The owner/skipper should however motivate regarding his/her choice at the time of survey.
 
Regarding the continued use of 29 MHz radio’s it should be noted that these are no longer in commercial use and it is therefore extremely unlikely that distress communications will be received from passing ships. The use of 29 MHz should therefore be limited to area’s where specific shore stations are manned.   
 
It is thought that 29 MHz radio’s will be phased out in the short to medium term, however, numerous stakeholders need to be consulted as part of this process – SAMSA will endeavour to communicate any planned changes to the public in this regard in good time.
 
Yours in safety 
 
Greg Dirksen
Naval Architect - Surveyor : Cape Town Office
South African Maritime Safety Authority [SAMSA]
 

[Happy Dog]

The VHF course via  SAMSA is not hectiuc at all. Read the manual and then small wrtitten test as well as practical