Marine Radio: VHF, SSB, AIS and GMDSS

MNE 115 delves into the essential technologies and regulations governing marine radio communications. Students will explore the principles and applications of VHF and SSB radio for both routine and emergency communications, understanding their respective ranges, frequencies, and operational protocols. The course covers the Automatic Identification System (AIS), including its role in navigation safety, collision avoidance, and vessel tracking. A significant portion is dedicated to the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), examining its architecture, components, and distress alerting procedures. Furthermore, this course addresses antenna theory, selection, and proper installation techniques crucial for optimal system performance. Through a blend of theoretical instruction and practical laboratory exercises, students will develop the competencies necessary to work with critical marine communication and safety systems.

InstructorJacob Calhoun

Prerequisites

MNE 105 MNE 110

Course outline

Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.

01Lesson 1: Introduction to Marine Radio Systems and Regulationslecture

02Lesson 2: Very High Frequency (VHF) Radio Principles and Operationlecture

03Lesson 3: Digital Selective Calling (DSC) for VHFlecture

04Hands-on Lab: VHF/DSC Transceiver Operation and Programminglab

05Lesson 5: Single Sideband (SSB) Radio Fundamentals and Long-Range Communicationlecture

06Lesson 6: Marine Antennas: Theory, Selection, and Installation Best Practiceslecture

07Lesson 7: Power Systems and Grounding for Marine Electronicslecture

08Hands-on Lab: Antenna Installation and System Grounding Techniqueslab

09Lesson 9: Automatic Identification System (AIS) Transceivers: Principles and Integrationlecture

10Lesson 10: Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Overview and Componentslecture

11Hands-on Lab: GMDSS Equipment Simulation and Distress Procedure Practicelab

12Lesson 12: Satellite Communication Systems for Marine Applicationslecture

13Lesson 13: Troubleshooting and Maintenance of Marine Radio Systemslecture

14Capstone Service Project: Marine Communication System Design and Integrationassignment

Syllabus

["Week 1: Lesson 1: Introduction to Marine Radio Systems and Regulations","Week 2: Lesson 2: Very High Frequency (VHF) Radio Principles and Operation","Week 3: Lesson 3: Digital Selective Calling (DSC) for VHF","Week 4: Hands-on Lab: VHF/DSC Transceiver Operation and Programming","Week 5: Lesson 5: Single Sideband (SSB) Radio Fundamentals and Long-Range Communication","Week 6: Lesson 6: Marine Antennas: Theory, Selection, and Installation Best Practices","Week 7: Lesson 7: Power Systems and Grounding for Marine Electronics","Week 8: Hands-on Lab: Antenna Installation and System Grounding Techniques","Week 9: Lesson 9: Automatic Identification System (AIS) Transceivers: Principles and Integration","Week 10: Lesson 10: Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Overview and Components","Week 11: Hands-on Lab: GMDSS Equipment Simulation and Distress Procedure Practice","Week 12: Lesson 12: Satellite Communication Systems for Marine Applications","Week 13: Lesson 13: Troubleshooting and Maintenance of Marine Radio Systems","Week 14: Capstone Service Project: Marine Communication System Design and Integration"]