You require this course by law to legally operate a VHF radio on pleasure craft on non-pleasure vessels operating 25 miles or less from shore. VHF / DSC is a vital piece of safety equipment allowing you to send and receive Distress, Urgency and Safety messages put out by other boaters and the Coast Guard.
The course is one full day (8 hours) and entails a practical session simulating emergencies on the water using proper radio etiquette. Radio functions and channel selection.