Marine VSAT and TVRO Training Course

Our marine VSAT and satellite TV training is ideal for crew of all vessels and installations.  We deliver an overview of common tasks and knowledge, together with common equipment familiarisation.  As such, we feature equipment from both Cobham / Seatel and Intellian.  On completion, our course certificate carries an Intellian VSAT Operator endorsement.

Marine Satellite Communications and VSAT Fundamentals

The class begins with basic principles of satellite communications at sea.  This includes pointing angles, transmit/receive paths, balance, stabilisation and tracking.

Common VSAT and TVRO antenna familiarisation

We also deliver a familiarisation of operating all common VSAT and TVRO antennas.  Most tasks will be carried out on SeaTel equipment, but our method will leave students confident they will be able to operate equipment from any manufacturer.

All theory is delivered around the antennas, with students participating in demonstrations on the common equipment whenever possible.  The real-life equipment is around the students in the classroom at all times.  We then get hands-on, operating the equipment in real scenarios.  Finally, we move on to common troubleshooting tasks.

Unique Marine Satellite TV Training

Competent Satellite TV operators must know much more than the TVRO antenna itself.  Therefore we dedicate a large portion of the course to “Sat TV” in-depth from start to finish.  Learn ship distribution systems and resources needed to find TV channel information.  Also operating the common satellite receivers and troubleshooting.  This final day is very hands-on and thoroughly enjoyable. Finally, we send students off to find specific TV channels.  Frequencies must be obtained, calculations made, antennas pointed and receivers configured.

Emerging LEO Technologies – Starlink, OneWeb, etc.

This is a satellite communications course and we cannot ignore the emergence of LEO (Low Earth Orbit) services such as Starlink and OneWeb.  We will cover the theory and equipment, leaving students confident in this additional option that many vessels now choose to have in their connectivity suite.

Student Suitability for Training

This class is mainly intended for crew who want to become competent VSAT and Satellite TV operators.  However, this class is also suitable for staff of shipyards, or shore-based companies.   Anyone who is looking to get a foundation knowledge of the systems we cover.  This a beginner level training course, for those with little or no previous experience.  Where possible, students may be able to join for just the Sat TV day.  As many crew will already be competent VSAT operators, but require a short course in satellite TV.

Satcom Training Feedback

Recent feedback from the SATCOM@SEA training course