RYA VHF Radio Course: Short Range Certificate (SRC)
The RYA VHF Radio course is designed for anyone who uses or intends to use a fixed or handheld marine VHF radio. A marine radio is a crucial piece of safety equipment onboard, and it is essential to understand the correct operating procedures.
Legal Requirements and Importance
The Short Range Certificate (SRC) is the minimum legal qualification required to operate VHF and VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipment on any British-flagged vessel that is voluntarily fitted with a radio. This includes both fixed and handheld equipment using international channels. A properly used radio is vital for safety; unnecessary transmissions can obstruct crucial Mayday distress calls. Modern VHF sets are often fitted with, or can be interfaced with, DSC, enabling calls to specific vessels. If you hold an ‘old’ VHF licence (issued before 1999) and purchase new equipment, you must upgrade your qualification. This can be achieved through this one-day course or, if tuition is not required, by direct examination.
VHF Radio Course Content
The course covers a range of essential topics, including:
- The basics of radio operation
- Correct frequency (channel) usage
- Distress, emergency, and medical assistance procedures
- Ship-to-shore telephone calls
- Digital Selective Calling (DSC) using simulators
- Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
- Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB)
- Search and Rescue (SART)
Online Learning and Practical Assessment
Upon booking, please allow up to 48 hours to receive your login details. Once received, you can access the online modules and progress at your own pace. You will also receive an email with a voucher code to download an eBook copy of the RYA VHF handbook. After completing the modules and passing the online examination, you will be able to print a Marine Radio Short Range Course Completion Certificate, which is required for your practical assessment. The practical assessment involves instruction and examination using radio simulators, and includes a short written test.
The SRC course can be undertaken in a classroom or online via an RYA-recognised training centre. However, the examination must be conducted at a training centre.
Certification
Upon attending a recognised assessment centre and successfully completing the practical examination, you will be awarded the RYA VHF SRC certificate.
Online Learning and Practical Assessment
Upon booking, please allow up to 48 hours to receive your login details. Once received, you can access the online modules and progress at your own pace. You will also receive an email with a voucher code to download an eBook copy of the RYA VHF handbook. After completing the modules and passing the online examination, you will be able to print a Marine Radio Short Range Course Completion Certificate, which is required for your practical assessment. The practical assessment involves instruction and examination using radio simulators, and includes a short written test.
The SRC course can be undertaken in a classroom or online via an RYA-recognised training centre. However, the examination must be conducted at a training centre.
Certification
Upon attending a recognised assessment centre and successfully completing the practical examination, you will be awarded the RYA VHF SRC certificate.
RYA Marine Radio SRC Course Preview
