RYA VHF Marine Radio (SRC)

A one-day course for anyone who owns a fixed or hand-held marine VHF radio.

The Short Range Certificate is the minimum qualification required by law to operate a VHF radio fitted with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) on any British vessel voluntarily fitted with a radio. A radio is an important piece of safety equipment on board and it is vital to understand the correct procedures. Unnecessary transmissions could block out a Mayday distress call.

All new VHF sets are either fitted, or can be interfaced, with DSC allowing calls to specific vessels. If you hold the ‘old’ VHF licence (pre-1999) you need to upgrade your qualification if you purchase new equipment. This can be done by attending this one-day course or, if no tuition is required, you can enter for direct examination.

Course Structure

Course topics include: the basics of radio operation the correct frequencies (channels) to be used distress, emergency and medical assistance procedures, Digital Selective Calling (DSC), Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB), Search and Rescue Radar Transponder (SART).