RYA VHF Marine Radio (SRC)

Duration -1Day 0900 - 1800 approx. (plus 4hrs pre course reading)

Residential? – No.

Minimum Age -16 Years

Prior Experience –nil (a knowledge of the phonetic alphabet would be an advantage)

Course Qualifications -RYA Marine Radio SRC Certificate

What do I need to bring? -Pen & Paper

We provide -Course materials, simulators,

Course details – The Short Range Certificate is the minimum qualification required by law to control the operation of VHF and VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC)  equipment on any British flagged vessel voluntarily fitted with a radio. This includes both fixed and hand held equipment using International channels.

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 topics include:

            the basics of radio operation

            the correct frequencies (channels) to be used

            distress, emergency and medical assistance procedures

            making 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)

The course will be taught and examined using radio simulators. The exam will also include a short written test.

FAQs

Will I be able to take the RYA SRC exam with Haslar Sea School after taking the Online RYA VHF Radio course? - Yes you will, even if you have taken your Online RYA SRC course with another Training centre you can book your VHF SRC exam with us, all you will need is your pre course knowledge certificate and your completed RYA short range application form including photograph and exam fee of £60 payable to the RYA.

Should I have some pre-course knowledge before going on the VHF Radio course? - We  would recommend that you learn the phonetic alphabet before the course, as you will be tested on it. Also the RYA have an interactive site were you can test your knowledge before coming on the course.

Is there a minimum age for the VHF Radio Course? - The minimum age for the VHF Radio Course is 16 years old. 

I have a pre-1999 restricted VHF radio certificate. Can I upgrade it to include Digital Selective Calling (DSC)? - Yes, you can upgrade the restricted Marine VHF radio licence, you can now book the new format SRC examination direct but its is advisable that you take some refresher training before attending the examination, i.e.: take the online course or a classroom course.

Will Haslar Sea School run a course for a group, i.e. a dive club or sailing club etc? - Yes we will run a group course for a minimum of 6 to a maximum of 10 persons at any suitable venue.