RYA VHF Marine Radio (SRC)

Duration – Online course  (timing flexible)

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 completion certificate

What do I need to bring? -Pen & Paper

Note – this is an online training course, which on successful completion will provide you with a certificate, which will allow you to attend a registered sea school such as Haslar Sea School for your practical assessment. The cost of this assessment will be £60 payable to the RYA

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 Structure

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.