RYA VHF Marine Radio (SRC)

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.

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.

The SRC course can be taken in the classroom or online with an RYA recognised training centre. The exam must be taken at the training centre.

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. To upgrade a Restricted VHF licence to a GMDSS Short Range Certificate you should contact your local RYA Recognised Training centre to discuss the update training required and to organise a SRC examination.