RYA VHF Marine Radio (SRC)

A course for anyone who owns a fixed or handheld marine VHF radio. A radio is an important piece of safety equipment on board and it is vital to understand the correct procedures.

The Short Range Certificate (SRC) 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. To upgrade a Restricted VHF licence to a GMDSS Short Range Certificate you should contact us to discuss the update training required and to organise a SRC examination.

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. The exam must be taken at the training centre.

Course Structure

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)

Useful Information

Please note, there is a £60 exam fee payable to the instructor on the day. You will also need a passport sized photo for your certificate.