RYA VHF Marine Radio (SRC)

The RYA DSC VHF Radio Course is the only course that is a requirement of use for boaters in the UK. Upon successful completion of this course you will gain your VHF Radio license, this is issued by the RYA on behalf of the MCA.

You now have two ways to gain your VHF license – at your leisure online or face to face in our class room with an Ocean Sports Tuition instructor. We run this course from our class room at Saxon Wharf Marina, on the 1st & 4th Saturday of every month.

Class room training is a one day (10 hours with 3 hours pre course reading) shore based training course that is available on the first and fourth Saturday of every month. You will learn face to face with a professional Ocean Sports Tuition RYA VHF short range radio instructor and use our training radios where you will practice making routine, urgency and distress calls. These will be made both by voice procedure and DSC. This form of training is also assessed by an independent RYA VHF assessor and this assessment will take place at the end of your training day.

The cost of undertaking the training in this format is only £99 pp. The cost of the assessment and VHF radio license is £60 and this is payable to the RYA, at the time of your assessment.

Useful Information

Is this the right course for me?

This course is aimed at those students who wish to operate a VHF radio on board any British vessel that is voluntary fitted with radio equipment.

Do I need previous experience?

No – Although it is greatly beneficial to have knowledge of the phonetic alphabet prior to attending. This will be sent to you upon booking.

What Will I learn?

The use of a VHF radio including VHF voice, distress, urgency and safety procedures, as well as Digital Selective Calling (DSC) EPIRBS, SARTs and Navtex. We will also look at GMDSS and we fit into the system.

You will have the opportunity to practice your new skills through the day using our live radios.

GMDSS – Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems.

How long is the course?

Class room courses run from 0830 – 1830 plus assessment, 10hours with 3 hours of pre course reading.

Final assessment takes upto 1 hour per two candidates

How much is the course and what does it include?

Class room based training course – £99.00 per person

Free parking

Free refreshments

Free VHF DSC handbook

All course costs includes all expert tuition and an RYA VHF handbook worth £14.49.

Additional fees payable to the RYA of £60, this is for the issue of the license.