RYA VHF Marine Radio (SRC)

The GLOBAL MARITIME DISTRESS and SAFETY SYSTEM (GMDSS) became operational on 1st February 1999. An increasing amount of GMDSS VHF equipment is now available for small craft.

To prepare maritime users for VHF communications in the GMDSS era, the MCA/RYA have introduced the GMDSS Short Range Certificate and this is now the minimum radio qualification examined in the UK. (Existing holders of the VHF radio certificate are still legal to operate, but must update to SRC if they fit or operate GMDSS equipment.

This latest development is marine communications will add a new feature to the VHF radio with the introduction of Digital Selective Calling (DSC).

It permits other vessels to be called up by their identity number and also provides a button that will generate a distress alert which in turn contains the position of the vessel.