The VHF Radio is the most important piece of safety equipment you will ever purchase for your craft, it is essential that you know how to operate it, and that you conform to the legal requirements for its use on your boat.
The VHF radio can be used under the supervision of a licensed operator. It is important to note that any person operating a VHF radio without the correct certification is liable for prosecution and can have the equipment confiscated.
The one-day RYA SRC/VHF Radio course teaches the basics of VHF radio operation, the correct frequencies (channels) to be used and distress, emergency & medical assistance procedures. We use real radio equipment rather than computer simulators so you can become confident in using the various controls and DSC (Digital Selective Calling) functions. The VHF radio network has undergone great change with the implementation of the Global Maritime Distress System (GMDSS.) and these changes are discussed in depth.
At the end of the RYA SRC/VHF Radio course, students are prepared to take a short exam. The exam is not difficult and has a very high pass rate. After the successful completion of this exam you will be issued with the “United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Certificate of Competence and Authority to Operate”. There is an exam fee payable directly to the RYA on the day of £70.00.
You will use the latest Icom live VHF radio voice training equipment giving you the benefit of “hands-on” tuition. Candidates have the opportunity to practice radio procedures and techniques on our live Icom M601 VHF radios.
SRC Pack: On booking this course you will be sent (by post) the accompanying course pack, this includes the VHF handbook (G13) and the exam application form. Please ensure you are familiar with the following sections of the handbook prior to attending the course.
- Knowledge of radio frequencies (chapter 2 – ‘How a Radio Works’)
- Knowledge of appropriate channel names (chapter 5 ‘VHF Channels’)
- Awareness of the existence and use of IMO standard vocabulary and alphabet (chapter 6 ‘Voice Procedure 1’)
- You will need to remember the meanings of the listed prowords and be able to recite the phonetic alphabet
- Distress Message (Read page 45 and learn the sequence)
Please ensure you bring your course pack (including the exam application form) with you. Should you fail to bring it with you, you will be charged £10.00 for a replacement.
| Duration | 1 Day |
| Cost | £100.00 Course Fee plus an additional £70.00 Exam Fee Payable Direct to RYA |
| Minimum Age | 16 years |
| Pre-requisites | None |
| Course Content | 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 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. 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 contact us to discuss the update training required and to organize a SRC examination. |
| Total number of places on Course | 12 |
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