RYA SRC/ Marine Radio VHF
Who would raise the alarm in a distress situation on board your boat? What if the skipper was unable to? Calling for help in an emergency at sea requires proper training. The Short Range Certificate (SRC) is a minimum legal requirement for every British flagged vessel voluntarily fitted with a radio. It's also essential and informative for anyone who enjoys boating so that they can use a marine radio fitted with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) functionality. Read our guide to using a VHF marine radio and Class M personal AIS beacons. The SRC course is also included in our Fastrack to Yachtmaster™ bundle.
Ready to get Started?
Buy your course today and you we will get automatic access to the RYA Interactive Site to complete the course. The accompanying course book will be dispatched by Royal Mail 1st class post (for UK customers).
£70
Would you like the eBook Version?
If you are an international customer then please select the eBook Version of this course. We are only able to send a physical copy of the VHF Handbook to UK customers
£70
What's Included
Your course will include the following:
- Personal login and access to the RYA Interactive SRC/VHF Course
- RYA VHF Handbook (Paperback book or eBook for overseas students - please check the eBook Requirements)
- Unlimited email and telephone support from our experienced RYA instructors
- The course runs on PC, MAC and is also available through an iOS APP for an iPad/iPad Mini. Please check the full compatibility
Course Syllabus
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. Understanding how VHF works alongside emergency distress beacons is essential for a complete picture of maritime safety communications. The RYA Online SRC/VHF Radio Course uses straight-forward language and descriptions, helping you to understand important legal concepts and maritime SRC/VHF regulations and how they affect you whilst out on the water.
Pre-Course Experience+
The RYA VHF Handbook will be sent to you so that you can complete 3 hours of self-study.
Assumed Knowledge+
There is no assumed knowledge for this course.
Student Instructor Ratio+
You will be assigned a dedicated RYA Yachtmaster Instructor to answer your questions.
Duration+
6-8 hrs online study. 1 hour practical assessment once online course has been completed.
Course Content+
- Background information on the GMDSS system and its equipment and licensing requirements
- Radio rules and regulations
- Operation of marine VHF equipment including DSC functions
- The phonetic alphabet
- Basic radio language and protocols including pro words such as over, say again, out etc.
- Correct use of the various channels
- How to make calls to other stations
- How to send a Distress Alert and Distress Message (Mayday)
- How to send an urgency alert and a safety call
Ability after Course+
To have the confidence and qualifications needed to use a marine radio, both in routine and emergency situations.
The Exam
Part 1
Once completing the RYA SRC/VHF Radio Operator Course online (6-8 hours), you will need to take the online knowledge test. Having passed this, you will be able to take the SRC/VHF exam.
Part 2 Practical radio operation and exam
This 1 hour session needs to legally take place at an RYA Recognised Training School. You can sit this exam at our training facility based at Hamble Point Marina on the River Hamble, or at any other Registered RYA Centre that may be closer to you. The exam takes the form of a written paper (mainly multiple choice) and a practical assessment. Prior to your practical assessment you will have the opportunity to practice with the radio equipment.
Exams can be arranged at a time to suit your diary at our training centre at Hamble Point Marina, Southampton. There is an exam fee of £76 which is paid directly to the RYA.
Part 1
Once completing the RYA SRC/VHF Radio Operator Course online (6-8 hours), you will need to take the online knowledge test. Having passed this, you will be able to take the SRC/VHF exam.
Part 2 Practical radio operation and exam
This 1 hour session needs to legally take place at an RYA Recognised Training School. You can sit this exam at our training facility based at Hamble Point Marina on the River Hamble, or at any other Registered RYA Centre that may be closer to you. The exam takes the form of a written paper (mainly multiple choice) and a practical assessment. Prior to your practical assessment you will have the opportunity to practice with the radio equipment.
Exams can be arranged at a time to suit your diary at our training centre at Hamble Point Marina, Southampton. There is an exam fee of £76 which is paid directly to the RYA.