Classroom VHF-SRC Radio Training Course
This one-day course is a must-have for anyone with a VHF set onboard or who uses handheld VHF equipment.
The Short Range Certificate (SRC) is the minimum legal qualification required to operate a VHF radiotelephone (including Digital Selective Calling – DSC) on any British-flagged vessel fitted with radio equipment.
Whether you’re a skipper or part of a regular crew, this course gives you the confidence and competence to communicate effectively in routine and emergency situations.
- 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 training radios
- Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
- Emergency Position Indicating Beacons (EPIRBs)
- AIS-SART (Search and Rescue Transmitter) and RADAR-SART (Search and Rescue Transponders)
No prior experience is necessary.
👥 Who is it for? Ideal for small boat skippers and regular crew members who want to stay safe and compliant on the water.
9am-4:30pm with approximately 45 mins for lunch
Exams are conducted after the course by a separate VHF-SRC Assessor,
- The written assessment will take about 20/30 minutes and the practical assessment will take between an hour and two hours.
- This means we expect a typical combined course/assessment to start at 9am and finish between 6pm and 7pm.
Minimum Duration: 1 day including exams
Minimum age 12 years old however you must be 16 years old to take the exam.
Classroom Course: The course operates with a maximum of 12 students per instructor – although our courses usually run with 6 – 8 students.
Exams: Exams are conducted for a maximum of 4 candidates
The RYA VHF Handbook is supplied for both the classroom and online course.
Delegates are given a choice of receiving the printed book or an e-book.
E-books include animations, videos and interactive tools and are accessible through the RYA Books App. For more details see: https://www.rya.org.uk/shop/ebook-info/epacks
Our range of VHF Radio Training Tips guidance and videos have been developed by our expert instructors to offer some great bite size help and guidance. If you operate a VHF Radio afloat you are legally required to hold a VHF License.
In order to complete the course and exam in the same day it is a requirement that you complete the minimum 3 hours of pre-course learning / reading.
Please see the file link below for details on the pre-course reading and activities that you will need to complete prior to attend your course.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD: VHF-SRC Radio Course – Pre course reading and activities
There will be a short knowledge check at the beginning of the course to cover the pre-course learning elements. Delegates who have not completed their 3 hours pre-course learning will not be able to attend the course.
