Online VHF-SRC Radio Training Course
This ONLINE 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 VHF-SRC exam is conducted face to face at an RYA Training Centre.
The Exam fee is an additional cost.
- 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.
The course is split into eight modules and is designed to teach you the required knowledge that you will need to prepare for the assessments including practice scenarios. There are various questions and activities for students to complete throughout the modules.
The time it takes students to work through the course will vary greatly, but around eight to 12 hours seems average.
Students can work through the course at their own speed. The course does not have to be completed in a single sitting – you can dip in and out as you need to.
For this course you will need:
- Internet connection (broadband or 3G). Charges may apply for 3G
- JavaScript enabled in your web browser
- Microphone and speakers/headphones
- Pop-ups enabled
Compatible devices and operating systems:
- Android tablet running 4.1 minimum using Google Chrome
- PC running Windows 10 minimum with the latest version of Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Firefox
- Mac running 10.13 minimum with the latest version of Safari, Google Chrome or Firefox
- iPad running iOS11 minimum using Safari
Minimum age 12 years old however you must be 16 years old to take the exam.
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.
