RYA VHF Short Range Certificate
You need a Short Range Certificate (SRC) to operate a VHF radio. The marine VHF radio is an essential piece of safety equipment and remains one of the most effective methods that the small craft skipper has to call for assistance. This course provides all the theoretical knowledge and procedures to operate a VHF radio. Some sea-going experience is desirable but no pre-course knowledge is required. In our classroom courses we use live VHF radios rather than simulators to make the experience as real as it possibly can be. We also offer an online course so you can do the course in your own time at your pace, you will still have instructor support to help you through the course.
Following successful course completion you will need to attend for the SRC assessment to get your licence to operate a VHF radio. This happens at the end of the classroom course, for online courses, students can contact us to arrange a convenient date and time on successfully completing the online course.
Some syllabus headings
Types of VHF communication, VHF radios, using digital selective calling, phonetic alphabet, procedures, using the controls, other radio safety aids, global distress and safety system.
Course outcome – proficiency with the VHF Radio and its protocols. Following the separate assessment successful students will be sent the Short Range Certificate by the RYA, the issuing body, on behalf of the Marine and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
Classroom Based Course
We teach this course on two part-days over one weekend, typically 10am to 4pm on the Saturday and 10am to 1pm on the Sunday, which will be immediately followed by an official RYA assessment, should you choose (see SRC assessment registration process below). The cost of the classroom course is £95. Following your enrolment on the course we will send you an advance study pack with a guidance note from the instructor (2 hours pre-reading is normally required).
The next course will be on the 2nd – 3rd March 2024 at Staunton Harold Sailing Club, Calke Road, Melbourne, Derbyshire, DE73 8DL
Application Form VHF SRC Classroom – click here
Note : COVID restrictions hopefully the risk of any COVID restrictions will be minimal. Should we have to cancel we will offer a full refund, transfer you to the online course or rebook the classroom course to a later date.
If you need an SRC certificate earlier than the available classroom course then please have a look at doing the online course and arrange an individual assessment through us.
Online Course
The online Marine Radio SRC course is designed for your PC, Mac or tablet. Before purchasing the course check the compatibility information below and watch the RYA web based taster course here RYA Course Taster
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:
- 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
- Android tablet running 4.1 minimum using Google Chrome.
For the online course, we normally provide a voucher for the SRC eBook. Please try the taster version of the eBook to check that your device is compatible and that you are happy with the content before committing to using an eBook. You can download a Taster using the RYA Books app (install instructions below), note we will order your ebook voucher as part of the SRC online course so do not need to buy the book directly from the RYA. The voucher will not work with the Apple Books or Google Play Books but will work within the RYA apps on these products. If you would prefer a paper version of the book that is still an option but will take longer to provide, the following link provides information on the eBook-Devices
Book on the online course – £75
Once you have had a go at the taster sessions and you are happy to proceed please contact us to book your online course. We will email you an ebook voucher code, your username and password so you can start the course straight away. Please note if you book over the weekend/bank holiday you will get your ebook, username and password on the next working day. If you would rather have the printed book it will have to be ordered and posted to you so there will be a delay.
If you opt for this online course you must still attend an assessment session in person as this is not available online. There is no rush, you can book the assessment through us when you are ready, after completing the online course.
Application Form VHF SRC online – click here
SRC – VHF Radio Assessment
If you wish to be assessed for the Certificate following the course you are now required to register your details with the RYA and make payment (currently £70) prior to taking the assessment exam-payments-page. The RYA will provide you with a uniquely numbered application form which will show proof of payment to bring to the assessment.
What do students say about this course?
“Got more than just the handbook, advice on real application very useful. Really enjoyed the course” – Vicky
“Great course, excellent instructor” – Ross
“Our tutor had an excellent teaching manner and came across as extremely competent and knowledgeable, imparting this knowledge well” – David