Learn how to call for help at sea
Many flotilla and charter companies now require this radio qualification. The online course is the quickest way to get your VHF Radio Operator Certificate of Competence. Just complete the online course then book a convenient time to do the final practical exam and written paper in person at a training centre. Bay Sea School have two radio assessors so it should be fairly easy to arrange a time.
Please note: There's a separate £60 certificate fee payable to the RYA before you can attend the practical exam.
How to book the online course
Scroll to the bottom of this page to book. After you've purchased your online course, we'll send you an email with full joining instructions. Please check your spam folder for this email. It will include your username and password. Once logged in, you'll be asked to create a user profile on the RYA Interactive website. Having done that you can start your course.
We'll also send you the RYA VHF Handbook. The course is devised as self-study but should you need any help, our award-winning RYA Yachtmaster Instructor is available by email or phone.
Study the course at your own pace
You can work through the various modules as many times as you want. Part of the course includes a realistic VHF Radio simulator which lets you record and playback your radio conversations.
Do this after you've completed all the modules. You get three attempts and the pass mark is 60%.
Pre-exam certificate number
Once you've passed the online pre-exam knowledge check you'll be issued with a certificate and number. You'll need this certificate number to take the final practical exam and for the license application form.
Due to COVID 19 the final face to face exams will be conducted on a 1:1 basis with social distancing maintained at all times. The candidate will do the exam in a covered but open-air space. All equipment will be sanitised before and after use. Full safety instructions will be sent when booking a time slot for the exam.
Final practical exam
Please don't be too nervous, we really want you to do well! It usually takes between one & two hours to complete everything. The practical exam involves making the appropriate DSC call given various scenarios and following up with the correct voice call demonstrating use of all the correct radio language.
Final written paper
This is a short & mostly multiple choice paper. At the end of your online course you'll have an opportunity to do a pre-exam knowledge check to see if you're ready for this final written paper.
TOP TIP - Familiarise yourself with the ICOM Radio
The menu structure of VHF radios all differ. On your final practical exam you'll use an ICOM radio. The links below show you how to make the main DSC calls on that kind of radio. Please familiarise yourself with these procedures before you come. VHF radios are not as intuitive as mobile phones. So it's worth a few minutes of your time to learn the menu of the ICOM radio before your exam!
Sending a Routine Announcement by DSC
Manually entering another boat's MMSI number
Manually entering a position - (It's much easier to have your radio permanently connected to GPS!)
VHF Radio Update - Recent changes to the VHF Radio course
Does the online course work on your device?
The training is available as a web-based course, optimized for the latest technology & fully responsive, designed to work across the devices and operating systems listed below.
You will need:
- Internet connection (Broadband or 3G)
- Javascript enabled in your web-browser
- Microphone and speakers / headphone
- Pop-ups enabled
Minimum requirements:
- PC running Windows 10 minimum & latest version of Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Firefox.
- Mac running 10.13 minimum & latest version of Safari, Google Chrome or Firefox
- iPad running iOS 11 minimum using Safari
- Android tablet running 4.1 minimum using Google Chrome
Try the web-based taster course here
FAQs: