RYA VHF Marine Radio
Short Range Certificate
1-day Classroom Course
You must do this RYA course and pass the practical exam to get your VHF radio operators licence. To use a fixed or handheld VHF marine band radio it is a legal requirement to have the qualification. Your licence is then valid for life.
Your course pack includes the RYA's "VHF Radio Handbook". The final qualifying exam will be held on the same day. Please note, there is a separate exam & certification fee of £60 payable to the RYA.
If you hold a pre-1999 license you need to update to the new VHF Short Range Certificate. There have been many significant changes since then. Contact us if you have any questions.
Scroll to the bottom of the page to book
In a hurry? You can do the radio course online
There are two steps to gaining your VHF radio operator licence.
Step 1. Study the course content: either Online or on a 1-day classroom course
Step 2. Complete the practical exam, in person, at a training centre.
Pre-course Study
The Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) requires candidates to do 3 hours pre-course study before attending the classroom course. You'll receive your course pack by post once payment is confirmed. You'll also have access to our free quiz & top tips for the practical exam.
Final Exam
This takes place at the end of the day's tuition. There's a multiple choice question paper and a short practical assessment, which involves making different kinds of DSC calls.
TOP TIP - Familiarise yourself with our ICOM Radio
Take all the stress out of the final practical assessment. It's so much easier if you familiarise yourself with the menu structure of the radio you'll use in the exam before you come. VHF radios are not as intuitive as mobile phones. Worth a few minutes of your time!
Sending a Routine Alert by DSC
Manually enter another boat's MMSI number
Manually entering a position - (It's much easier to have your radio permanently connected to GPS!)
FAQs:
| Date | Time | Places Left |
|
Sunday 13th October |
9.30 | 8 |
Click here for course joining instructions
"I'd like to thank Deirdre for putting me at ease during the exam yesterday... She helped allay my unnecessary nervousness." - Ian
"Taught in your usual calm, quiet fashion. It is only on reflection that I appreciate how much I learnt during that one day course." - Stephen
"The ability to practise with a live radio set. John's engaging way of teaching. Informal & interactive nature of course great - John made the subject interesting!"
"Course content & pace were excellent, John explained everything clearly & clarified any queries. An enjoyable day. I feel more confident because of the practical radio use."
"Informal & Friendly. The best bit was passing the final assessment!"
"Mr. John Parlane is the complete professional in ability & knowledge, teaching style second to none!"