RYA VHF Marine Radio

Short Range Certificate

1-day Classroom Course

This is the training course you MUST do if you use a fixed or handheld VHF marine band radio. It's a legal requirement! Your VHF radio operator license is then valid for life.

Your course pack includes the RYA's "VHF Radio Handbook", either the paperback version, or the eBook. The final exam will be held on the same day. 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 SRC. 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 now, online   Read more

Regardless of whether you choose the online or classroom course, there are two steps to gaining your VHF radio operator license.

1. Study the course: either Online or on a 1-day classroom course
2. Complete the final written & practical exams 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 mostly multiple choice question paper and a short practical assessment which involves making different kinds of DSC alerts. 

TOP TIP - Familiarise yourself with the ICOM Radio 
Make the practical assessment easy for yourself by getting familiar with the menu structure of the ICOM radio before you come. It's the same as the one you'll use for the exam!

Sending a Routine Alert by DSC

Manually inputting another boat's MMSI number

Manually entering a position
(It's much easier to have your radio permanently connected to GPS!)

Sending a DSC distress Alert

FAQs:

I need to get the license soon. What's the quickest way?

Is there an age limit?

Although there is no age limit to do the course, the minimum age for the assessment is 16.

I have an RYA/MCA 'VHF Restricted Operator's Certificate'. Can I update it to the GMDSS Short Range Certificate?

You can buy an RYA course pack from us to refresh your knowledge and learn about the new Global Maritime Distress and Safety System. When you feel ready, contact us to arrange a direct assessment.

However, we would strongly recommend you do the course, especially if it's been a few years since you last used a VHF radio. The online course is perhaps a convenient option.

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