Training Solutions
Marine Solutions
Powerboat School
Boat Charters
RYA SRC VHF-GMDSS – Online
£95.00
The RYA SRC VHF-GMDSS online course is aimed at anyone who goes out on the water with a fixed or hand-held marine VHF radio. The Short Range Certificate (SRC) itself is also a legal requirement for operators of Class D radios, which are commonly fitted to most leisure craft.
Please kindly note, the SRC is not suitable for those working on larger commercial craft, where a more advanced qualification is required. However, the SRC is generally accepted internationally for operators on British flagged boats. For operating radios on foreign craft, we recommend contacting the appropriate national authority.
Course Overview
The RYA Online SRC/VHF Radio Course uses straightforward language and descriptions to help understand important legal concepts and the maritime SRC/VHF regulations, learning how they affect you while out on the water. This course covers:
- Correct Channel Usage: Learning the correct procedures for using various channels
- Safety, Urgent, and Distress Procedures: Understanding the correct protocols for emergency situations
- GMDSS (Global Marine Distress and Safety System): Learning about GMDSS and its importance in maritime safety
- Radio Simulators: Practical training and examination using radio simulators to simulate real-life scenarios
- Legal Requirement: The SRC is the minimum qualification required by law to control VHF and VHF DSC equipment on any British flagged vessel voluntarily fitted with a radio. This includes both fixed and handheld equipment using international channels
- Safety Importance: A radio is a critical piece of safety equipment on board and it is essential to understand the correct procedures to ensure effective communication and safety
- Real-Life Situations: The course includes a wide variety of real-life situations, both routine and distress, to prepare you for actual scenarios
- Innovative Radio Simulator: The new and innovative radio simulator helps you become comfortable with handling a radio in real-life situations
- After completing the online course you will be eligible to attend the SRC/VHF exam
- Prior to sitting for the exam, you will have the opportunity to practise with the radio equipment to ensure you are well-prepared
Course Content
- 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 simulators
- Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
- Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB)
- Search and Rescue (SART)
Course Structure
The course is divided into two distinct sections:
Part 1: Online Course
- Duration: 6-8 hours
- Content: Complete the RYA SRC/VHF Radio operator course online. This part covers the theoretical aspects of using and operating VHF radios, including legal concepts, maritime SRC/VHF regulations, correct channel usage, and emergency procedures
Part 2: SRC/VHF Exam
- Duration: 1 hour
- Location: Must take place at an RYA Recognised Training School
- Options: You can sit the exam at our training facility based in Falmouth, Cornwall, or at any other RYA Registered Centre that is more convenient for you
- Preparation: If you book both the online course and the exam with us, you will have the opportunity to practise with the radio equipment and ask any questions about the radios for an hour before starting your exam at no extra charge
Examination Details
The assessment is split into two parts:
Part 1: Complete a 25 question written paper and achieve 16 or more out of 25
Part 2: Complete the practical radio operation exam
By completing this course and passing the examination, you will gain the necessary certification and skills to safely and legally operate VHF radios on your vessel.
For RYA examination fees click here.
