Marine Radio SRC Course and Exam

A course and exam for anyone who owns a fixed or handheld marine VHF radio. A radio is an important piece of safety equipment on board and it is vital to understand the correct procedures. The Short Range Certificate is the minimum qualification required by law to control the operation of VHF and VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipment on any British flagged vessel voluntarily fitted with a radio either fixed or hand held.

Course information

Minimum age:

16

Prior experience:

none

Course duration:

10 hours plus exam time. This will include 2 hours of pre course work.

Course will start at 830 in the morning and finish at 1730. Exams will take place at the end of the day.

Content:

  • Background information on the GMDSS system and its equipment and licensing requirements

  • Radio rules and regulations

  • Operation of marine VHF equipment including DSC functions

  • The phonetic alphabet

  • Basic radio language and protocols including pro words such as over, say again, out etc.

  • Correct use of the various channels

  • How to make calls to other stations

  • How to send a Distress Alert and Distress Message (Mayday)

  • How to send an urgency alert and a safety call

This is a classroom based course including practical elements.

Course materials

You will be provided with the RYA SRC marine radio handbook. This book will be posted to you prior to the start of your course.

Exam information

The Exam fee is £70 and this is paid directly to the RYA here.

Once you've paid, please bring your receipt email/exam application form with you.

If you are just taking the exam with us and not the course, a charge £30 on top of the RYA Exam Fee will be applied. Please contact us at heidi@wfyc.co.uk to organise your exam only.

The exam includes both a written paper and practical assessment. Should you feel you need additional support with this please contact us in advance.

What to bring

Handbook- posted to you in advance

completed pre course work- posted to you in advance

proof of exam fee payment

exam application form

passport sized photo

photographic ID

Pen and paper

Food and drink- please check the clubs bar and catering opening times