Standard course outline

RYA Marine Radio Short Range Certificate (SRC) — Royal Yachting Association (RYA)

The RYA Marine Radio Short Range Certificate (SRC) is the RYA‑awarded operator licence for VHF and VHF/DSC marine radio fitted voluntarily to UK‑flagged recreational vessels. It is a shore‑based (classroom) or online course with an assessed written and practical exam; the RYA issues the SRC on successful completion of the exam.

About this course

The RYA Marine Radio Short Range Certificate (SRC) course teaches safe and effective operation of marine VHF radios (including DSC) and leads to the RYA‑issued SRC on successful completion of the RYA SRC exam. The course is delivered either as RYA Interactive eLearning (online) or in the classroom. The SRC is the minimum qualification normally required to operate VHF/DSC equipment on a UK‑flagged vessel and is administered by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA).

What you learn

  • Understand basics of VHF radio operation and frequencies (including marine channels).
  • Recognise and follow distress, urgency and safety procedures and exchanges.
  • Operate Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and use Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) features.
  • Perform practical use of handheld and fixed VHF radios and make routine and emergency calls.

Before you start

  • No prior experience required; candidates must be at least 16 years old on the day of the exam.

Equipment

Provided

  • RYA VHF Handbook (G31) is included with the course.