RYA VHF SRC Marine Radio
This course
The RYA Short Range Certificate (SRC) is the minimum legal qualification required to operate marine VHF and VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) radio equipment on any British-flagged vessel fitted with a fixed or handheld VHF radio. It is an essential qualification for leisure boaters, professional skippers and commercial crew.
Marine VHF radio is one of the most important safety systems carried on board, enabling communication with HM Coastguard, harbour authorities, marinas and other vessels. This course teaches the correct operating procedures and prepares candidates for the official RYA practical and written examination.
Online Course £176
Complete the theory element at your own pace using the official RYA online learning programme with full tutor support from BH Marine Academy. The practical assessment and examination are then completed in the classroom with an RYA Assessor.
Classroom Course £250
Attend a classroom-based course delivered by experienced instructors using modern VHF/DSC radio simulators. Practical exercises are combined with theory sessions to ensure candidates develop the confidence to operate marine radios safely and correctly.
Course topics include:
• Principles of marine VHF radio communication
• VHF radio controls and operation
• Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
• Distress (Mayday) procedures
• Urgency (Pan Pan) procedures
• Safety (Sécurité) broadcasts
• Routine communications
• Medical assistance procedures
• Ship-to-shore telephone calls
• Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
• Radio regulations and licensing
• Emergency communications with HM Coastguard
• Practical operation of fixed and handheld VHF radios
Required experience
Suitable for all boat owners, skippers and crew, regardless of previous mechanical knowledge.
Minimum duration
Approximately 10 hours of tuition and practical training, plus the RYA examination.
Minimum age
16 years
Content
Basics of radio operation, frequencies, distress, emergency and medical assistance procedures, making ship to shore telephone calls, Digital Selective Calling, Global Maritime Distress Safety System
Certificate issuing criteria
Successful candidates receive the RYA Short Range Certificate (SRC), the legal qualification required to operate marine VHF and VHF/DSC radio equipment on British-flagged vessels fitted with marine radio equipment.
The RYA SRC is recognised internationally and is an essential qualification for recreational boaters, commercial operators, Yachtmaster candidates and professional crew working in the maritime industry.
At BH Marine Academy, our instructors are experienced professional mariners with extensive commercial and offshore experience. Through practical training and realistic communication exercises, we ensure every student develops the confidence and competence to use marine VHF radio equipment effectively in both routine and emergency situations.
Contact BH Marine Academy by telephone or WhatsApp to book your course or to discuss your training requirements.
Format
Available online or in the classroom. The official RYA examination is always completed in person at BH Marine Academy.
