RYA VHF Marine Radio Short Range Certificate (SRC) – online course
The RYA Marine Radio Short Range Certificate (SRC) is the minimum qualification required to operate marine VHF radio equipment on a UK-flagged vessel.
This includes both fixed and handheld equipment with and without Digital Selective Calling (DSC). It is obtained by successfully completing an SRC exam conducted at an RYA Recognised Training Centre.
Exams can be conducted at Broadside Sailing for candidates who have taken an online SRC course with a training centre anywhere in the World.
Candidates who have taken the online course with Broadside Sailing are exempt from an attendance fee for the exam. See “Prices Page” for external candidates – those who have completed the course at a training centre other than Broadside Sailing.
The RYA requires a payment for the exam and certificate to be paid in advance. See “Prices Page”.
The SRC course may also be taken as a classroom course lasting 7 hours, plus 3 hours of self study – (see separate page).
System Requirements
The online Marine Radio SRC course is an online course for your PC, Mac or tablet. Before purchasing the course from your RYA Recognised Training Centre, we advise you to check the compatibility information below and then try the taster to make sure it will work on your device.
For this course you will need:
- Internet connection (broadband or 3G). Charges may apply for 3G
- JavaScript enabled in your web browser
- Microphone and speakers/headphones
- Pop-ups enabled
Compatible devices and operating systems:
- PC running Windows 10 minimum with the latest version of Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Firefox
- Mac running 10.13 minimum with the latest version of Safari, Google Chrome, or Firefox
- iPad running iOS11 minimum using Safari
- Android tablet running 4.1 minimum using Google Chrome.
Watch the RYA Marine Radio SRC Course Preview, below.
Course subjects include:
- routine operation of marine VHF radio including Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
- the correct VHF channels (frequencies) to be used for each type of communication
- distress, emergency and medical assistance procedures
- ship to shore communication
- practical use of Marine VHF DSC radios
- Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
- Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs)
- Search and Rescue Transponders (SARTs)
How long is the course?
Course Duration: About 10 hours
You do not have to complete the course in one sitting. You can log on and off when you wish to.
Access to the RYA Interactive Site: 1 year from purchase
(Contact Broadside Sailing before the year expires if you need to, as you will otherwise lose access to the course.)
Support from Broadside Sailing: 1 year from purchase
Included in the online course price:
- RYA VHF Handbook
- Access to the RYA SRC course for 1 year
- Support from Broadside Sailing for 1 year
Additional Costs:
A list of recommended and optional publications and navigation instruments is available on the forms page, available on the footer of all the pages on the website.
Please seek advice from Broadside Sailing about any available products.
The RYA requires a payment to be paid online in advance for the Examination and Certificate. Pay the RYA directly and print a certificate application form, or pay Broadside Sailing with your course fee. (See “Prices Page” for Details)
Eligibility:
This course is for anyone who wishes to gain authorisation to use a VHF radio, including Digital Selective Calling, at sea.
No previous experience is necessary, but some prior study will be required.
Candidates must be 16 years or older on the day of the exam.
There is no age limit for taking the SRC course – just the exam.
You must present one of the following eligibility documents:
– evidence of completing an RYA SRC training course through an RYA Recognised Training Centre, e.g. a printed pre-exam knowledge certificate
or
– a VHF (Restricted) certificate,
or
– a suitable aviation GMDSS radio operator’s certificate
The exam:
The exam is a combination of a written theory test and practical assessment in the use of Marine VHF DSC radios. Candidates must be 16 years or older on the day of the exam.
Two pairs of “Icom” VHF DSC radio simulators will be used to practice voice and DSC technique and during the practical assessment; “Icom” IC-M421 and “Icom” IC-M505.
Please click this link for more information on eligibility, arranging and paying for the SRC exam
Written Paper: (30 mins)
Practical Assessment: (up to 30 mins per candidate)
Familiarisation with the equipment and administration: (up to an hour)
Online Course Fee: See “Prices Page” for details.
Please enquire about discounts for groups.
(Pay A P Royall)
Certificate Fee: “Prices Page” for details.
Pay the RYA online before the exam,
(phone payment is possible, with an added admin fee.)
Attendance Fee – External Candidates only:
A fee is payable by candidates who completed an online course at a training centre other than Broadside Sailing. See “Prices Page” for details.
Broadside Sailing candidates are exempt from this fee.
Payable prior to the exam, by bank transfer or cash.
What to Bring to the Exam:
- A4 paper, pen.
- Eligibility document (see above in “Eligibility”)
- Passport photograph. (This must not be cut from a larger group photo.)
- Personalised Application form, printable when you have paid the exam fee.
- From June 19th 2023 you must bring a form of photo ID, e.g. a passport or driving licence.
Further Information:
Phone Andy on: 01508 480088
e-mail: andy@broadsidesailing.co.uk
Apply for this courseIT Support
If you are having difficulty accessing the interactive site please contact:
ithelpdesk@broadsidesailing.co.uk
Marine VHF Radio FAQ’s
Information from the RYA:
Download the RYA (SRC) Exam Syllabus
Visit the RYA Marine Radio (SRC) information page
RYA SRC applications phone number 02380 604158 – charge applicable to RYA
RYA Data Sharing Statement
To enable access to your online course we need to share some of your personal data with the RYA via your user profile in www.ryainteractive.org. This learning management website is hosted and maintained by a third party called Learning Pool, who will not use your personal information for any reason other than enabling your course.
Your name and email address will be entered on www.ryainteractive.org in order to create your user account. On your first access to the site, you will be asked to enter your address and date of birth. You will have access to the site for one year in order to complete your online course. During this period, your personal information will be held on the website by Learning Pool and be available to this training centre and the RYA for the purpose of managing your course.
Instructional support will be provided by Broadside Sailing for a period of one year from the date of your course booking.
On completion of your course, your name, email, date of birth and address will be transferred to the RYA’s central database for the purpose of recording details of the course and any certification you gain as a result of it. This information allows the RYA to record your certification, to update any records they may already hold about you or your qualifications and to verify your certificate if required.
After one year from the date of your enrolment on a course, your user account will be removed from www.ryainteractive.org.
Full details of how the RYA will deal with your personal information will be displayed when you first access www.ryainteractive.org.
For the duration of your access to the site, your data will be held in accordance with the RYA Interactive Data Policy, Terms and Conditions.
If you receive a digital certificate downloaded from the RYA Interactive site on completion of your course, your name, address, date of birth and certificate details will be transferred to the RYA database and held in accordance with the RYA’s Privacy Policy.
