RYA VHF Marine Radio Short Range Certificate (SRC) – classroom 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.
Most candidates complete an RYA SRC course (either a classroom or an online course) prior to taking the SRC exam. Most training centres organise the exam to be sat on the same day as the SRC classroom course. An external examiner must conduct the exam following a taught course.
The SRC course may be taken in a classroom or online through an RYA Recognised Training Centre. There is no age limit for taking the SRC course although exam candidates must be 16 years old on the day of the exam.
Course subjects include:
- routine operation of marine VHF radio including Digital Selective Calling
- 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 classroom course and exam?
The classroom-based course takes 7 hours. The written exam and practical assessment lasts about 2 hours., and usually follows the course. There is a requirement for students to also undertake 3 hours of pre-course study, set by Broadside Sailing.
Start and Finish Times: 0900 – 1800
Course Duration: 7 hours
Exam Duration: 2 hours
Venue:
Broadside Sailing, Broadside Vale Road, Thurton, Norwich. NR14 6AP
Maximum Student : Instructor Ratio 12:1 (usually 3 or 4 students)
Included in the classroom course price:
- RYA SRC Course Pack. Includes RYA VHF Handbook G31 (choose book or e-book on the booking form)
- Broadside Sailing SRC Course Notes
Additional Costs:
A list of recommended and optional publications and navigation instruments is available on the forms page of the website.
Please seek advice from Broadside Sailing about any available products.
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.
You must present one of the following eligibility documents:
– evidence of completing an RYA SRC training course through an RYA Recognised Training Centre*,
or
– an RYA Restricted VHF certificate,
or
– a suitable aviation GMDSS radio operator’s certificate
Maximum Student : Instructor Ratio
12:1
(Usually 3 or 4 students)
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)
Fees:
For current prices, please see our prices page.
Please enquire about discounts for groups.
The course fee includes the exam entry fee, but not the certificate fee (see below)
(payable to A P Royall)
Certificate Fee
For the current certificate fee, please see our prices page.
Pay RYA on line before the exam, or to Broadside sailing with your Course Fee.
(phone payment to the RYA is possible, with an added admin fee.)
What to Bring:
A4 paper, pen, packed lunch
Eligibility document (see above in “Eligibility”)
Passport photograph. (This must not be cut from a larger group photo.)
You must bring a form of photo ID after June 19th 2023, e,g. Passport or Driving Licence.
Personalised Application form, printable when you have paid the exam fee.
Tea and Coffee:
provided
Further Information:
phone Andy on: 01508 480088
e-mail: andy@broadsidesailing.co.uk
Information from the RYA:
RYA SRC applications phone number 02380 604158 – An RYA charge is applicable
