Marine VHF Radio (SRC) - a one-day course for anyone who operates a fixed or hand-held marine VHF radio.
This 1 day course covers all aspects of the RYA and MCA syllabus for anyone who operates a handheld or fixed marine VHF (Very High Frequency) and VHF/DSC (Digital Selective Calling) radio. It will enable you to become a competent communicator in all VHF/DSC procedures. You will receive the SRC (Short Range Certificate) on successful completion of the exam process via the RYA.
A VHF radio is an important piece of safety equipment. It is vital to understand the correct procedures to operate a marine VHF/DSC radio. The SRC is the minimum qualification required by law to operate this radio class, class D radio set.
This course is a pre requisite for a Commercial Endorsement and for candidates taking either their RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence examinations.
COMPLETED AS A CLASSROOM COURSE
Complete the course with an instructor using real radios designed for training. This is a one day training room course, with the exam process at the end of the training. We will send you the RYA VHF handbook or E-book before the course for roughly 2 to 3 hours of self-study. You then attend the one-day classroom training 0900-1630, normally followed by your exam on completion. Course dates are on the calendar otherwise contact us to discuss your options and find a mutually convenient date where possible.
COURSE HANDBOOK AND ADMINISTRATION
You will receive either the RYA VHF Handbook (G31) softback or E-book prior to the course for some pre-course reading. You will need to confirm your book preference.
The VHF SRC application form is required on the day of your exam, by the Examiner. Your joining information will include a link to the RYA website to register, pay and apply for the VHF SRC Licence Application online. There is a fixed fee for the Licence and exam process payable direct to the RYA during the application process. Remember to print off the application form and bring it along for the examiner to complete. You will also need a current passport photograph for the licence.
'OLD' VHF LICENCE
All new VHF sets are either fitted, or can be interfaced, with DSC, allowing calls to specific vessels. If you hold the ‘old’ VHF licence (pre-1999) you need to upgrade your qualification if you purchase new DSC equipment or if you are applying for a commercial endorsement. This can be done by completing the 1-day course. If you feel no tuition is required you can enter for a direct examination, but this route is not usually recommend because of knowledge gaps for the examination process.
COURSE CONTENT
- VHF Radio background, requirements, rules and regulations
- VHF Radio, Digital Selective Controller (DSC) functions and operation
- VHF voice procedures, phonetic alphabet
- Distress, urgency, safety and routine messages
- Navtex, EPIRBS and SARTs
- Practical sessions on DSC training radio
- Course exam process is practical, written and multi choice paper
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE & COURSE MATERIALS
No previous practical VHF radio experience is required prior to the course. The RYA VHF course book G31 will be sent on booking, for up to three hours of self-study prior to the 1 day course. Knowledge of the phonetic alphabet, channel allocation and distress, will be highly beneficial. Additional information will be included in the joining information. Pens and notebooks are required.
TIMINGS
The One Day Course: 0900 – 1630hrs followed by the exam process. Course completion time will depend upon the number of exam candidates on the day. We have decided to complete the course and exam in one day following your own self study, as opposed to a two day course. The Exam process is taken by an independent examiner/s and not your instructor. Please note the practical and written exam process will take a short time to complete for each person. The actual course completion time will vary for everyone depending upon course numbers. This will be the same for each centre.
EXAM & CERTIFICATION
Prior to the exam you will need to register and pay for the exam and application form. You will be sent the links otherwise they are below.
Click here for the RYA online payment portal
The exam will be arranged at the end of a full SRC day course, with other exam candidates or on a mutually convenient day at the PHSS Training Centre. We will confirm the date and time with you.
You must bring along a passport photo and the application form printed off after paying via the RYA website.
The exam process will include practical DSC radio operation and use, voice communications and a written paper. It will take approximately 60 to 90 mins to complete for each person. On the exam day you will need:
- For all candidates; The SRC Application Form, downloaded and printed off from the RYA website. This will follow £60 payment direct to the RYA for the exam and licence.
- A current passport photograph, with the applicants name clearly printed on the reverse.
The VHF SRC Licence application is sent to the RYA via your VHF Examiner on successful completion of the exam. The RYA will issue the SRC direct to you approximately three weeks after the exam.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Light refreshments tea and coffee is provided
- Lunch is available locally, or bring your own if you like
- It is a legal requirement for all VHF maritime users to have an operators certificate
- The vessel must have the appropriate radio available from Ofcom
Group bookings taken, courses can be run anywhere subject to terms and conditions, call for details.
For Additional Information
Please Tel: +44 (0) 1202 690505
Email: phss.office@btinternet.com