Your VHF/SRC license in a day
A VHF radio is an important piece of safety equipment onboard. The RYA Marine Radio Short Range Certificate (SRC) is the minimum qualification required to operate marine VHF radio equipment and is internationally recognised. This includes both fixed and handheld equipment with and without Digital Selective Calling (DSC).
In this one-day classical RYA SRC/VHF Radio course you learn how to operate the VHF radio, to use the correct frequencies (channels) and distress, emergency & medical assistance procedures. We use real radio equipment for you to get confident and accustomed in using the various controls and DSC (Digital Selective Calling) functions.
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.
A VHF can be used by a licensed operator or under his/her supervision. It is important to note that any person operating a VHF radio without the correct certification is liable for prosecution and can have the equipment confiscated. Your VHF license has a lifetime validity.
We strongly recommend all sailors to obtain their VHF/SRC license when joining our Race or Ocean experience. The license is mandatory for those enduring the Rolex Fastnet and Rolex Middle Sea Race (OSRcat2 races).
The training will be held in Scheveningen-The Hague. Expect the one-day course to start at 9:00 hours and to finish around 17:00 hours, unless communicated otherwise. Sandwich lunch is included.
Course subjects include:
- Routine operation of marine VHF radio, including Digital Selective Calling
- Use of the correct VHF channels (frequencies) 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 (EPIRB)
- Search and Rescue Transponders (SART)
Each candidate receives an RYA instruction book and access to RYA online course to prepare themselves wel prior to the training and increase of your success rate.
