RYA Marine Radio SRC Course
Guide price
Starting price from £130
Who is this course for
Anyone who owns a fixed or handheld marine VHF radio.
About Course
A radio is an important piece of safety equipment to have onboard and it is vital to understand the correct procedures. Unnecessary transmissions could block out a Mayday distress call. The Short Range Certificate is the minimum qualification required by law to control the operation of VHF and VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipment on any vessel voluntarily fitted with a radio. This includes both fixed and hand held equipment using International channels.
The course can be completed in the classroom with four hours of pre study, or the course can be completed online. Once you complete the course, if in the classroom the exam can be taken straight after or you can book another exam date, please look at the exam tab for dates available.
The VHF exam fee is £76. This can be paid to us or directly to the RYA.
Course Content
- The basics of radio operation
- The correct frequencies (channels) to be used
- Distress, emergency and medical assistance procedures
- Making ship to shore telephone calls
- Digital Selective Calling (DSC) using simulators
- Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
- Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB)
- Search and Rescue (SART)
Course Objectives
Learn how to safely and legally operate fixed or handheld marine VHF/DSC radios, ensuring correct procedures for routine, safety, urgency, and distress communications.
Pre requirements
There are no pre-requisites to take this course.
Duration
1 day in the classroom or roughly 10 hours of online learning.
With the addition of a 1 hour in person exam
Location
Booking
Book online from the dates on this page or call 01273 42 48 42 option 1 or email us.
If you cannot find a suitable dates please contact us.
Location
What to bring
- Pen, notepad and any materials that aid your learning
- Lunch or money for lunch
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FAQ's
How to Book
Courses can be booked directly through our website. If you’re unsure which course is right for you, our team is happy to advise.
Yes, availability is displayed on each experience page. If your preferred date isn’t shown, please contact us as we may still be able to accommodate you.
We recommend booking 4–8 weeks in advance, particularly for popular courses like RYA Day Skipper during the spring and summer season.
Course Information
No, beginners can start with RYA Competent Crew or our Learn to Sail package, which is designed for those with no previous sailing experience.
For most people, reaching RYA Day Skipper takes several months to a year, depending on availability and experience. A typical pathway includes:
- RYA Competent Crew (5 days)
- RYA Day Skipper Theory (online or classroom)
- RYA Day Skipper Practical (5 days)
Our Zero to Day Skipper Package is the fastest and most cost effective way to achieve the Day Skipper certificate.
There is no formal written exam during the practical course. Assessment is continuous and based on competence and confidence on board.
In the UK, the ICC is usually issued through the RYA. You can obtain one by:
Holding an accepted RYA qualification (such as Day Skipper) and applying to the RYA directly to convert it to an ICC, or
Passing an ICC assessment with an RYA-approved training centre
Yes. Once you hold RYA Day Skipper Practical, you can apply for an ICC without further testing.
During the RYA Competent Crew and RYA Day Skipper courses you will be expected to stay onboard for:
Part 2 (3 days) & 5 Consecutive days
The boat will visit marinas during this course, if the boat is in Brighton Marina then you are welcome to stay at home.
Our Part 1 Yacht courses and Level 1 & Level 2 courses are run as non-residential and you are not expected to stay onboard.
Any other questions
No, beginners can start with RYA Competent Crew or our Learn to Sail package, which is designed for those with no previous sailing experience.