Description
Learn to use a VHF Radio with this interactive online course, developed by the RYA.
Who’s it for?
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.
Online training
- Split into modules so that you can learn at your own pace
- Expert advice and assistance from our dedicated support team
- Lots of practice scenarios
- Pre-assessment quiz to prepare you for the exam
This eLearning package can be completed online using a computer (PC or Mac), a smartphone or tablet with internet access, or using the legacy iOS app (offline).
You can access the RYA’s interactive platform using a single sign-on which enables access across multiple devices, with the opportunity to save progress and resume from another device.
(Please see additional information for full system requirements)
Please note: The RYA Interactive Platform will be undergoing a short period of scheduled maintenance in October 2020. Dates are yet to be confirmed, but the eLearning platform may be unavailable for a short period (c. 4 days) whilst essential upgrades are carried out.
Following completion of the online course, candidates will be eligible to take an exam with an RYA Assessor at any RYA Recognised SRC Exam Centre.
Course contents:
- The basics of VHF radio operation
- Common VHF Channels, and what they’re used for
- Distress and Mayday procedures
- Safety and Urgency procedures
- Digital Selective Calling (DSC) alerts and announcements
- Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
- Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB)
- Search and Rescue Transponders (SART)
Included free with your course is a copy of the G31 Marine Radio handbook, (printed hard copy, or eBook) – RRP £15.99 from the RYA
If you’d like to experience a short taster of the course, click here, or you can see the course in action in the video below:
Radio Simulator
During the course, you will have a number of practical scenarios to complete using an interactive DSC radio simulator, which emulates all of the functions that you’ll find on a fixed standard Class D Marine VHF (DSC) radio set.
SRC Exam
After completing your online training, you’ll be eligible to take your RYA VHF SRC Exam, during which you will get the opportunity to use specially adapted training Marine VHF DSC Radios which have a very limited power output, and are connected via a closed circuit. This enables candidates to perform all functions (including sending DSC Mayday alerts) without accidentally alerting nearby vessels or coordinating authorities!
At the exam centre there will be plenty of opportunity to familiarise yourself with the specially adapted radio training equipment prior to commencement of 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.
If you have any questions regarding the online course, please contact us and one of our team will be happy to advise you.
Discounts are available by arrangement for group bookings (8+), with group exams held at a venue of your choice – contact us for more info.
