Description
The RYA Marine Radio Short Range Certificate (SRC) is the minimum legal qualification required to operate marine VHF radio equipment on a UK-flagged vessel, including sets with Digital Selective Calling (DSC). A RYA VHF handbook will be sent to you to support you in completing the online course.
This online RYA Interactive course lets you complete all the training from home and at your own pace, before attending a short, in-person exam at an RYA Recognised Training Centre to gain your certificate.
Who is this course for?
Ideal for:
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Skippers and crew of sailing yachts, motor cruisers and RIBs
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PWC users, safety boat drivers and support boat crew
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Anyone responsible for a fixed or handheld marine VHF set
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Those working towards qualifications such as RYA Powerboat, Day Skipper or Yachtmaster, where an SRC is required or strongly recommended.
No previous radio experience is needed.
What you’ll learn
Using realistic on-screen radio simulators and interactive scenarios, you’ll cover:
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How marine VHF and DSC work – controls, channels and correct radio etiquette
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Distress, urgency and safety calls – Mayday, Pan Pan and Sécurité, including DSC alerts and follow-up voice procedures
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Routine communications – calling marinas, harbour authorities, ships and other small craft
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Digital Selective Calling (DSC) – making individual, group and distress calls
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GMDSS overview – how VHF/DSC fits into the wider Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
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Other safety systems – EPIRBs, PLBs, SARTs and NAVTEX and when they’re used
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Best practice and legal responsibilities for VHF operators
By the end of the course you’ll know what to say, when to say it, and which buttons to press – whether you’re making a routine berth request or dealing with a genuine emergency.
How the online course works
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Official RYA Interactive eLearning – the recognised online route to the SRC exam
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Study on PC, Mac or compatible tablet via the RYA’s online platform
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Learn in your own time – most students take around 6–8 hours to complete the course
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Pause, replay and review modules as often as you like
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Built-in knowledge checks and a practice/mock assessment so you know when you’re ready
The RYA SRC exam & certificate
To gain the actual RYA Marine Radio Short Range Certificate, you must sit a face-to-face SRC exam with an RYA examiner after completing the online course.
The exam includes:
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A short written theory paper, and
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A practical assessment using real or simulated VHF/DSC radios.
Key points:
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Minimum age 16 on the day of the exam (no upper age limit, and no minimum age for taking the online course itself).
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The exam fee is payable directly to the RYA (currently £76 – set nationally by the RYA and subject to change).
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You can usually choose to sit the exam at the centre that supplied your course, or any RYA Recognised Training Centre offering SRC exams.
What’s included
When you book the online RYA SRC course you typically receive:
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Access to the RYA Interactive SRC eLearning course
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The official RYA VHF handbook or digital/eBook equivalent
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Online radio simulators and interactive exercises
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Ongoing support from an RYA-qualified SRC instructor by email/phone
Please note: The RYA SRC exam and exam fee (£76.00) are separate and are not included in the online course price, but can be added as an additional item at checkout.
Prerequisites
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No prior radio experience required
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Basic boating knowledge is helpful but not essential
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Suitable device and internet connection that meets RYA Interactive compatibility requirements (check before booking)
Marine Pro Academy Policy on data sharing with the RYA
