RYA VHF Course

A one day course for the Short Range Certificate (SRC) to authorises the holder to operate a VHF radio fitted with Digital Selective Calling (DSC).

ABOUT THE COURSE

£150 plus exam fee

1 Day 09.30 till 18.30

Ratio: Max 10 persons

Includes VHF Handbook

A one day course for anyone who owns or uses a fixed or portable VHF set.

The Short Range Certificate is the minimum qualification required by law to control the operation of VHF and DSC equipment whether fixed or portable within the UK.

A radio is an important piece of safety equipment on board and it is vital to understand the correct procedures.

This course is followed by an exam which will follow straight after the course so the information is still fresh.

You will cover topics like:
  • routine operation of marine VHF radio including Digital Selective Calling
  • the correct VHF channels (frequencies) used 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)
During the course, you will use training radio sets and spend as much time as possible using them.

What’s the minimum age?

The minimum age is 12 years old.  12-16 year olds must be accompanied by an adult.  The end of course examination can not be taken by anyone under the age of 16.

How long is the licence valid?

Your licence will be registered with the RYA so the is always a record, there is no revalidation required.

What is the exam like?

Please do not worry – its simply a way for you to show you can operate the radio correctly .  You will be given all the information on the day for the exam.  It is a combination of a written paper and a practical assessment.

How many will be on the course?

The RYA say we can teach 12 people but we like to limit our courses to a maximum of 8 to ensure we have plenty of time to cover everything and to allow you lots of hands on time with our training VHF sets.

Do I need any prior experience?

No prior experience is needed at all.  Upon booking we will send you a course pack so you can get some reading in prior to the course.  A key area to practise is the phonetic alphabet.

Why is it a long day?

We have a lot to cover in 1 day.  In most countries this is a 3 day course.  You will be given some pre reading to help with the course flow.

  • Passport Photo for the licence
  • Lunch money or packed lunch, there are plenty of local places to get a bite
  • Notepad and pen

The RYA exam fee is £76 and is on top of the course price.  This must be paid direct to the RYA in advance of your course.  You will be sent details on how to do this in your joining pack.

Prefer an online course?

The VHF course is available online.  Work through the modules at your own pace.

 

BOOK YOUR COURSE TODAY!

Can’t find the dates you want, please send us a message and we will see what we can do

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star rating  We went out with Greg for a brilliant boat ride with our two boys (14 and 16) and we had the best time. Greg was very knowledgeable and made the... read more

Richard C
October 27, 2022

star rating  Brilliant fun. Friendly, helpful and professional. Best of all we got to see a pod of dolphins! They swam and played around the boat for ages! Wonderful experience.

R1882WBsimonr
June 23, 2022

star rating  Thank you all very much for the PWC course I found it very interesting and learnt a lot. Would highly recommend you to anyone

seansZ8238WF
September 25, 2022