RYA VHF Radio Course

VHF Radio courses are essential for everyone aged 16 or older who wishes to control the operation of a VHF Radio on any British vessel voluntarily fitted with a VHF Radio or VHF DSC Radio! A VHF Radio is an essential item of safety kit and thus taking a VHF radio course to ensure that you know how to use it is key.

It is somewhat ironic that to helm a high powered powerboat or yacht in the UK you don’t need any form of licence or qualification, yet to use its VHF radio you need a licence for the set and to sit an exam to gain your Radio Operators Certificate/Licence.

What Does The Training Involve?

This is a one day training course and simply tends to be known as the VHF Course. The course/exam leads to the new Short Range Certificate (SRC) and covers the new Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS Course ). The VHF Radio exam is conducted on the same day as the course. Duck-2-Water will arrange for a RYA VHF Radio examiner to attend. The SRC certificate is issued by the RYA at a later date.

It covers everything you need to know about operating a radio including how to use the right frequencies, procedures for emergencies, Digital Selective Calling (DSC), Search and Rescue (SART), Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).

Unlike most other RYA sea schools we do not use unrealistic computer simulators, but have invested in a full set of DSC radios (with the transmitters removed). This means you are learning on real and state of the art equipment. Our classroom is fitted with real ICOM DSC radio sets.

What Will I Receive Afterwards?

After taking the course and passing the exam, you will receive the new Short Range Certificate (SRC), issued by the RYA up to 21 working days later depending on what option is selected. The RYA do offer a fast track option for an additional fee.

The Short Range Certificate is the minimum qualification that is required by law if you want to operate VHF and DSC equipment on a British flagged vessel that has been voluntarily fitted with a radio, including both handheld sets and fixed sets.

Do I Need Previous Experience?

You do not need any previous experience to take the RYA VHF Marine Radio (SRC) Short Range Certificate Course, and it is suitable for complete beginners.

Why Should I Take the Course with Duck-2-Water?

Unlike most other RYA sea schools, we do not use unrealistic computer simulators. Instead, we have invested in a full set of DSC radios (with the transmitters removed). This means you are learning on real and state-of-the-art equipment.

We also provide qualified instructors who provide friendly and engaging instruction, and because courses are small, you get the attention you need.

Additional VHF SRC Radio courses can be scheduled for groups of 3 or more.

Where Is the Course Held?

Scheduled VHF Radio courses are held at Ocean Village Marina  Southampton SO14 3XB UK (near Shamrock Quay Marina & Ocean Quay Marina) and in the Solent area. The VHF Radio Course is near London and very commutable.

If you have a group (Minimum of 8 people) from your boat club, marina, boat crew or just friends then we can travel to your area and provide a VHF course to suit your schedule. Please contact us for further information.

How Long Will It Take to Complete The Course?

This is a short course that only takes one day to complete, including the VHF exam.