RYA VHF Radio (SRC)

This course can be attended at one of our training centres in either Kinlochleven in the Scottish Highlands or at James Watt Dock Marina in Greenock, just west of Glasgow on the Clyde Estuary.

The RYA VHF Radio Short Range Certificate (SRC) is the minimum qualification required by law to control the operation of VHF and VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipment on any British flagged vessel voluntarily fitted with a radio. This includes both fixed and hand held equipment using International channels.

We use real VHF DSC radios from Icom to Standard Horizon allowing you to have real training. The training VHF radios are professionally adapted and certified for training use.

All new VHF sets are either fitted, or can be interfaced, with DSC allowing calls to specific vessels. If you hold the ‘old’ VHF licence (pre-1999) you need to upgrade your qualification if you purchase new equipment. This can be done by attending this one-day course with an independently invigilated exam, or by completing the course online, and coming in to just sit your exam.

Course topics include:

• The basics of radio operation,

• The correct frequencies (channels) to be used,

• Distress, emergency and medical assistance procedures,

• Digital Selective Calling (DSC) using simulators,

• Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)

• Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB)

• Search and Rescue (SART)

You will be examined at the end of your course. (£70 fee applies)