SCR VHF COURSE

One day · Classroom or online · Includes exam · £135 + RYA exam fee £76

If you have a VHF radio on your boat — fixed or handheld — you are required by law to hold an operator’s licence. That applies whether you’re crossing the Channel or paddleboarding on an estuary with a handheld VHF clipped to your buoyancy aid.

The Short Range Certificate (SRC) is that licence. It is the minimum qualification required to legally operate VHF and DSC radio equipment on any British-flagged vessel voluntarily fitted with a radio. More importantly, it gives you the knowledge and confidence to use your radio correctly in an emergency — which is exactly when you cannot afford to get it wrong.

Course at a Glance

Duration	Approx. 10 hours plus exam time
Format	Classroom-based or online (exam always in person)
Who it’s for	Anyone who operates or plans to operate a marine VHF radio
Experience	None required
Minimum age	16
Course fee	£135 per person
Exam fee	£76, payable separately to the RYA
Certificate	RYA Short Range Certificate (SRC)

Who Is This Course For?

The SRC is a legal requirement for anyone who operates VHF radio equipment on a British-flagged vessel. This includes sailors, motorboat and powerboat skippers, RIB drivers, and anyone using a handheld VHF while kayaking, paddleboarding, or taking part in any other water sport.

It is also a prerequisite for a number of RYA practical courses and professional qualifications. If you are working towards a Coastal Skipper, Yachtmaster, or Powerboat Level 2 qualification, the SRC is a course you will need to complete.

Classroom or Online?

We offer two ways to complete the SRC course content, with the exam always taken in person at Port Hamble Marina.

Classroom

A full day of instructor-led training with hands-on use of live VHF/DSC simulators and Navtex receivers. Ideal if you prefer structured learning with direct access to an instructor and the opportunity to practise on real equipment.

Online

Complete the course content in your own time, at your own pace, via the RYA Interactive platform. You will need a PC, Mac, or iPad with an internet connection, microphone, and speakers. Once you have completed the online content, we arrange your in-person exam.

Online technical requirements: PC running Windows 10+ (Edge, Chrome, or Firefox); Mac running 10.13+ (Safari, Chrome, or Firefox); iPad running iOS 11+ (Safari); or Android tablet running 4.1+ (Chrome). JavaScript enabled, pop-ups enabled, broadband or 3G connection required.

What’s Included

Classroom

✓ Full day of training with an experienced WTS instructor

✓ Hands-on use of live VHF/DSC simulators

✓ Use of live Navtex receivers

✓ RYA VHF Handbook (G31)

✓ Free parking at Port Hamble Marina

✓ Tea and coffee throughout the day

Online

✓ Personal login and full access to the RYA Interactive online platform

✓ RYA VHF Handbook (G31)

✓ Unlimited email support from WTS instructors

Not included (either format): lunch, accommodation, or the RYA exam fee (£76, payable separately).

Before You Arrive

To get the most from your course day and be ready for the exam, please do the following before you attend:

• Read the RYA VHF Handbook (G31) — included in your course fee and sent to you in advance.

• Learn the phonetic alphabet. You will be tested on it in the exam.

• Bring a passport-sized photograph. You will need this on the day.

What You Will Learn

The SRC syllabus covers everything you need to operate marine VHF radio safely and legally, from routine calls to emergency procedures.

Radio fundamentals

• Basics of radio operation: VHF voice procedures and Digital Selective Calling (DSC).

• Marine radio frequencies: when and how to use them.

Emergency and safety communications

• Distress calls: correct procedure and priority.

• Urgency and safety calling.

• Medical assistance procedures.

Routine operations

• Ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore calls.

• Group calls and working channels.

Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)

• Sea Area A1: scope and coverage.

• Navtex: receiving weather and safety information.

• EPIRBs: function, registration, and activation.

• SARTs: how they work and when to deploy them.

The SRC Exam

The SRC exam is conducted in person at an RYA Recognised Training Centre. For classroom students, the exam takes place on the same day as the course. For online students, we arrange a separate exam date as part of the booking process.

The exam consists of a written theory paper and a practical assessment using marine VHF radio equipment.

Exam eligibility

To sit the exam, all candidates must:

• Be aged 16 or over on the day of the exam.

• Present evidence of completing an RYA SRC training course at an RYA Recognised Training Centre; or an RYA Restricted VHF Certificate; or a suitable aviation radio operator’s certificate.

• Bring a passport-sized photograph.

Exam fee

The RYA SRC exam fee is £76. This is paid directly to the RYA and is separate from the WTS course fee. There are three ways to pay:

• Online by debit or credit card (preferred): pay via the RYA online exam payment system before the exam. Print your personalised exam application form and bring it with you on the day, along with your eligibility documents and photograph. RYA online exam payments: rya.org.uk/our-services/online-exam-payments

• By cheque: download and complete the RYA application and payment form. Bring the completed form, eligibility documents, and photograph to the exam. If the cheque is not in the candidate’s name, write the candidate’s name on the back.

• Via WTS: in some cases — typically where an employer is paying — WTS can pay the RYA exam fee on your behalf and handle the associated paperwork. An additional administration charge may apply. Contact us to discuss this option.

Not sure whether your course fee includes the exam fee? Contact us at info@whitetipsailing.com and we will confirm.

Regulatory background

The RYA manages SRC training and assessment on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), in accordance with ITU Radio Regulations and CEPT SRC guidelines.

Book Your Place

The RYA SRC course runs regularly from Port Hamble Marina, with both classroom and online options available. Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.

To book or ask a question, contact us at info@whitetipsailing.com or visit whitetipsailing.com.

Want to share our page?