The RYA Marine Radio Short Range Certificate (SRC) course teaches you how to use a marine VHF radio correctly and confidently, including both voice and Digital Selective Calling (DSC). It covers routine radio use as well as the procedures to follow in distress, urgency and safety situations.

No. You do not need any previous radio or boating experience to take the course. We will take you through the terminology, equipment and procedures from the beginning, with plenty of opportunity to practise using training radios.

The RYA syllabus requires 10 hours of training (this includes a small amount of pre course study), plus the exam. The course can be completed in the classroom or through the RYA online course. The practical exam must be completed in person at an RYA Recognised Training Centre.

The course covers: how marine VHF radio works radio channels and frequencies correct radio procedure making routine calls distress, urgency and safety calls Mayday and Pan Pan procedures Digital Selective Calling (DSC) the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) use of marine radio equipment in an emergency There is a strong practical element, with time spent using training radios rather than simply learning the theory.

Yes. Completing the training course alone does not give you the RYA Short Range Certificate. To receive the certificate you must successfully complete the RYA SRC exam. If you already hold a certificate and would just like a refresher, you would not need to sit the exam again.

The exam has two parts: a written theory paper (half hour, mostly multiple choice/short answer) a practical assessment using marine VHF and DSC radio equipment You will be expected to demonstrate that you can operate the radio correctly and use the appropriate procedures for routine and emergency communications.

The course is designed to prepare you for the assessment, and you will practise the procedures and radio operation before taking the exam. It is an assessment rather than simply a course attendance certificate, but you are not expected to arrive with previous radio experience.

You must be 16 years old or over on the day of the SRC exam.

The SRC exam is an independent RYA examination and there is a separate RYA exam fee. Please check the individual course listing to see exactly what is included in your booking and how the exam fee should be paid.

You will need the required RYA exam paperwork and evidence that you are eligible to sit the exam, together with a passport-sized colour photograph. Full details will be included in your joining instructions, so please check these carefully before attending.

Usually you must have completed an approved RYA SRC course, either in the classroom or online, before taking the exam. There are limited exceptions for people who already hold certain recognised radio operator qualifications, such as an older RYA Restricted VHF certificate. If you think this applies to you, please contact us before booking.

Yes. The RYA SRC course can be completed either in the classroom or through the RYA's online training course. If you choose the online option, you will still need to attend an RYA Recognised Training Centre in person to complete the practical and written exam.

Yes. If you operate a marine VHF radio, including a handheld VHF, you are legally required to hold the appropriate radio operator qualification. In the UK, this is normally the RYA Short Range Certificate (SRC). The SRC covers operation of both fixed and handheld marine VHF radios, including VHF DSC equipment. There are separate requirements relating to licensing the actual radio equipment, so holding an SRC does not itself licence a radio or vessel.

No. They are two different things. The RYA Short Range Certificate is an operator qualification. It shows that you are qualified to operate marine VHF and DSC equipment. The Ship Radio Licence or Ship Portable Radio Licence relates to the radio equipment itself and is issued by Ofcom. Depending on your equipment and how it is being used, you may need both.

The SRC is commonly required within the commercial maritime industry and is also required for a commercial endorsement. It is also a prerequisite for a number of higher-level RYA and commercial qualifications. If you need a radio qualification for a particular job or Certificate of Competence, check the specific requirements for that role or qualification before booking.

No. The Short Range Certificate covers marine VHF and VHF DSC equipment. If you need to operate MF, HF or other longer-range GMDSS communications equipment, you may require a higher-level radio operator qualification.

No. You do not need your own boat or radio to take the course. All of the radio equipment required for classroom training and assessment is provided.

Using the controls is only part of it. The course also covers the correct procedures, terminology, DSC operation and what to do when something goes wrong. In an emergency, knowing exactly how to make or respond to a distress call can make a significant difference. It also helps ensure that you operate the equipment lawfully. In the UK, marine VHF and VHF/DSC equipment must be operated by someone who holds the appropriate operator qualification, such as the RYA Short Range Certificate, and the radio equipment itself must be covered by the appropriate Ofcom licence. The SRC does not replace the requirement for a Ship Radio Licence or Ship Portable Radio Licence. If you already have practical experience, we will build on that during the course.

Absolutely. Inclusive and supportive training is something we are particularly proud of at Seagrass Marine. We know that people learn in different ways, and we are very happy to adapt how we teach where we can. This might include additional explanation or practice, information presented differently, extra breaks, a quieter environment, support with reading and written information, or simply taking a little more time with a particular part of the course. You do not need to have a formal diagnosis or use any particular terminology. If there is something you find difficult, something that helps you learn, or anything you are worried about, just let us know. We would much rather have that conversation and work out what will help. Where a course includes a formal RYA assessment or examination, there may be specific rules around reasonable adjustments and some arrangements may need to be agreed in advance. We will always do what we reasonably can to support you while ensuring the required assessment standard is met.