VHF Courses

This is a RYA VHF course online for anyone who owns or operates a fixed or hand-held marine VHF radio.

A marine radio is an important piece of safety equipment to have on board and it is vital to understand the correct operational procedures. Unnecessary radio transmissions could block out a Mayday distress call.

The Short-Range Certificate (SRC) is the minimum qualification required by law to operate a VHF radio fitted with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) on any British vessel voluntarily fitted with a radio.

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 completing this course and taking your final exam.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR RYA VHF RADIO COURSE on Saturday 23rd November 2024 

Course topics include:

  • The basics of radio operation
  • The correct frequencies (channels) to be used
  • Distress, emergency and medical assistance procedures
  • Making ship to shore telephone calls
  • Digital Selective Calling (DSC) using simulators
  • Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
  • Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB)
  • Search and Rescue (SART)

Should you wish to enroll on any of our courses, please complete our enrolment form and email to the RTYC Navigation School email at rtycnavigationschool@gmail.com.  To use our paper based VHF enrolment form please click here.