About 10 hours total: roughly 7 hours in the classroom plus ~3 hours pre-course reading (supplied).

Saltmakers House, Hamble Point Marina, Southampton, SO31 4NB. On-site parking available.

Radio operation basics, DSC, distress/urgency/safety calls, routine ship-to-shore comms, GMDSS, EPIRB and SART essentials.

Notebook and pen, reading glasses (if used), lunch/water, and a form of photo ID for the exam.

RYA VHF Short Range Radio Certificate Online Course – essential marine radio training for boaters and skippers

RYA Certified Training Courses

RYA VHF Radio (SRC) Classroom Course

Q: Who is this course for?

Anyone who needs to operate a marine VHF/DSC radio on UK or international waters.

Q: Do I need prior radio experience?

No. No previous experience is required — just complete the 3 hours of pre-reading.

Q: Is the exam included?

The invigilated SRC exam is held after the course (typically 17:00–18:30). The RYA exam/licence fee is paid separately to the RYA/centre.

Q: What’s the minimum age?

12+ for the training day. The operator’s licence exam is 16+ (RYA rule).

Q: Does this qualify me for handheld and fixed sets?

Yes — the RYA Short Range Certificate (SRC) covers both handheld and fixed VHF/DSC radios.

Q: What time do we start and finish?

Registration 09:00–09:20, course 09:30–~17:00, then exam ~17:00–18:30.

From £79.00

Gain the qualification required to legally operate a marine VHF radio.

The RYA VHF Radio (SRC) Classroom Course is a one-day course that provides the knowledge and practical skills needed to use marine VHF and DSC radios safely and correctly.

Delivered in a classroom environment, this course includes hands-on simulator training and the official RYA assessment.

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Course Overview & What You’ll Learn

The RYA Short Range Certificate (SRC) is the minimum legal qualification required to operate a marine VHF radio.

This course covers both routine communication and emergency procedures, ensuring you can use your radio confidently and correctly in all situations.

You’ll learn how to:

Use marine VHF and DSC radios correctly
Follow standard radio procedures and channel usage
Send distress, urgency and safety calls
Communicate with coastguard, marinas and other vessels
Use Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipment
Understand the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
Use EPIRBs and SARTs
Respond to emergency and medical situations

The course combines theory, practical demonstrations and simulator training to build real confidence.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is suitable for anyone who uses or intends to use a marine VHF radio.

Ideal for:

Motorboat and yacht skippers
Crew members responsible for radio communications
Charterers using vessels with VHF radios
Commercial and leisure boaters
Anyone required an SRC for legal compliance

The course is suitable for both first-time candidates and those refreshing their knowledge.

Experience Required & Entry Requirements

No prior radio experience is required.

Requirements:

Approximately 3 hours of pre-course reading (materials provided)
Minimum age: 12 years
Minimum age for Operator’s Licence exam: 16 years

Pre-course reading ensures you gain maximum benefit from the classroom session.

Course Duration, Price & Certification

This is a one-day classroom-based course with a practical assessment.

Course details

Duration: 1 day (approximately 10 hours total)
- Around 7 hours classroom tuition
- Around 3 hours pre-course reading
Price: From £79.00
Start time: Registration 9.00–9.20am | Course starts 9.30am
Finish time: Approximately 5.00pm
Exam: Same day (additional RYA fee may apply)
Certification: RYA Short Range Certificate (SRC)

On successful completion, you’ll receive a lifetime RYA qualification recognised internationally.

Course Locations & Training Areas

This course is delivered at:

Saltmakers House, Hamble Point Marina, SO31 4NB
Marchwood Yacht Club, Maritime Avenue, Marchwood, Southampton, SO40 4AD

Both locations offer convenient access, on-site facilities and parking.

FAQs

Who is this course for?

How long is the day?

Where is it held?

Do I need prior radio experience?

Is the exam included?

What’s the minimum age?

Does this qualify me for handheld and fixed sets?

What will I learn?

What should I bring?

What time do we start and finish?

Customer Reviews

“Cloud Nine is a fantastic boat that handles the sea well-lots of power to get on the plane and kept going if you wanted it. My wife who is not the most confident boater said she wasn’t worried as the boat always felt planted to the water. Rob is a really great guy very laid back and gives you confidence going over the boat and its equipment to give you a great day out on the water.”

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Martin Gordon

“Rob skippered us and our 35ft Sailboat from Portishead to Falmouth. We encountered weather and issues on the boat which without Rob’s leadership, skill and confidence would have caused us to turn back. On the 36 hour journey Rob was consistently professional and friendly, providing coaching and friendly pointers throughout. The entire journey felt like a very easy lesson and we will benefit for many years to come from Rob’s advice and the simple standards he set aboard. Can’t thank him enough and will definitely be in touch in future!.”

Ricky Velai

“Great School, great instructors, great boat, highly recommend taking course with these guys. Instructor Ramos was a great teacher”

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