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RYA Certified Training Courses

RYA VHF / Short Range Radio Certificate Classroom Course

From £99.00

The RYA VHF / Short Range Radio Certificate (SRC) Classroom Course is the essential qualification required by law for anyone operating a marine VHF radio on a British-flagged vessel. Delivered in a classroom environment, this one-day course provides structured tuition, practical radio simulations and the official RYA assessment.

Ideal for both leisure and professional boaters, the course covers correct radio operation, distress and emergency procedures, and the use of Digital Selective Calling (DSC), ensuring you can communicate clearly and legally at sea.

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The RYA Short Range Certificate is the minimum legal qualification required to operate VHF and VHF DSC radio equipment on any British-flagged vessel that is voluntarily fitted with a radio. This includes both fixed and handheld equipment using international channels.

During the course, you’ll learn:

Everything you need to operate a marine VHF radio legally and confidently is included, with expert instruction throughout the day.

  • Correct radio operating procedures and channel usage
  • Distress, urgency and safety communications
  • Ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication
  • Use of Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipment using simulators
  • Understanding of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
  • Use and purpose of EPIRBs and SARTs
  • Emergency and medical assistance procedures

 

The course combines theory, practical demonstrations and hands-on simulator use to build real confidence.

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

Ideal for:

  • Yacht and powerboat skippers
  • Crew members responsible for radio communications
  • Charterers operating vessels fitted with VHF radios
  • Commercial and leisure boaters
  • Anyone required to hold an SRC for legal compliance

 

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

No prior radio experience is required to attend the RYA VHF Classroom Course.

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.

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

Key course details

  • Duration: 1 day (approximately 10 hours total)
    • Around 7 hours classroom tuition
    • Around 3 hours pre-course reading
  • Price: From £99.00
  • Start time: Registration 9.00–9.20am | Course starts 9.30am
  • Finish time: Approximately 5.00pm
  • Exam: 5.00pm–6.30pm
  • Certification: RYA Short Range Certificate (SRC)

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

The RYA VHF Classroom Course is delivered at the following locations:

  • 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.

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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!.”
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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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Antony Clark

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