Course Overview
The RYA Marine Radio Short Range Certificate is the qualification required to operate fixed or handheld marine VHF equipment, with or without Digital Selective Calling, on a UK-flagged vessel. It is also commonly expected when chartering or skippering cruising yachts.
The training component is completed online using official RYA-developed material. After booking and payment, Phuket Sea School emails your personal course login. Once the online training and end-of-course test are complete, we arrange the required written and practical SRC examination at our Phuket base.
The course develops the judgment and correct procedure needed for routine ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore calls, urgency and distress situations, DSC alerts and wider GMDSS equipment. You do not need previous radio experience to begin.
Official RYA online learning
How the online course works
The training course is completed online using official RYA-developed content. Phuket Sea School sends your login by email and arranges the required in-person SRC examination at our Phuket base.
- 1Book the online SRC course through Phuket Sea School
- 2Receive your personal RYA course login by email
- 3Complete the online modules and end-of-course test
- 4Pay the separate £76 SRC exam fee directly to the RYA
- 5Attend the written and practical radio examination in Phuket
Online learning followed by an in-person exam
After completing the online course and its end-of-course test, you must attend an SRC exam at an RYA Recognised Training Centre. The exam includes a written theory paper and a practical assessment using marine VHF radios.
Direct payment to the RYA
SRC exam fee £76
The official SRC exam fee is separate from our course price and must be paid directly to the RYA before your in-person examination. Bring the personalised exam application form, eligibility evidence and required photograph to the assessment.
Who Is This Course For?
Anyone who operates or may need to use a fixed or handheld marine VHF radio.
Prerequisites
- No prior radio experience required
What Is Included
Included
- Access to the official RYA online SRC course
- Course login sent to you by email after booking
- RYA VHF Handbook and online learning support
- Arrangement of your in-person SRC examination in Phuket
Not included
- Travel and accommodation for any in-person session or assessment
- External examination or certification fees unless stated
- Practical-course training and yacht accommodation
Delivery dates and final inclusions are confirmed before payment. External examination or certification fees remain separate unless your written quote explicitly includes them.
Course Syllabus
- Routine operation of fixed and handheld marine VHF radios
- Digital Selective Calling and practical use of VHF/DSC equipment
- Selecting the correct channels for different types of communication
- Routine ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore and marina communications
- Distress, urgency, emergency and medical-assistance procedures
- The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
- Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons
- Search and Rescue Transponders
What you will work toward
- Use a marine VHF confidently
- Make routine, urgency and distress calls
- Prepare for the written and practical SRC examination
Course duration and examination
Allow approximately ten hours for the online training and end-of-course test. You can divide the learning into shorter sessions and return at your own pace.
- Complete the official online learning before attending the assessment
- Pay the separate SRC examination fee directly to the RYA
- Attend a written theory paper and practical radio assessment in Phuket
- Exam candidates must be at least 16 years old on the day of assessment
After payment is confirmed, Phuket Sea School creates your online access and contacts you to arrange the Phuket assessment. The separate RYA exam fee is not included in our course price.
Recommended to Bring
- A compatible computer or tablet with a reliable internet connection
- Your course login and any learning materials supplied by email
- Notebook and pen for personal notes
- Your SRC exam application, eligibility evidence, passport-sized photo and photographic ID for the Phuket assessment
Supporting Courses
Marine Radio VHF/SRC, RYA First Aid and the appropriate RYA shorebased navigation course support safe progression through the cruising scheme. We will identify any missing qualification when reviewing your enquiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the VHF course completely online?
The training content is completed online, but the SRC qualification also requires an in-person written and practical radio examination at an RYA Recognised Training Centre. We arrange this at our Phuket base.
Is the £76 RYA exam fee included?
No. The £76 SRC exam fee is separate from the Phuket Sea School course price and is paid directly to the RYA through its online exam-payment system before the assessment.
How do I receive the online course?
Once your booking and payment are confirmed, we email your personal RYA online-course login and instructions for arranging the Phuket assessment.
How long should I allow for the course and exam?
Allow around ten hours for online learning and the end-of-course test. The separate in-person assessment includes a written paper and practical radio exercises; its date and exact arrangements are agreed with the school.
Do I need previous radio experience?
No. The course starts with the fundamentals and develops the procedures needed for routine, urgency and distress communications. Candidates must, however, be at least 16 on the day of the SRC exam.