RYA shorebased courses - SRC VHF radio

The VHF Short Range Certificate is the qualification required by law if you operate a VHF radio fitted with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and on any European vessel voluntarily fitted with a radio. This is one-day RYA course for anyone who owns a fixed or hand-held marine radio.

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

RYA 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 Systems (GMDSS)

· Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB)

· Search and Rescue (SART)

The course will be taught using radio simulators and will by a short written test.
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 attending this one-day course.