The RYA Marine Radio SRC course and exam is for anyone who owns or intends to use a fixed or handheld marine VHF radio.
The marine VHF radio is an important piece of safety equipment on board, and it is vital to understand the correct procedures. The ‘Short Range Certificate’ is the minimum qualification required by law to control the operation of VHF and VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipment on any British flagged vessel voluntarily fitted with a radio either fixed or handheld.
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The RYA manages SRC training and assessment on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in line with the ITU Radio Regulations and the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) SRC guidelines.
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Course content:
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The online RYA SRC/VHF Radio course teaches the basics of VHF radio operation, course topics include:
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the basics of radio operation
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the correct frequencies (channels) to be used
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distress, emergency and medical assistance procedures
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making ship to shore telephone calls
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Digital Selective Calling (DSC) using simulators
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Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
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Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB)
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Search and Rescue (SART)
Ability gained after the course: Able to operate a marine radio and know the procedures required to use it.
Duration:
· 6-8 hrs online study.
· 1-hour practical assessment once online course has been completed
· Exam take approximately 30 minutes.
Exams:
Part 1 Complete the RYA SRC/VHF Radio operator course, answer questions
Part 2 Complete practical radio operation and exam.
You will sit this exam at our training centre at Number 3 Byker Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne. We will try to arrange the exam to suit you.
Entry requirement: Minimum age of 16
Our VHF Operator’s Course is designed to be delivered online via secure connection to the RYA website, any practical training/assessment will be done in our centre using our radio simulators (ICOM-M330GE). Your final exam will also include a written test paper.
Once registered for the course, you will receive the eBook voucher, timetable for one hour practical at our centre.
Notes:
· RYA VHF Radio Online Course via the RYA website this takes roughly 6-8 hours of home study, you need to study the course and pass the questions.
· You will be given the RYA VHF Handbook (G31) to read and study its content.
· Once you have completed the online course and have passed the relevant questions, you can print your certificate.
· Your practical assessment will be at the Aquapursuits marine training centre.
· You need to have paid the full fees including the final exam cost. Currently set at £70.
Fees and exam entry:
The full cost of the course and the exam is £170. This includes £70 for the registration with RYA , resources, and a mock exam.
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