WHO REQUIRES THE LONG RANGE CERTIFICATE (LRC)?
The MCA Long Range Certificate (LRC) is required by
- Skippers and crew of yachts, lifeboats and workboats (under 24m) operating beyond VHF range (i.e. about 35 miles from a coast station). This includes;
- Blue water sailors
- Trans ocean sailors
- Oyster World Rally sailors
- ARC & World ARC sailors
- Delivery Skippers
- Commercial Yachtmaster Offshore COC holders operating in Cat 1 waters (60-150 miles from a safe haven)
- Commercial Yachtmaster Ocean COC holders operating in Cat 0 waters (beyond 150 miles from a safe haven)
- Workboat (under 24m) skippers/crew operating on vessels beyond VHF range (Areas A2, A3 and A4)
- Medics and radio operators onboard some offshore rigs
- Crew of RNLI All Weather Lifeboats
- Anyone operating a Class A VHF, MF or HR marine radio set
LONG RANGE CERTIFICATE (LRC) OVERVIEW:
The course and exam will build upon the basic skills and knowledge learnt on the RYA Short Range Certificate and will introduce Medium Frequency and High Frequency (MF&HF) marine radios. MF/HF radio is often referred to as Single Sideband (SSB). This will allow the Operator to use marine radio offshore, when beyond the limits of VHF radio. The certificate is internationally recognised.
HOW LONG IS THE LONG RANGE RANGE CERTIFICATE (LRC) COURSE?
- 4 Days with the exam taking place on day 4
WHAT ARE THE LONG RANGE CERTIFICATE (LRC) PRE REQUISITES?
- Hold the RYA SRC Short Range Certificate (Recommended)
- Learn the phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie etc.)
- Learn the Pre Course Reading we link to in your booking confirmation
- Bring 4 passport photos
- While under 16s can take the course, you must be 16 or over to take the exam and be issued the UK LRC Certificate of Competence.
WHAT IS COVERED ON THE LONG RANGE CERTIFICATE (LRC) COURSE?
The course will provide a refresher on VHF and voice procedures whilst devoting considerable time to operating in sea areas A2, A3 and A4 (MF and HF SSB). You will also become qualified to operate Class A, F& E radio equipment. (SRC is only Class D VHF). Our Instructor will prepare you for the exam which takes place on the final day.
There are three components to the exam;
- Written Paper – Radio Procedures & Regulations
- Practical Exercise – Voice and logging procedures during distress communications
- Practical Exam – Demonstrate use of the equipment
WHAT IS INCLUDED ON THE LONG RANGE CERTIFICATE (LRC) COURSE?
-
- Pre Course Reading (see booking confirmation)
- Use of our VHF / DSC slide sets (Icom)
- Use of our MF / HF DSC live sets (Icom M801, M804, GM800)
- Use of our live Navtex sets (Nasa, ICS)
- 4 days of training and exam
- GMDSS LRC Handbook/course notes
- LRC Course Completion Certificate
- Tea and coffee
- Free Parking
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED ON THE LONG RANGE CERTIFICATE (LRC) COURSE?
- Lunch
- MCA certification fee (paid directly to them after your course for the issue of the Certificate of Competence).
- LRC Satellite Endorsement (separate one day course)
WHAT RATIO IS THE GMDSS LONG RANGE CERTIFICATE (LRC) TAUGHT AT:
The MNTB and MCA set a maximum ratio of 12 LRC candidates to 1 instructor. We smash that by choosing to limit our courses to 8 students and will run the course with as few as 3 students, (or 1:1 and 2:1 for bespoke courses). Chieftain also smash the minimum kit requirements. We are unaware of any other MCA centre in the world that provides as much live GMDSS equipment for students to practice on. We do not believe in you waiting around for your turn, we ensure your time with us is well spent. By providing the best Instructors and the best kit, we maintain the best pass rate.
BOOKING THE LONG RANGE CERTIFICATE LRC COURSE:
If the dates below do not suit you, we can set up a bespoke 1:1, 2:1 or group course at a time that suits you.
LRC QUIZ
You can check your LRC knowledge at LRC Quiz.