GMDSS RYA Short Range Certificate (SRC)

WHAT IS THE RYA SRC SHORT RANGE CERTIFICATE?

The RYA SRC (VHF Radio) course is the shortest of the four GMDSS Certificates and is aimed at skippers and crew of small craft operating in inshore and coastal regions. It is the most common radio certificate for leisure boaters. You can join the SRC Course in the classroom or take the RYA SRC Course online, The materials covered are the same, so pick the method of study that suits you best. Both versions of the course require you to follow up with a face to face RYA SRC Exam, (which can be taken at our centre). If you book the classroom course the exam is run back to back the same day, if you book the online course then we will arrange an exam when you are ready.

View Dates

WHAT DOES THE RYA SHORT RANGE CERTIFICATE (SRC) QUALIFY ME TO DO?

This radio operator qualification authorises the holder to operate a VHF (Very High Frequency) marine radio with or without Digital Selective Calling (DSC) on board any British vessel that is voluntarily fitted with radio equipment.  It is the VHF licence for leisure and commercial craft under 24m. This qualification is a legal requirement for marine VHF users throughout the world and is recognised across the globe. The training also provides essential knowledge and practice on how to call for assistance if you were in trouble at sea.

HOW LONG IS THE RYA SHORT RANGE CERTIFICATE COURSE?

• RYA SRC Course Classroom Option – One day: 0915 to 1645 plus a 40-90 minute exam at the end of the day
• RYA SRC Course Online Option- The course takes 5 – 8 hours to complete online. Having completed the online course, you will then need to take the SRC exam. This cannot be completed online and must be carried out at an RYA Centre.

WHAT ARE THE RYA SHORT RANGE CERTIFICATE PRE REQUISITES?

• Minimum age 16 (under 16s can enjoy the course but are not eligible for the exam)
• Read the RYA SRC handbook before the course, (included in your course fee)
• Learn the phonetic alphabet
• Bring a passport photo
• If you choose the online course option you must have access to a PC, Mac or iPad

WHAT IS COVERED ON THE RYA SHORT RANGE CERTIFICATE COURSE?

The classroom course is taught using our range of 18 live DSC and Navtex sets. You can expect to practice on modern Icom, Simrad or Silva DSC radios and Nasa and ICS Navtex sets during your course. We believe in making the “theory” as practical as possible. The course covers;

• VHF Voice Procedures
• VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
• Distress, Urgency, Safety and Routine Calling
• Ship to ship, ship to shore and group calling
• Sea Area A1
• Navtex
• EPIRBs
• SARTs

This certificate is the minimum qualification required to operate a marine VHF Radio.

INCLUDED

RYA SRC COURSE CLASSOOM BASED OPTION

• Use of our Icom, Simrad, Silva or Standard Horizon live VHF / DSC simulators
• Use of our live NASA Navtex receivers
• A full day of training
• RYA VHF Handbook (see below)
• Free (on street) parking
• Tea & Coffee

RYA SRC COURSE ONLINE COURSE OPTION

• Personal login and access to the RYA Interactive site
• RYA VHF Handbook (see below)
• Unlimited email support from our experienced Instructors

SRC COURSE MATERIALS FOR BOTH OPTIONS

You will receive a copy of the RYA VHF Handbook E-Book included included in your course fee to allow pre reading. We send you a code to download this content as an E-book. In order to read the E-book you will require a compatible device. You can download the free RYA book App now and check that it works on your device. http://www.rya.org.uk/shop/Pages/eBook-Devices.aspx

If you would prefer a printed book, you must tell us at the time of booking and pay for postage & packing, (£7 within the UK, £14 for rest of Europe, £21 for rest of world). 

NOT INCLUDED

• RYA SRC Exam Fee (payable to the RYA)
• Lunch

WHAT IS THE TEACHING RATIO FOR THE RYA SHORT RANGE CERTIFICATE COURSE?

The RYA require centres to provide one training radio for every three students and allows up-to 12 students per course. We smash that ratio by provide in each student with their own live training radio for the day so you get more “hands on” time and are better prepared foe the exam.  The class size can be as low as 2 students and can be up-to 12, however most courses run with 2-6 students.

HOW LONG DOES THE RYA SHORT RANGE CERTIFICATE (VHF LICENCE) LAST?

The RYA Short Range Certificate is valid for life and covers marine VHF and DSC for Class D (leisure) equipment.

1 MINUTE 45 SECOND TASTER OF THE ONLINE VERSION:

RYA SHORT RANGE CERTIFICATE ONLINE COURSE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

BOOKING THE RYA SHORT RANGE CERTIFICATE SRC COURSE:

FACE TO FACE SRC COURSE

Select a date below. 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.

ONLINE SRC COURSE

Select the “online courses” tab below. All online courses are scheduled for January, regardless of the date you book so you can  ignore the date listed.

WHICH COUNTRIES ACCEPT THE RYA SHORT RANGE CERTIFICATE (SRC)?

Our SRC certificate is written into statue law in all CEPT countries. as an alternative to their own qualification

• A – All of the European Union, Aland Islands, Albania, Andorra, Azerbaijani
• B – Belaus, Bosnia & Herzegovina
• G – Georgia
• I – Iceland
• L – Lichtenstein
• M – Moldova, Monaca, Montenegro
• N – North Macedonia, Norway
• R – Russia Federation
• S – San Marina, Serbia (Rep.), Switzerland
• T – Turkey
• U – Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
• V – Vatican

The SRC is also accepted in lots of non CEPT countries including;

• Antigua
• Barbados
• Cuba
• Jamaica
• South Africa
• St. Lucia
• United States of America

If a country is not on the above two lists it is likely they will still accept the SRC informally, however there are a couple of exceptions.