A course on operating VHF radios, including training in DSC and GMDSS—upon successful completion, you will be able to operate all modern marine radios. The license is valid for life; renewal is optional, not mandatory.
Our SRC (VHF Radio Operator) courses place a strong emphasis on the practical operation of radio stations and mastering the correct communication procedures and protocols, from routine communication to emergency distress calls. The course also includes training on GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) and DSC (Digital Selective Calling), allowing you to operate all modern marine radios you may encounter on your voyages. Fully functional marine radio stations are available for students throughout the course. Courses are taught in English by Slovak or Czech instructors. Radio communication is conducted almost entirely in English, so at least a basic understanding of English is required.
The exam typically takes place the day after the course, but you can schedule it for any available date. The exam consists of a written theory test and a practical oral exam.
The RYA SRC certificate, issued upon successful completion of the exam, is fully compliant with International Telecommunication Union (ITU) regulations and has international, lifetime validity.
The online version of this course includes a realistic radio simulator, recordings of actual transmissions, and interactive modules that you can access anytime, for as long as you need. The learning pace is entirely up to you—this is not a live instructor-led session via webcam. However, the exam must be taken in person, and we will do our best to accommodate your preferred schedule.
It is not issued for a limited period, so there is nothing to renew. Refreshing your knowledge is an option, not an obligation.
The online course is self-paced and includes a radio simulator and recordings of real calls. The in-person course takes one day, with a working marine radio in front of you the whole time. The exam is in person either way.
The exam costs 76 GBP and is taken in person. You can sit it as part of a scheduled course or by individual arrangement with one of the examiners – we will put you in touch.
The RYA course is taught hands-on with training radios and covers DSC and GMDSS, so you can operate any modern marine radio. The RYA SRC is not issued for a limited period, and the course (not the exam) can be done online from anywhere.
At least the basics. The course is led by a Slovak or Czech instructor, but radio communication is almost entirely in English.
12 for the course, 16 for the exam.