RYA Marine Radio SRC is the classroom or online course that prepares you for the Short Range Certificate exam. If your boat has VHF with Digital Selective Calling, UK law expects a qualified operator on board. This course teaches the words, buttons and calm sequence behind a Mayday, not just how to turn the volume knob.
Training is roughly ten hours plus exam time. You work through routine calls, DSC alerts, medical assistance procedures and how GMDSS fits recreational boating. Simulators let you press the red button in safety until the phrasing sticks.
There is no sailing prerequisite. You must be sixteen to sit the exam. Prepare for a written paper and practical radio exam at an RYA centre after the taught course, whether you learned online or in a classroom.
The SRC course ends with a formal exam required for certification, separate from the taught hours.
Quick answers about this qualification. For anything else, use live chat or browse bookable activities below.
Find activitiesIt is the taught course and exam route to the Short Range Certificate, the legal minimum qualification to operate marine VHF with DSC on UK flagged leisure vessels fitted with radio.
Training covers voice and DSC procedures from routine calls to distress alerts.
No prior qualifications are required. Sailors, powerboaters, anglers and crew members all take SRC before responsible radio use.
Leave a comment when you book if you want a classroom course rather than online learning, or vice versa.
About ten hours of course time plus exam time. Classroom versions often fit one day; online versions spread study before a shorter exam visit.
Exam slots fill quickly in spring. Book course and exam together when possible.
Yes. The SRC assessment includes a written paper and practical simulator tasks. Both are required for certification.
Course providers coach the format, but the exam itself is formal under an RYA assessor.
Yes. RYA online SRC courses cover the theory remotely, then you attend a centre for the assessed exam on simulators.
Check adventuro listings for blended options near you.
Sixteen to sit the exam and hold the certificate. Younger crew members may listen and learn aboard, but cannot be the licensed operator.
Some families book parents first, then supervise youth on board.
Digital Selective Calling sends automated distress alerts with your MMSI and position data to other sets and coast stations. SRC training covers when to use DSC and how to follow with voice.
Modern fixed radios and many handhelds include DSC; the exam reflects that reality.
The Short Range Certificate is widely recognised for leisure boating internationally under ITU frameworks. Charter companies often ask for SRC or equivalent.
Check local licensing if you cruise outside UK waters for extended periods.
Centres arrange retakes after revision, sometimes with an additional fee. Most candidates pass on the first attempt after completing the full course.
Ask your centre about re-sit timing before you travel far for a single exam slot.
Both listings describe the RYA Short Range Certificate pathway. Centres may title courses Marine Radio SRC or VHF/DSC Radio while teaching the same standard.
Compare whether exam fees and online access are included in the price shown.
adventuro lists RYA centres offering Marine Radio SRC in classrooms and online with exam sessions. Compare dates, exam fees and whether lunch is provided on intensive days.
Leave a comment when you book if you need an exam-only re-sit after prior study.
From £ 60
London, United Kingdom
From £ 115
Hampshire and Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
From £ 130
Surrey, East and West Sussex, United Kingdom
From £ 150
Surrey, East and West Sussex, United Kingdom