Marine VHF radios are essential for safe and legal boating, whether you operate a yacht, powerboat, or personal watercraft. This course offers flexible learning options, allowing you to study online at your own pace or attend a full-day classroom session. You’ll gain the knowledge and practical skills to communicate effectively, handle distress calls, and use DSC equipment confidently.
Classroom participants spend roughly seven hours in structured tuition, covering correct radio use, legal requirements, DSC operation, and emergency procedures. Practical simulations help you practise sending and receiving distress calls, using handsets, and applying radio protocol in realistic scenarios.
Online learners progress through interactive modules at their own pace, completing exercises on radio operation, channel usage, and emergency communication. The course content ensures that you understand both the theory and practical application before taking the assessment at an RYA-approved centre. Both formats provide guidance from experienced instructors or course support, ensuring questions are answered and learning is reinforced.
Classroom courses take place at Saltmakers House, Hamble Point Marina, or Marchwood Yacht Club, both with on-site parking and easy access. Training is conducted in fully equipped classrooms with radio simulators for hands-on practice. Please use the booking form below to select which location you'd like to attend.
The online course can be completed from anywhere in the UK with a computer or tablet and reliable internet. After completing the online modules, you can book the invigilated exam at a convenient RYA centre. Guidance is provided to help learners select the best assessment option.
No prior radio experience is required. Learners should complete approximately three hours of pre-course reading (materials supplied) for classroom sessions to ensure maximum benefit. Online learners simply need a reliable internet connection and the ability to follow interactive content.
This course is suitable for complete beginners as well as those wishing to refresh existing knowledge. A basic understanding of boating is helpful but not essential.
Rob and our experienced instructors ensure every learner understands radio safety and operation clearly. Classroom sessions are interactive and practical, giving learners confidence in real-world radio communication scenarios.
Online learners benefit from flexible study, detailed instructions, and support throughout the modules, with clear guidance on completing the final assessment. The approach ensures that, whether online or in person, every student gains confidence and competence in marine VHF and DSC use.
About the centre
Hamble-le-Rice, Southampton
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Hampshire and Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
From £65
Hampshire and Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
From £365
