RYA VHF Radio (SRC) Course Sheffield

Practical RYA VHF training using real DSC radios with classroom instruction and examination completed in one day.

Complete course syllabus covering DSC operation, emergency procedures, radio regulations and practical operation using real equipment.

VHF Radio Training for Boaters

The RYA Short Range Certificate/Licence (SRC) is the legal qualification required for operating marine VHF radios including those fitted with Digital Selective Calling (DSC).

It is required by European charter companies and is strongly recommended for anyone sailing offshore, cruising, racing or operating powered craft.

Unlike online courses, SailNorth provides practical classroom instruction using real radios, enabling students to become familiar with the equipment they will actually use afloat.

Next classroom courses:
Sheffield • Saturdays • Approximately monthly
09:00–17:00 including the RYA assessment.

Club courses and alternative dates can also be arranged.

Telephone or message: 07771 652123

Practical Training Using Real Radios

Unlike online-only courses, SailNorth places considerable emphasis on practical operating skills. Throughout the day every student works with real fixed and handheld DSC radios rather than computer simulations.
The aim is not simply to pass the examination but to become comfortable using marine VHF equipment during routine communication, harbour approaches and emergency situations.
Every exercise is discussed as a group, allowing students to understand why procedures are used as well as how to carry them out.

Real radios are used throughout the course to build confidence with the equipment used afloat.

Students practise:

• Routine radio communication
• Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
• MAYDAY and PAN PAN procedures
• Safety broadcasts
• Correct radio phraseology
• Channel selection and operating procedures
• Radio regulations and licensing
• GMDSS awareness

The classroom environment allows students to observe demonstrations before carrying out the same procedures themselves. This develops confidence far more effectively than watching videos or using software simulators alone.

Small class sizes ensure everyone has plenty of opportunity to use the equipment and ask questions throughout the day.

Modern Electronic Safety Systems

Modern marine VHF radios are only one part of today's onboard safety equipment. During the course we explain how radio communication integrates with the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and the electronic aids now commonly carried by cruising yachts and motor boats.

Examples of the electronic safety equipment discussed during the course, including AIS, EPIRBs, PLBs, NAVTEX and other GMDSS equipment.

Topics include Digital Selective Calling (DSC), Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs), Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), NAVTEX and other systems that contribute to safe cruising and effective emergency response.

We discuss how each system complements the marine VHF radio, when it should be used, and the advantages and limitations of each device in real boating situations.

For example, sea kayakers and small boat users often operate well beyond mobile phone coverage. We compare the benefits of carrying a basic VHF radio, a DSC equipped VHF, AIS devices and compact Personal Locator Beacons capable of transmitting an emergency distress alert at the touch of a button.

The course also explains personal AIS man-overboard transmitters, EPIRBs for offshore cruising and the practical advantages of modern electronic distress flares compared with traditional pyrotechnic flares.

By understanding how these systems work together, students leave with a broader knowledge of modern marine safety rather than simply how to operate a VHF radio.

Course Completion & Booking

The RYA VHF (SRC) course is delivered in a single day, normally on selected Saturdays during the autumn and winter months. The official RYA/MCA assessment is completed at the end of the course by an independent examiner.

Because practical training is central to the course, class numbers are kept small to ensure every student has ample opportunity to use the radios and take part in the practical exercises.

Students who have completed an online theory course elsewhere may also arrange to take their practical assessment with SailNorth in Sheffield.

passage plan!

Course Information

Details; course fee: £84, plus the current RYA examiner and licence fee.  dates: availability or further information please contact enquiries@sailnorth.co.uk or telephone/message 07771 652123.

RYA VHF Radio (SRC) Course Sheffield | SailNorth