RYA Marine VHF SRC — Online Course + Exam Package

The RYA Marine Radio Short Range Certificate (SRC) Online Course + Exam Package provides a comprehensive learning and certification pathway for anyone looking to operate a VHF radio with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) on board. When you purchase the course, you gain access to the official RYA Marine Radio SRC online modules, the RYA VHF Handbook (eBook), and a pre-exam online assessment to test your knowledge. The package also includes the official RYA SRC practical and paper-based exam, covering familiarisation with training radios, supervision of the paper exam, a practical assessment using DSC-equipped VHF sets, and submission of your certificate application to the RYA. The online study component typically takes 8–10 hours, the pre-exam assessment about 20–40 minutes, and the face-to-face exam session usually lasts 1.5–2 hours. You must complete the online course and pass the pre-exam assessment before arranging the in-person exam.

The exam itself is conducted by an independent RYA SRC Assessor in Madrid, Valencia, or Dénia, and includes ID verification, a written paper on procedures, channels, distress/urgency/safety communications, and GMDSS basics, as well as a practical assessment covering distress, urgency, safety, routine communications, DSC calls, and essential radio setup functions. Candidates must bring a government-issued photo ID, a passport-style photo for certification, and pre-exam assessment confirmation. Eligibility requires candidates to be at least 16 years old on the exam day, and any nationality may take the UK RYA/MCA SRC exam, though compliance with your vessel’s flag-state regulations is your responsibility. The syllabus covers routine VHF operation, correct channel use, distress/urgency/safety procedures, inter-ship and ship-to-shore communication, practical DSC use, GMDSS overview, and associated alerting devices like EPIRB and SART. The online course is compatible with PC, Mac, tablets, and most modern browsers, requiring internet access, JavaScript, and audio capabilities, making it flexible and accessible for learners before scheduling the assessor-led exam.