A marine radio is an important piece of safety equipment on board and it is vital to understand the correct procedures. The course is for anyone who owns a fixed or handheld marine VHF radio.

The RYA VHF course takes one day to complete and is taught and examined using radio simulators. The course will require candidates to review pre-course material beforehand, which takes around three hours to study.

This is the minimum qualification required by law to control the operation of VHF and VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipment on any British flagged vessel voluntarily fitted with a radio. This includes both fixed and hand held equipment using International channels.

Pre-requisites

Pre course study completed (will be sent once course is booked)

Minimum age 16

Prior to attending the course and assessment you will need to register your details with the RYA and make the examination fee payment (www.rya.org.uk/go/SRC). Once you have done this you will be provided with a uniquely numbered and prepopulated application form which you will need to bring with you to the course as proof of payment.

Course content will include:

> The basics of radio operation
> The correct frequencies (channels) to be used
> Distress, emergency and medical assistance procedures
> Making ship to shore telephone calls
> Digital Selective Calling (DSC) using simulators
> Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
> Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB)
> Search and Rescue (SART)

The course will include an exam, which includes a short written test. On completion, candidates will receive the RYA VHF Short Range Certificate.