RYA VHF Marine Radio 

The Short Range Certificate 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 fitted with a radio either fixed or hand held. The course takes around 10 hours to study with a pre-knowledge test at the end of the course.  This is then followed up by an assessment and exam which will take place in the classroom with our Instructor. During this assessment you will get to use real radio equipment so you can become confident in using the various controls and DSC (Digital Selective Calling) functions. 

This course is a pre-requisite for candidates taking either their RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal or RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence examinations.

 Previous experience Required  

• 16 years – at the time of the exam
• No previous experience or assumed knowledge required

 Course Syllabus covers the following 

• Background information on the GMDSS system and its equipment and licensing requirements
• Radio rules and regulations
• Operation of marine VHF equipment including DSC functions
• The phonetic alphabet
• Basic radio language and protocols including pro words such as over, say again, out etc.
• Correct use of the various channels
• How to make calls to other stations
• How to send a Distress Alert and Distress Message (Mayday)
• How to send an urgency alert and a safety call
• Sit the short written exam upon successful completion of which you will be issued with the ” United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Certificate of Competence and Authority to Operate”