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Mayday — Distress Call
The full Mayday procedure including DSC alert activation and voice distress call.
RYA Certificate
Earn Your RYA Short Range Certificate
2-day course with on-site exam · Genuine VHF radio sets · Internationally recognised
Duration: 2 days (including exam)
About This Course
The Marine SRC (Short Range Certificate) is the internationally recognised qualification for operating VHF DSC radio equipment on recreational vessels. This 2-day course follows Royal Yachting Association procedures and is conducted using genuine VHF radio sets — not simulator software. The practical and theoretical examination is administered at the end of the course.
What You Will Learn
- VHF radio operation and correct channel selection
- DSC — Digital Selective Calling: distress, urgency, and routine calls
- Distress, urgency and safety procedures
- GMDSS — Global Maritime Distress and Safety System overview
- Phonetic alphabet and pro-words
- Maritime English communication standards
- Licence requirements and international regulations
Who Is This Course For?
Any recreational sailor or motor cruiser owner who uses or intends to use a VHF radio on board. The SRC is also required for charter yacht skippers. No prior radio experience is required, but participants must have at least school-level English.
Real Equipment — No Simulators
Every student trains on genuine VHF radios. You will call, receive, and operate the exact equipment used at sea. This hands-on approach builds real confidence and muscle memory that computer simulations cannot replicate.
The Exam On-Site
- The exam is administered by an RYA Assessor.
- In the practical exam you will compose routine and distress messages and transmit them in English via VHF radio.
- The key DSC functions are tested.
- The phonetic alphabet is tested.
- The written exam lasts 30 minutes with 16 questions.
- Most questions are multiple choice.
After Passing the Exam
- Your SRC applications are sent the next day to the RYA in England.
- The RYA processes your application and produces an A5-format SRC certificate.
- The RYA sends your SRC certificate by post to the address you provided.
- RYA delivery time is approximately 3 to 5 weeks.
Listen to Radio Messages
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Pan Pan — Urgency Call
The Pan Pan urgency signal for a serious but not immediately life-threatening situation.
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Securité — Safety Call
A Securité safety announcement broadcasting a navigational hazard to all vessels.
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Port Entry Request
Calling a port or harbour authority to request entry permission.
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Marina Berthing Request
Contacting a marina on working channel to arrange a berth.
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Weather Information Request
Requesting a weather forecast from a coast guard or maritime station.
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Vessel to Vessel Communication
Standard radio procedure for calling and communicating with another vessel.
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Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
Communicating with VTS when entering or transiting a controlled waterway.
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Radio Check
Performing a radio check to confirm your equipment is operating correctly.
Course Photos
What Our Students Say
"Excellent course — very practical and well structured. I felt confident operating the radio by the end of day two. The instructor is clearly very knowledgeable and makes the content engaging."