VHF Operator’s Course plus Assessment
A VHF radio is a vital piece of safety equipment on board. To operate it requires a licence. The RYA Marine Radio Short Range Certificate (SRC) is the minimum qualification required to operate marine VHF radio equipment on a UK flagged vessel.
This course introduces you to the theory of radio communications and transmission, the law that governs the use of VHF radio, the basics of set up and tuning, how to make effective voice calls, use of DSC, the correct frequencies (channels) to be used in different circumstances, distress, emergency and medical assistance procedures, and the language of VHF communications. It also promotes good practice and correct radio procedure. It also looks at some of the other safety equipment associated with marine communications such as PLBs, SARTs and EPIRBs. Simulators are used to introduce you to using radio equipment typically found in the marine environment.
This certificate is a minimum pre-requisite for anyone taking either their RYA/MCA Yachtmaster ™Coastal or RYA/MCA Yachtmaster ™ Offshore Certificate of Competence examinations.
COURSE OUTCOMES
- On completion of the course itself, attendees must arrange to take an assessment which is in two parts – a general paper, and a practical test using the radio equipment.
- This is conducted by an external assessor.
- Successful completion will lead to the issuing of an SRC Operator’s Certificate.
- You are informed of the outcome on completion of the assessment.
DURATION
A minimum of 10 hours self-study
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
You must be 16 years of age to hold the certificate. You must have completed a suitable radio operators’ course, hold an RYA Restricted VHF Certificate, or hold a suitable aviation operators’ licence to take the assessment
COURSE SYLLABUS
- The Basics of Set Up And Tuning
- VHF Radio Laws
- How to Make Effective Voice Calls
- Correct Frequencies/Channels
- Distress, Emergency and Medical Assistance Procedures
- Good Practice and Correct Radio Procedure
- Safety equipment associated with marine communications.