RYA Marine VHF Radio Short Range Certificate

This radio operator qualification authorises the holder to operate a VHF radio fitted with Digital Selective Calling on board any British vessel which is voluntarily fitted with radio equipment. We use fully functional Icom M505 (pictured above) and Icom M421 marine radios modified by Icom and licensed by Ofcom for training use. This course requires hands on experience and we never have more than 2 students per radio to give you plenty of opportunity to have a go.

The course runs as either an 4 week evening course 7.00 to 9.00pm or as a 1 day intensive course. A copy of the RYA VHF Radio inc GMDSS booklet is included in the course fee and will be set to you prior to the course. On successful completion of the course a cheque for £30 payable to the RYA will be required for your licence fee to be sent to the RYA with your licence application form.

Pre-course experience

No knowledge is assumed. You will be sent some pre-course reading and asked to learn the phonetic alphabet.

Course content

Use of marine radios including GMDSS. Routine, distress, urgency and safety procedures

Ability after course

Can use a marine VHF radio.

Assessment

Continuous practical assessment during the course and a 30minute assessment paper.