Prices
Online course
Includes WhatsApp support from our instructors
£95
Your exam
Paid to the RYA, prior to your exam
After completing the online course, you’ll attend a short in-person exam at Seaforce Powerboats.
The RYA SRC exam fee is £76 and is paid directly to the RYA.
£76
RYA Online VHF Radio Course (SRC)
Get qualified to use your marine VHF radio with the RYA Online VHF Radio Course (SRC). Study at your own pace, with 12 months’ access to RYA Interactive and friendly instructor support from Seaforce Powerboats. Once complete, attend a short practical exam in Glasgow to gain your SRC licence and use VHF/DSC radio equipment with confidence.
Only
£95 per person
Duration
1 day online
Ages
Min age 16+ to sit the exam
Quick Details
5.0 (200+ Google Reviews)
Course Details
Learn to use your marine VHF radio confidently and gain the RYA Short Range Certificate (SRC). Complete the official RYA Interactive course online at your own pace, then attend a short practical exam at Seaforce Powerboats in Glasgow.
What's Included
Friendly instructor support via WhatsApp
Use of real VHF radios during your practical exam
Hot and cold drinks when you visit for your exam
Why this course?
If you have a fixed or handheld VHF radio on board, the SRC is the essential qualification to use it correctly. You’ll learn at a time and pace that works for you, with support from our experienced instructors whenever you need it.
The course covers everyday radio use, emergency procedures and Digital Selective Calling (DSC), so you can communicate clearly and confidently on the water.
Skills gained
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Confident use of VHF and DSC radio equipment
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Clear routine, safety, urgency and distress communications
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Use of the phonetic alphabet and correct radio procedure
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Knowledge of modern search-and-rescue equipment covered by the course
Prior knowledge
No prior knowledge or experience is required to undertake this course!
Equipment for the online course
For the online course, all you need is a compatible device, internet connection and a quiet place to study. See the RYA's website for compatible devices.
What to bring for your exam
For your exam, please bring a passport-sized photograph, your printed online course completion certificate and the printed RYA exam documents.
Topics covered on the RYA Online VHF Radio Course
Learn the essential knowledge and procedures needed to operate a marine VHF/DSC radio safely and correctly.
What happens after the online course?
Once you have completed the online learning, arrange your short in-person SRC exam at Seaforce Powerboats. The assessment takes around one hour and includes written questions and practical use of real radios.
After successfully passing, you will receive your RYA Short Range Certificate - the qualification required to operate marine VHF/DSC equipment on a UK-flagged vessel.
Book your practical exam at Seaforce Powerboats
Essential Exam
Information
Everything you need to know before your short in-person RYA SRC exam at Seaforce Powerboats. Complete your online course first, then arrange a convenient exam date with us.
Location
The course will start and end at:
Seaforce Powerboats, Kelvin Harbour, 150 Pointhouse Place, Glasgow, G3 8RS
Please arrive 10 minutes early.
Next to Riverside Museum & Tall Ship. Easily accessible by walking, cycling, car, bus, train, and subway.
Parking Update ⚠️
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Riverside Museum car park capacity has been significantly reduced and spaces are now very limited due to construction work.
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We do not recommend relying on the car park.
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Please plan ahead, allow extra time, or consider alternative transport.
Before your exam
Please bring:
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A passport-sized photograph, with your name written on the back
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A printed copy of your online course completion certificate
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Your printed RYA exam application documents
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Confirmation that you have paid the separate £76 RYA exam fee
Need Help?
If you are unsure whether you are ready, or would like help arranging your exam, message us on WhatsApp. We are happy to answer questions and help you prepare.
Exam timings
Start time
Exams are usually held on weekday evenings, starting around 5:00pm or 6:00pm. We’ll confirm your exact start time when your exam is arranged.
Written paper
Allow around 30 minutes for the written paper. It consists of multiple-choice questions based on the knowledge you have covered in the online course.
Practical Assessment
You’ll use real VHF radios to demonstrate what you have learned, including routine calls and emergency procedures. The complete exam takes no longer than one hour.
FAQs
Yes. You must complete the RYA Interactive online course and bring your printed completion certificate to the exam. Alternatively, you could complete an in-person classroom course, and then sit your exam on the same day.
The full exam takes no longer than one hour, including a 30-minute multiple-choice written paper and a practical radio assessment.
The RYA SRC exam fee is £76, paid directly to the RYA. This is separate from the online course fee.
Bring a passport-sized photograph, your printed online course completion certificate and the printed RYA exam documents you receive after paying the exam fee.
You’ll use real VHF radios and show that you can make routine, safety and distress communications correctly. Your examiner will guide you through the process and wants you to feel comfortable.
Yes. Contact us once you have completed the online course and we’ll arrange a suitable weekday evening exam date.
No. The online course is designed for beginners, and you will have covered everything needed before attending the exam.
You have 12 months’ access to RYA Interactive from the date your account is created.
The RYA will process and issue your Short Range Certificate (SRC), allowing you to operate marine VHF/DSC radio equipment.
You must be at least 16 years old on the day of your SRC exam.
Book the RYA Online VHF Radio Course (SRC) now
Learn to operate your marine VHF/DSC radio safely, confidently and correctly. Complete the official RYA Interactive course online at your own pace, with 12 months’ access and friendly support from Seaforce Powerboats. When you’re ready, take your short practical exam with us in Glasgow to gain your SRC licence.
What to Do After RYA VHF Radio
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