Twickenham Yacht Club
est. 1897
RYA Short Range Certificate (SRC)
VHF Radio Examination
Get your VHF Radio Operator Licence
The RYA Short Range Certificate (SRC) is the minimum qualification required by law to operate a marine VHF radio (including DSC-equipped radios) on UK-registered leisure vessels and is widely recognised internationally.
Who needs an SRC VHF Radio Licence?
You are likely to need an SRC licence if you:
-
Sail dinghies, yachts or keelboats fitted with a VHF radio
-
Operate a motor cruiser or powerboat
-
Charter boats in the UK or overseas
-
Crew on racing or cruising yachts
-
Use a handheld or fixed VHF radio for marine communications
-
Take part in watersports where a VHF radio is used
Having an SRC qualification ensures you understand the correct operating procedures, emergency communications and distress protocols used worldwide.
Do your exam with TYC
While we no longer run classroom SRC training courses at TYC, we are an approved RYA SRC examination centre and can help you complete the final steps toward gaining your operator licence.
What does the SRC exam involve?
The examination assesses the knowledge and practical skills you have gained during your online training.
It includes:
-
correct operation of a marine VHF radio
-
using Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
-
making routine, urgency and distress calls
-
understanding marine radio procedures
-
knowledge of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
Your RYA examiner will guide you through the assessment in a relaxed, professional environment.
How it works
1. Complete an online SRC course
We recommend that you complete an RYA-approved online SRC/VHF course at home, on your own computer, at your own pace.
TYC is not an RYA online supplier, so you will need to purchase the course from another organisation. It costs approx. £70 for a 6-8 hour course.
You can select any RYA approved online supplier to provide the course. We recommend Urban Truant - they often recommend us as a reputable SRC exam centre for those living in Southwest London.
Once you have successfully completed the online course, you will receive an SRC Course Completion Certificate.
2. Book your examination at Twickenham Yacht Club
When you have received your completion certificate, contact us to arrange your practical and written SRC examination.
The exam is conducted in person by one of our qualified RYA SRC examiners at our clubhouse.
-
One-to-one examination
-
Approximately 2 hours
-
Flexible appointment times arranged to suit you and the examiner
-
Convenient location in Twickenham, serving Southwest London
Important - before booking with us, you must have successfully completed an approved online RYA SRC course and received your SRC Course Completion Certificate
3. Examination Fee
The current RYA examination fee is £76 per person.
This fee is paid directly to the RYA, who administer the certification of the radio operator’s licence and who also arrange to pay the examiner.
Please get in touch at tyc.courses@gmail.com to arrange your exam or for any queries about the process.
Why choose TYC for your exam?
As an approved RYA examination centre, we provide a convenient way to complete your SRC qualification without waiting for a classroom course to fill.
Benefits include:
-
Qualified RYA SRC examiners
-
One-to-one examinations
-
Flexible appointment times
-
Convenient riverside location in Twickenham
-
Easy access from Richmond, Teddington, Kingston, Hounslow and Southwest London
-
Walking distance of Twickenham Rail Station
-
Friendly sailing club environment
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the examination without completing an online course?
No. Before taking the examination you must have successfully completed an RYA-approved online SRC course and received your Course Completion Certificate.
Do I have to use Urban Truant?
No. You may complete your online course with any RYA-approved online training provider. See the RYA website for further suggestions.
Is the examination practical?
Yes. The assessment includes practical operation of marine VHF equipment as well as questions covering correct radio procedures.
Where does the examination take place?
In the clubhouse at Twickenham Yacht Club, Riverside, Twickenham TW1 3DL, where one of our qualified RYA SRC examiners will conduct your assessment.