Theory - RYA VHF/DSC SRC Operators Course

Title: RYA VHF/DSC SRC (Short Range Certificate) - VHF/DSC Operators Course including GMDSS Training

Price: £89 p/p. +£30 RYA VHF licence fee (only on successful completion of course)

Duration: 7/8 hours (1 Day)

Catchment area: VHF courses serving London, Brighton and the counties of Sussex, Kent and Surrey in the South East of the UK.  About 45mins from Eastbourne's sovereign harbour and 20 minutes from Newhaven harbour and Lewes to the East.  About an hour from Croydon and Crawley, and 40 minutes from Haywards Heath and Gatwick Airport to the North.  About 45 minutes from Worthing, an hour from Littlehampton and 35 minutes from Shoreham Harbour yacht club.

Location: Neilson's modern HQ in Brighton Marina or our office on the floating pontoons depending on numbers.

Parking: Free, in the visitor car park, directly adjacent to the Neilson Offices or free in the multi storey car park

Candidates: Boat owners, coastal/offshore workers, Coastal/Yachtmaster candidates

(NB: Please bring along a passport sized photograph, a cheque made out to the RYA for £30, and something to take notes with.  Also familiarize yourself with our VHF Training Notes before the course)

Frequently asked questions:

What Does VHF, DSC and SRC actually stand for?

VHF - Very High Frequency.   DSC - Digital Selective Calling.  SRC - Short Range Certificate

Do I really need a licence to operate a VHF marine radio?

Even though skippering a powerboat or yacht in the UK requires no formal skippers licence or qualification, to use a VHF radio you DO need a licence for the VHF set itself AND ALSO a Marine Radio Operators Certificate/Licence.

What if I use a VHF radio without a VHF operator’s licence?

Operation of a VHF radio without a licence is illegal, and may lead to fines of up to £5000 and a prison sentence of up to 6 months, so this course is a must for boat owners, coastal/offshore workers and Coastal/Yachtmaster offshore candidates.

Do I need to renew my old VHF licence?

Courses previous to 2000 may not have included DSC training. Although old (pre 2000) licences are still legally valid, VHF's equipped with DSC are rapidly replacing old VHF’s so it is advisable to make sure your vhf radio training is up to date. 

Is there a VHF exam at the end of the course?

The course includes a VHF/DSC assessment which includes a practical assessment of VHF/DSC operational procedure and a multi choice section on VHF theory and GMDSS. As long as you have paid attention during the course there is no reason you won’t be able to breeze through the assessment.  An immediate re-sit is possible if you don’t get through on the first attempt.  To date SailnetUK has had a 100% pass rate!

Where will my VHF licence be valid?

VHF/ DSC Short Range Certificate (SRC) authorises the holder to operate a VHF fitted with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) on board any British and most foreign vessels, and is an internationally recognised licence.  

What is the right VHF Course to take, there seems to be so many?

This one day course tends to be referred to in many ways -

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...but don’t worry, it is all the same course!

Why choose SailnetUK’s RYA VHF/DSC SRC Operators Course when all courses follow a similar syllabus?

Many RYA Sea Schools use unrealistic computer simulators - we use genuine DSC training radios (transmitters removed obviously!). In other words, real VHF Radios fitted with DSC controllers.  We also use only multi disciplined, experienced instructors who use VHF radios in day to day operations.  We also cap our courses at a 8:1 student to instructor ratio, so you get individual attention.

Is there a fee for issuing a VHF/DSC SRC Operators Licence?

Unfortunately, we have no control over the issuing fee, it is dictated by the RYA, and is paid direct to the RYA via a £30 cheque.  However, unlike some RYA training centres, we do not charge upfront for this fee and you only pay it once you have successfully completed and passed your course.  

Are there any other hidden costs?

No.  If you book online, there are no ‘claw back’ credit card charges, VAT charges, parking fees or any other charges, which can quickly push up the price of a ‘cheap’ VHF course.  If you book over the phone however, a 2% credit card charge (not Debit Card) will still apply.

Why go to Brighton Marina to do my VHF/DSC SRC Operators Course?

Many RYA Training Centre classrooms can be draughty old rooms incompatible with a sailing environment.  At SailnetUK we use bright an airy air conditioned meeting rooms at Neilson’s modern HQ in the heart of Brighton Marina, or our office on the pontoons right next to the boats.  Brighton Marina, with its many cafe’s bars and restaurants is a great place to hang out afterwards too, and a great excuse for a weekend break from London.

Do you do group discounts, special dates, special offers or ‘on location’ training?

For groups of 4 or more, we are happy to discuss your specific needs, whether it be a VHF Course group discount rate, a date to suit you, holding the course at your dive club, boat club, marina, crew house or business.  We can arrange dedicated VHF courses for London and other city based marina businesses.  As a Brighton Berth Holder Member (BMBHA) you will get a further 10% off our already competitive price. (Only £10 joining fee!).  Special prices and special offers apply to new bookings only.

What does the course cover?

VHF communications
Controls found on marine VHF set
Channels (simplex & duplex)
VHF communication range
VHF DSC (Digital Selective Calling)
Distress, Safety and Routine Calling
MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) numbers
Ships licence and radio regulations
Voice procedures
Maydays, Pan-Pans etc.
NAVTEX
MSI (Martine Safety Information) broadcasts
Stations
Portable safety equipment
EPIRB (Emergency Positioning Indication Radio Beacons)
SARTs (Search & Rescue radar Transponders)  

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