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RYA Short Range VHF Radio Course Online

Cost£135.00
Duration4 weeks
DeliveryOnline
StartFlexible
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About this course

RYA Short Range VHF Radio Course. Study online at your own pace, then sit your written and verbal exams at South Devon College Marine Academy in Paignton.

The course covers VHF and DSC radio operation, the rules governing their use, and the procedures you need to operate marine radio legally. It typically takes around four weeks to complete. The RYA Short Range VHF Radio qualification is the minimum required by law to control VHF radio equipment on any vessel.

You'll finish with the RYA Short Range Certificate of Competence.

Who this course is for

The Short Range VHF Certificate is the minimum qualification required by law to control the operation of VHF and VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipment on any vessel fitted with a VHF radio, either fixed or hand held.This is an online course working at your own pace and location, followed by face-to-face written and verbal exams at South Devon College Marine Academy.Interested? Let us knowPlease click here to register your interest.

What you will learn

  • You'll understand how VHF and Digital Selective Calling (DSC) radio equipment works.
  • You'll learn the correct procedures for making distress, urgency, and safety calls.
  • You'll practise routine radio communication and correct use of channels.
  • You'll understand the legal requirements for operating marine VHF radio.
  • You'll learn how to use DSC controllers to send and receive digital alerts.
  • You'll know how to identify your vessel using an MMSI number.

How you will learn

You study the theory online, working through the material at your own pace. Once you're ready, you attend South Devon College Marine Academy in person for a written exam and a verbal practical assessment. Both must be passed to earn the certificate.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. South Devon College Paignton will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Skipper, legally qualified to operate VHF radio on any fitted vessel.
  • Yacht charter skipper, meets the radio licence requirement for commercial charters.
  • Sailing instructor, holds the radio certification expected for on-water teaching roles.
  • Powerboat instructor, radio competence supports work with training providers.
  • Delivery skipper, qualified to communicate on VHF during offshore passages.

What you could study next

  • RYA Day Skipper Course, the next step for those wanting to skipper a yacht independently.
  • RYA Coastal Skipper Course, builds on Day Skipper for longer offshore passages.
  • RYA Yachtmaster Offshore, the qualification recognised for professional skippering roles.
  • RYA First Aid Course, often taken alongside radio qualifications for offshore sailing.
Apply on southdevon.ac.uk →
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