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SRC/VHF Course — Marine Communication Radio

Marine radio (VHF – Very High Frequency) is the most basic and essential communication tool at sea, during both routine sailing and emergencies. We use the VHF system to maintain ongoing contact with marinas, ports, other vessels and shore stations, and it serves as our primary line of communication in any emergency or distress situation.

What You Will Learn

  • Theory & Channels: the theoretical foundation of the various communication tools and the main marine communication channels.
  • Advanced Systems: the tools and systems found on board, including DSC, AIS, EPIRB, NAVTEX and more.
  • Speech Procedures: the exact speech protocols for routine operations alongside the official distress protocol (Mayday / Pan-Pan).
  • Emergency & Crew Management: how to behave, what to do in distress situations, and how to effectively manage the crew in real time.
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Course Details

Duration: 8 hours minimum, divided into two sessions.
Capacity: 4 to 12 participants per group.
Private course: €480 + an additional €110 per person for the certificate (available for up to 4 people).

costs

Costs for a Group Course

Course price per person: €120
Assessment & certificate fee: €110

Passing the test is a mandatory condition for receiving the radio certificate and the official skipper license.

Course at a Glance

Who the course is for

Every sailor and crew member who sails at sea and wants — or is required — to operate a marine radio system (VHF/DSC). No previous sea experience is required.

Course duration

8 instructional hours, across two sessions.

Training platform

This is not a course on a specific vessel but on the marine communication systems (VHF, DSC, NAVTEX, EPIRB, AIS) installed on every vessel, motor or sail.

Licence / certificate awarded

An SRC certificate (Short Range Certificate) — a marine radio station operator licence, issued by ISSA. This is a communications-equipment operating certificate, not a skipper licence.

Where the certificate is valid

The SRC certificate is internationally recognised for the lawful operation of VHF/DSC equipment in accordance with ITU regulations, and is required as a precondition for the international skipper licences.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. The course is open to anyone who wants to learn to operate a marine radio system, with no prior experience required.

Yes. In the Inshore Power Skipper and Inshore Sail Boat Skipper courses we deliver the SRC as a built-in part of the program, at no separate charge.

The course runs for 8 instructional hours across two sessions, in a group of 4 to 12 participants. A private course for up to 4 participants is available at a different rate.

SRC is the name of the official certificate (Short Range Certificate) confirming the ability to operate a VHF set and marine communications equipment lawfully and safely.

It is highly recommended for crew as well: in an emergency, or when the skipper is busy handling the boat, a crew member holding an SRC certificate can take over communications.