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.
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 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.
Suitable from age 16 and up — 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.
8 instructional hours, across two sessions.
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.
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.
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.
No. The course is open to anyone who wants to learn to operate a marine radio system, with no prior experience required.
Yes. On the Inshore Power Skipper and Inshore Sailing Yacht Skipper courses the SRC is built into the programme at no extra charge.
Eight instructional hours across two sessions, in a group of four to twelve students. A private course for up to four students is also available, priced separately.
The VHF is the radio itself. The SRC — Short Range Certificate — is the official qualification that says you can operate it, and the equipment around it such as DSC and AIS, lawfully and safely.
We recommend it strongly for crew too. In an emergency, or simply when the skipper has their hands full with the boat, a crew member with an SRC can take over the radio.
