Findhorn Watersports
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RYA VHF/SRC Radio Course

RYA VHF/SRC Radio Course

Short Range Certificate training, in the classroom or online

  • 7 hours 30 mins
  • Ages 16+
  • Royal Findhorn Yacht Club

The RYA Short Range Certificate is a legal requirement for anyone using a VHF/DSC radio on a UK-flagged vessel. We run it two ways:

  • Classroom - a single day on site at Findhorn, 09:00 to 16:30, with the written exam and practical assessment from 16:30 to 18:30. Around three hours of pre-course study is set beforehand, and you do not need to book a separate exam session
  • Online - fully self-paced, on desktop, laptop or tablet, so you can pause, repeat sections and study in short sessions or longer blocks to suit your schedule, with access to experienced RYA instructors throughout. Once you have finished the online learning, contact us to arrange a short practical and written assessment at the centre

Either way you cover the same syllabus: routine operation of marine VHF radio including Digital Selective Calling, the correct channels for each type of communication, distress, urgency, safety and medical assistance procedures, ship-to-shore communication, hands-on practice with Marine VHF DSC training radios, the rules and regulations governing radio use, and GMDSS, EPIRBs and SARTs.

Each scheduled course below shows which format it is.

What's included
  • Tuition and course materials, in the classroom or online
  • Support from experienced RYA instructors
  • Hands-on practice with Marine VHF DSC training radios
  • Exam and assessment by an independent RYA assessor (the RYA's £76 exam fee is paid separately)
What to bring
  • Classroom: packed lunch, snacks and drinks - there are limited options nearby
  • Classroom: notebook and pen, and comfortable clothing
  • Online: nothing to bring, just a desktop, laptop or tablet
Additional details
  • Classroom - 1 day - £110 per person
  • Online - self-paced - £82 per person
  • The classroom day runs 09:00 to 16:30, with the exam and assessment 16:30 to 18:30 the same day
  • Classroom courses require approximately three hours of pre-course reading
  • For online courses, the date you select at booking is the date your course access begins
  • Online assessments are arranged with our office once you have completed the learning
  • Candidates must be 16 or over on the day of the exam
  • The SRC exam fee is £76, payable directly to the RYA and separate to the course fee
Important information
  • Candidates must be 16 years or older on the day of the exam

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2x kids booked on an RYA stage 2 course all week. They had a fantastic time despite some testing (very windy) weather conditions. I wouldn’t trust anyone else except Jane to enthuse the joy of sailing into my offspring. Will 100% be back — already planning how we can escape the hustle & bustle of normal life again before the end of the summer! The water taxi was a huge hit with our younger and older members who weren’t up for the sailing. It even came with some fantastic local tour guiding for good measure.

All in all, a great week was had by all in the most incredible surroundings with a brilliant facility, well maintained quality kit and some excellent tuition.

Oli Webster

Completed our level 1 as a group of four adults. The staff and facilities were great and they really tailored the course to meet our needs. Would definitely recommend.

Owen McDonald

Needed to cross the bay for a run between Elgin and Nairn. They agreed to take me across even though they are closed in Winter. Really helpful and great communication. Thanks guys.

Joe Dolden

My 8 year-old daughter and 2 friends just completed the Stage 1 RYA dinghy sailing course with Findhorn Watersports. I’d give them 6 stars if that was an option! Everything was spot on — good value for money, positive young staff who were great role models, and all safety & equipment side of things clearly top notch. Highly recommended.

Johannes Petersen

We had a trip on the water taxi yesterday, it’s great! Took us across to a secluded part of Culbin beach where we able to see seals. Sam who took us over was lovely, helpful and really knowledgeable. Jane, the owner is fab, very welcoming and would do anything to help. We’ll definitely be back on the water taxi again!

Jacqueline Main