MARINE VHF SRC RADIO OPERATORS COURSE AND LICENSE

Glasgow City Boats run the rya marine vhf src radio operators course which then enables you to get your license. Please see the questions and answers relating to RYA SRC Glasgow City Boats course.

What is the SRC VHF license?

The short range certificate SRC / very high frequency VHF radios are the radios used in the marine world. Most boats will have a marine vhf radio and it is a legal requirement to hold an operators license to use a radio. Aside from the legal aspect it is beneficial for everyone if you know how to use all the functions on the marine radio properly. 

How do I get a Vhf radio license?

You can obtain a vhf radio operators license by 2 methods:

1. Complete our online src vhf interactive course. Takes approx 6 hours to complete online. 
2. Attend one of our classroom src vhf courses. Takes approx 8 hours in the classroom. 

*Note: Quickest way is to do the online course. Most hands on way is to attend the classroom course at our training centre in Glasgow as you have a physical training radio infant of you and a highly experienced instructor and assessor that will answer all questions. 

Do I need to sit an exam?

Yes. After you complete the online src vhf course or the classroom src vhf then you will be ready to take the src exam.

The src vhf exam consists of a 30 minute written paper then a 30 minute practical exam by one of our src vhf assessors in Glasgow.

Is the exam difficult?

The exam is straight forward and we will prepare you 100% for the exam so you are confident and ready to take the SRC exam. Our students exam pass rates are over 98%!

Do I legally  need a license?

Yes. You legally need a src / vhf operators license to operate a marine src / vhf radio.

How long does the license last for?

Once obtained the license does not expire.

How do I book?

1. Online src vhf course can be purchased here: 
2. Classroom src vhf courses can be booked here:  

What does the course format / schedule look like?

We usually start 0930 in the morning, with a discussion as to why everyone is here sharing experiences. Then we dive straight into the vhf using it, speaking on the radio, making mistakes in a classroom environment. We use training vhf radio sets so mistakes can be made. 

Once we have completed the training we practice for the exam. Once everyone is at a good standard the independent assessor will attend and begin the exam. It is not as scary as it sounds!

Chartering a yacht?

If you are chartering a yacht abroad especially Croatia holding a vhf license is usually a requirement of the charter. Please make sure you attend the training and exam at least 6 – 8 weeks prior to your charter. In busy summer time periods the license can take 4 – 6 – 8 weeks to be issued by the RYA. Fast track is available but comes with an additional price. See Rya website for up to date information on fast track pricing. 

Why choose Glasgow City Boats?

At Glasgow City Boats all our instructors are current serving Merchant Navy or Royal Navy officers. We hold GMDSS GOC radio licenses the highest marine communications qualifications available. We feel this provides the best training and coaching possible.