RYA VHF Radio Course
Starting from: £149 + £76 licence fee
Safe & Secure Checkout
The RYA VHF course teaches you how to use a VHF Radio. You need to take this course before you can take a VHF Radio Assessment. Upon successful completion of the assessment, you will be issued with a VHF Radio License. It is a legal requirement that someone on board has a license. Our RYA VHF courses are in Southampton / Solent and London. The VHF Radio course includes how to use radio in routine communications plus when in distress, urgency, and safety situations.
- RYA VHF course in either London or Southampton
- Legal requirement that someone has a VHF license
- Learn essential skills for routine and emergency communications
Safe & Secure Checkout
Great Instructors
I have completed several courses with First Class Sailing - Competent Crew, Day Skipper, VHF Radio. All have been excellent from start to finish with great instructors, thorough teaching and amazing service.
James B
Verified Customer
The RYA VHF Radio Course (Short Range Certificate - SRC) is a one-day training designed to teach you how to properly operate a VHF radio, covering everything from calling marinas to sending Mayday or PanPan distress signals. The course also includes Digital Selective Calling (DSC), which allows you to call the Coast Guard and other yachts electronically, as well as the traditional voice communication methods.
You can take the RYA VHF Radio Course in either Southampton (Solent) or London, depending on your location. If these locations are not convenient, we also offer the award-winning course online.
This course equips you with the necessary skills to pass the VHF Radio Assessment and obtain your VHF Radio Licence (or SRC), which is a legal requirement whenever a VHF radio is onboard. Many charter companies, including those in the Mediterranean, require this qualification before you can charter a yacht, so it’s essential to get certified.
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More Info on the RYA VHF Radio course
Different locations: For your convenience, the RYA VHF Radio course is offered in both London and Southampton, making it easy to find a location that suits you best.
Friendly experienced instructors: Learn from the best with our team of friendly and experienced instructors. With a wealth of knowledge and a passion for teaching, our instructors are dedicated to creating a supportive and enjoyable learning environment for students of all skill levels.
VHF Licence (or Short Range Certificate): At the end of your course, you will need to take the VHF Assessment. This is usually done on the same day, but sometimes the day after. Once you have your VHF licence, there is no expiry date.
Key Course Details
Here’s a breakdown of the most important information about the RYA VHF Radio course:
Required Experience
- There are no prerequisites in taking the RYA VHF Radio Course.
Course Duration
- The VHF Radio course is a 1 day affair. Either in Southampton or London
- Plus the assessment
Course Content
- How to use a VHF Radio including how to send a Mayday or Pan Pan
- Plus how to callup marinas and friends on other yachts
Skills Gained
- Learn how to initiate alerts for distress situations, urgent situations, safety situations and routine communications
- Confidence in speaking on the radio
- Following the VHF course you must take an assessment to get the SRC VHF License
Get Started In 3 Easy Steps
We make learning VHF Radio communications and preparing for your VHF Radio Assessment easy.
Select A Date
Choose an upcoming date that suits you.
Take The Course
You'll learn what you need to know to pass the VHF Radio license assessment.
Operate a radio
With your newfound knowledge, you'll sound like a seasoned pro over the airwaves. Plus you will know what to do to call for help or how to relay messages for other people that need help.
RYA VHF Radio -
Complete Breakdown
How to get a VHF Radio Licence
There is a two-step process to get a VHF Radio Licence, (Short Range Certificate SRC) you must:
Step 1- Attend and successfully complete this 1 day VHF Radio Course. Courses are in London or Southampton. The course can also be taken online. Have a look here for the online version of the VHF Course.
Step 2 - On completion of the course you will be eligible to take the VHF Radio Assessment. Also offered in London or Southampton, this is taken separately to the VHF Course. It cannot be taken online. You are assessed with others and the whole process including the admin involved takes about 3 hours. (Don’t worry – you are not grilled for 3 whole hours!).
You do not have to book the assessment at the same time as booking a course.
RYA VHF radio course online
If you opt for the online course, you must still attend an assessment session in person. You cannot take the assessment online.
There is some pre course reading for the VHF marine radio course and we will send you either an e-book or a hardcopy on the post about 5 days before the course. We will also email you some notes as soon as you book a course.
We run courses (and assessments) in at various locations in London and in our own designated classrooms in Shamrock Quay in Southampton..
Unless booking a course that includes a same day assessment you need to book an assessment separately and can view dates here.
In addition to the course and assessment cost there is a £76 licencing fee payable to the RYA.
It can take up to 21 days to receive your VHF (SRC) Radio Licence from the RYA. If you pay an additional fee the RYA will turn it around for you in 48 hours. (Very useful if you are chartering a yacht imminently!)
There is no age limit to take the course. You must be 16 years or over to take the VHF Assessment.
If you opt for the online version of the VHF Radio course you must still attend an assessment session in person. You cannot take the assessment online.
If there is demand at your workplace we can run a VHF Course and assessment over 3 or 4 evenings or a weekend. If you would like us to hold a VHF Radio course for you at your office or home do get in touch with us.
If you hold the 'old' VHF licence (pre -1999) or a UK aviation radio licence you will still need to take this course.
What Sailors Say About Us
5.0 based on 561 Happy Customers On Tripadvisor 
5.0 based on 323 Happy Customers On Google Reviews
Excellent Courses
I have completed competent crew, theory/practice day skipper and VHF courses with First Class Sailing. All were conducted to the highest standard, with excellent very experienced instructors. Easy booking online, plus friendly and efficient office support when needed. Will use First Class Sailing again.
Alexander E, UK
Verified Customer
First Class Sailing on the Solent
Competent Crew and VHF certificates all passed thanks to First Class Sailing. Very good tutors happy to answer lots of questions and managed to make it fun too. 5 days sailing on the Solent, learning lots about sailing but also the history and wildlife around us.
Trish S
Verified Customer
More Confident
We used first class sailing to do our VHF course and exam. Good prework and content on the course day. I feel much more confident using the radio now.
Would recommend
Kate H
Verified Customer
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Frequently Asked Questions
Need more info? Look no further.
Ready to get your VHF Radio Licence
Take the course and then assessment to get your VHF licence
- Learn in a classroom with other students
- Friendly and knowledgeable instructor
- VHF Radio Classes and Assessments in Southampton or London
Great for VHF Certification
Did our VHF certificate with First Class Sailing, Dave the instructor was great, it's a lot of material to get through in just one day but he kept us on track, he was relaxed and friendly but also very professional and efficient.
Tom D
Verified Customer
Ready to get your VHF Radio Licence
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