Marine VHF/DSC SRC Exam

Introduction

The Marine VHF/DSC SRC Exam will qualify individuals to hold the Short Range Certificate (SRC) which is the minimum qualification required by law to control the operation of VHF and VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipment on any British flagged vessel voluntarily fitted with a radio. This includes both fixed and handheld equipment using International channels.   In order to achieve the SRC, owners of VHF/DSC equipment must undertake an MCA mandated exam to follow on from the Short Range Certificate (SRC) VHF/DSC 10 hour practical course or the RYA VHF/DSC Interactive Course which can be completed on-line.

The Marine VHF/DSC SRC Exam consists of a 30 minute theory paper and 60 minute practical assessment. It will comprise of some administration and a familiarisation period on the physical equipment being used  for the exam.  In total,  you should be at the centre for no more than 2 hours.

Practical Exam topics include:

• Defining a Distress/Urgency/Safety Message
• Initiating DSC Distress/Urgency/Safety/Routine Alerts
• Transmitting a distress/Urgency/Safety/Routine message by voice using appropriate channels
• Responding to DSC alerts and routine messages and relay of distress alerts
• Use of EPIRB and SART
• Cancelling error distress messages
• Entering MMSI Individual and Group numbers
• Maintenance of a listening watch
• Use of the Phonetic Alphabet

Theory Exam topics include:

• The basics of radio operation
• The correct frequencies (channels) to be used
• Distress, emergency and medical assistance procedures
• making ship to shore telephone calls
• Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
• Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
• Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB)
• Search and Rescue Transponder (SART).

Two Step Booking Process

Step 1. Pay your VHF SRC exam fee.

This is payable directly to the RYA www.rya.org.uk/training/theory/src-exams

Step 2. Book your exam date at PPSA.

On arrival you will need to produce a proof of payment of your RYA VHF SRC Exam Fee before sitting the assessment.  If you have paid directly to the RYA at the link above you should print off the VHF Licence application with your personal details and bring it to the exam.  If  you can’t find a date that suits your requirements, please call PPSA to arrange alternatives.