About The VHF Exam
This page provides information of the Marine VHF/DSC Short Range Certificate (SRC) Exam.
The Marine VHF Short Range Certificate (SRC) 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.
Please check out our VHF online training course which provides all of the information and links to join an on-line course
This exam consists of a 30 minute theory paper and 60 minute practical assessment at the PPSA RYA Training Centre at Neyland Yacht Haven, Pembrokeshire. 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. Please get in touch if you’d prefer to take the assessment in the morning or afternoon.
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)
Prior to attending the exam, you ar required to pay directly to the RYA here:
As part of the course fees you will receive a VHF/DSC licence application form which you must bring with you to the Assessment, you will also require a passport sized photo of yourself and your online course completion certificate
Assumed Knowledge
You will have completed the Online VHF/DSC Course
Duration
The theory paper will last no more than 30 minutes. The Practical element will last no more than 1 hour. The whole process, including administration should last no more than 2 hours
On Completion
Able to operate a marine radio and know the procedures required to use it
Course Dates
If you can’t find dates that suit you below, please get in touch with PPSA.
| Date/Time | Event | Book |
|---|---|---|
|
07/08/2026 10:00 am - 12:00 pm |
Marine VHF/DSC SRC Exam <-Book Here
PPSA, Milford Haven Pembrokeshire |
3 |
|
07/08/2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm |
Marine VHF/DSC SRC Exam <-Book Here
PPSA, Milford Haven Pembrokeshire |
3 |
|
13/09/2026 10:00 am - 12:00 pm |
Marine VHF/DSC SRC Exam <-Book Here
PPSA, Milford Haven Pembrokeshire |
3 |
|
13/09/2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm |
Marine VHF/DSC SRC Exam <-Book Here
PPSA, Milford Haven Pembrokeshire |
3 |
Accommodation
Become a member of the Royal Yachting Association, our national governing body, just click the banner to find out more and sign up. Your membership will keep you informed and up to date on everything to do with sailing and powerboating both in the UK and further afield. Membership supports the improvement and development of the national boating programs in which you are taking part. You’ll also gain access to lots of great deals through the RYA.
Click here to add your own text
