Free RYA SRC/VHF Exam Prep
RYA Marine Radio Short Range Certificate (SRC/VHF)
Prepare for the RYA SRC/VHF exam without spending hundreds on expensive prep courses. Free study guides, practice questions, flashcards, and related exam resources.
Quick Facts
RYA RYA Marine Radio Certification License: Complete Roadmap
Follow this path to organize your licensing and exam preparation
Phase 1: GMDSS Equipment & Channel PlanYou are here
Master GMDSS sea areas, simplex/duplex channel allocation, specific channel duties (16, 70, 67, 80), EPIRB, SART, and NAVTEX operation.
Phase 2: Emergency DSC & Voice Calls
Learn the formatting of Mayday, Pan-Pan, and Securite alerts. Master voice distress formats, silence controls, and distress relay rules.
Phase 3: Licensing & Phonetic Spelling
Study Ofcom Ship Radio licensing, validation cycles, secrecy rules, logbooks, and spelling out vessel data via the ITU phonetic alphabet.
Can You Take the RYA SRC/VHF Exam?
Check if you meet the basic eligibility requirements
- •Candidate must be at least 16 years of age on the day of the exam
- •Provide one passport-sized photograph on the exam day
- •Pay the RYA exam fee of £76 directly to the RYA before sitting the assessment
RYA SRC/VHF Quick Facts
Time to Get Licensed
1 to 2 weeks of self-study alongside the RYA course material
From start to license in hand
Retake Policy
Candidates who do not pass either the written or practical sections may sit a retake at a later date. Retakes require submitting a new exam application form and payment of the RYA fee.
Total Cost Breakdown
Free RYA SRC/VHF Prep Tools
Reported exam pass rate: Approximately 90% for candidates who complete the RYA SRC training course.. Check the exam sponsor for the latest official figure.
100 Practice Questions
Comprehensive RYA-style marine radio questions covering voice procedures, DSC alerts, GMDSS equipment, and regulations.
Interactive Feedback
Immediate detailed explanations for correct and incorrect answers to speed up your GMDSS learning.
2026 Ready
Fully aligned with current Ofcom licensing rules, CEPT requirements, and the latest RYA VHF Handbook (G31).
100% Free Prep
Study all theory elements of the SRC exam for free before scheduling your practical assessment.
What You'll Study
5 chapters covering the exam topics in this guide
Chapter 1: GMDSS Framework & Safety Equipment
5 sections
Chapter 2: VHF Radio Technical Operation & Channel Plan
5 sections
Chapter 3: Emergency Communications & Distress Protocols
7 sections
Chapter 4: UK Regulations, Ofcom Licensing & Radio Governance
4 sections
Chapter 5: Phonetics, Terminology & Standard Marine Vocabulary
3 sections
RYA SRC/VHF Exam Details
RYA Marine Radio Short Range Certificate (SRC/VHF)
Administered by RYA / Ofcom
Exam Content Breakdown
Based on the official RYA / Ofcom content outline
Structure of GMDSS sea areas (A1-A4), functions of EPIRB (406/121.5 MHz) and SART (9 GHz radar), NAVTEX (518/490 kHz) safety broadcasts, and DSC digital paging.
Rules for simplex and duplex channels, specific channel allocations (Channel 16 voice, 70 DSC, 06 safety, 13 navigation, 80 marina), squelch adjustments, power levels (1W vs 25W), and line-of-sight range calculations.
Formatting and protocol for Mayday voice calls, Mayday Relay, Pan-Pan urgency alerts, Securite safety broadcasts, radio silence controls (Seelonce Mayday/Distress/Feenee, Prudonce), and procedural words (Over, Out, Roger, Say Again).
Rules for Ship Radio Licenses (10-year validation), Ship Portable Radio Licenses, RYA operator certification, Supreme Authority of the Master, Secrecy of Communications, radio logs, and penalties for hoax distress alerts.
ITU phonetic alphabet (Alfa to Zulu) spelling, official digit pronunciation (e.g. Ninet-er), and correct use of standard marine vocabulary.
What's Included
5 Chapters
Complete exam coverage
Practice Quizzes
With detailed explanations
Free to Start
No credit card required
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What's Next After the RYA SRC/VHF?
After passing the RYA SRC/VHF, you can pursue these career paths
Commercial Endorsement
Holders of the RYA SRC can apply for a Commercial Endorsement to work professionally on UK-flagged commercial vessels up to 24 meters in length.
RYA Yachtmaster Offshore
The SRC is a mandatory prerequisite qualification for candidates sitting the RYA Day Skipper, Yachtmaster Coastal, or Yachtmaster Offshore practical examinations.
Professional Skipper or Charter Skipper
Legally required for commercial charter captains, water taxi operators, and professional deliveries within GMDSS Sea Area A1.
RYA SRC/VHF Exam FAQ
Official RYA / Ofcom Resources
Verify information with these official sources
More Free Resources
Ready to Start Your Free RYA SRC/VHF Prep?
Review the study guide, practice key concepts, and use the free tools at your own pace.