In order to use a marine radio it is a legal requirement that the operator holds a valid VHF radio operator's certificate.
If the vessel is fitted with a modern, GMDSS VHF DSC radio then the operator must hold a Short Range Certificate. If the vessel is fitted with a non-GMDSS radio then the older, pre-September 2000 VHF certificate will suffice. If you do not have a valid operator's licence, or you hold a VHF only certificate but intend using a VHF DSC radio, you must seek training.
For those with no VHF operator license the full Short Range Certificate (SRC) is the course to take. It is generally available as a one day course but some radio training establishments offer it over 2 days, simply because there is a lot to pack into 8 hours. If you hold the old VHF certificate you can upgrade to the SRC with a short upgrade course.
Due to the large amount of study material needed to get through the SRC and the tight time constraints of the one-day course, it is advisable to do some pre-reading on the subject, particularly with a view to learning the phonetic alphabet and getting a feel for what VHF DSC radio is all about.
Sue Fletcher's book Reed's VHF DSC Handbook is the RYA's recommended text on the subject and covers every aspect of the SRC and in addition, is an excellent on board reference for using your VHF radio.
If you wish to take the SRC we recommend you book a course with our affiliated radio training school RT Training. RT Training offers SRC and LRC (Long Range Certificate) training to mariners in a dedicated classroom equipped with the latest radio equipment, so you get plenty of hands-on practice.
Weather is the number one consideration when embarking on any boating so it is vital to have a weather forecast before you set off. Below are a number of good weather sources that are available free of charge via the Internet.
Although we aim to keep the list up-to-date if there is a source that you know to be good, but which is not included in the list, perhaps you might like to drop us an e-mail telling us about it.
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