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RYA Marine Radio (SRC/VHF) Course with Sailing School Malta

Published on 4 January 2026

The RYA Marine Radio (SRC/VHF) course is one of the most important qualifications for anyone planning to go sailing or charter a yacht. It teaches essential skills in marine communication and equips students with the internationally recognised Short Range Certificate (SRC), which is legally required to operate VHF radio equipment on most yachts worldwide. Proper knowledge of marine radio communication is critical for safety, navigation, and efficient onboard operations.

At Sailing School Malta, the RYA Marine Radio (SRC/VHF) course is delivered in a flexible format. The theoretical portion is mostly online, allowing students to study at their own pace. Once the theory is complete, students attend a practical exam in Malta with a qualified RYA examiner. This approach provides both convenience and high-quality instruction while ensuring that all students gain hands-on experience and confidence in operating a marine VHF radio.

Why the RYA Marine Radio (SRC/VHF) Course is Essential

Marine VHF radios are one of the most critical tools onboard any vessel. They are the primary means of communicating with other boats, marinas, harbours, and emergency services. Understanding how to operate these radios safely and effectively is not only a legal requirement for chartering in many countries but also a key factor in ensuring the safety of all crew members at sea.

The SRC certificate demonstrates that a sailor understands radio procedures, digital selective calling (DSC), distress signalling, and marine communication etiquette. This certification is highly regarded by charter companies, professional skippers, and maritime authorities.

Who Should Take This Course?

Charter sailors planning to rent yachts in Malta or abroad
Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper, or Yachtmaster candidates
Crew members who want to contribute to onboard safety
Anyone looking to improve their maritime communication knowledge
Experienced sailors seeking to refresh their VHF skills and legal compliance

No prior experience with radios is required. The course is designed to guide beginners from understanding the very basics to confidently handling real-world communication scenarios at sea.

Course Content – What You’ll Learn

The RYA Marine Radio (SRC/VHF) course covers an extensive range of topics to prepare students for both practical and legal requirements:

Routine VHF Operation: Learn how to make calls to other vessels, marinas, and coast stations professionally and correctly.
Digital Selective Calling (DSC): Understand DSC functionality for automated distress alerts, position reporting, and secure communication setup.
VHF Channel Usage: Which channels to use for safety, distress, and routine communications, including the emergency channel 16.
Distress, Urgency & Safety Procedures: How to issue MAYDAY, PAN-PAN, and SECURITE messages, including real-life scenarios for quick and accurate response.
Ship-to-Shore Communication: Learn correct procedures to communicate with harbours, ports, marinas, and coast guard stations.
GMDSS Awareness: Introduction to the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System and its relevance to marine VHF operation.
Emergency Beacons & Equipment: Overview of EPIRBs, SARTs, and other emergency equipment commonly used onboard.
Legal Requirements: Understanding international regulations and requirements for SRC certification and radio operation at sea.
Practical Scenario Training: Students participate in simulated emergency and routine communication exercises, building real-world confidence.

Course Format – How It Works

Online Learning Modules: Theoretical lessons covering all aspects of marine radio communication, available to complete at your own pace.
Interactive Quizzes: Reinforce understanding of essential procedures and emergency scenarios.
Practical Assessment: Conducted in Malta by an RYA-qualified examiner, covering both written and practical radio exercises.
Certification: Successful students receive the internationally recognised RYA Short Range Certificate, valid for life.

Students typically complete the online theory in 1–2 days, followed by a practical exam lasting around 30–40 minutes.

Why Students Choose This Course at Sailing School Malta

Students consistently praise the RYA Marine Radio course at Sailing School Malta for its flexible online format, high-quality instruction, and practical focus. Participants report feeling more confident at sea, knowing that they can communicate effectively in emergencies, routine situations, and while chartering. The course is also valued for its efficiency — the combination of online theory and short practical exam maximises learning while minimising time away from work or holidays.

The course also provides students with transferable skills for other RYA certifications, making it an essential stepping stone for anyone aiming to progress from Competent Crew to Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper, or Yachtmaster levels.

Integration with Other RYA Courses

The RYA Marine Radio certificate complements many other sailing courses, helping students develop a complete skill set:

Supports Day Skipper Courses and ensures students can communicate confidently when chartering.
Enhances Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Training, where effective radio use is a critical skill.
Improves safety for Competent Crew participants, who often handle radio duties onboard.

Student Benefits and Testimonials

Students highlight the following benefits after completing the RYA Marine Radio course:

Confidence in handling all VHF communications and emergencies
Preparedness for charter requirements in Malta and internationally
Improved teamwork and communication skills on board
Ability to respond to simulated emergencies quickly and effectively
Peace of mind knowing they are fully certified and compliant with maritime law

Many students also report that learning radio communication boosts their overall sailing confidence and allows them to focus more on navigation, manoeuvres, and enjoying time on the water.

How to Prepare for the Course

Ensure access to a computer or tablet for the online theory modules.
Set aside time for quizzes and review of practical exercises.
Familiarise yourself with basic maritime terminology before the practical exam.
Stay attentive during practical assessment and apply the procedures learned online.

Book Your RYA Marine Radio (SRC/VHF) Training

RYA Marine Radio (SRC/VHF)