Short Range Certificate (SRC): the marine VHF and DSC operator certificate
The Short Range Certificate (SRC) is the radio operator's certificate for using marine VHF radio and VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) on vessels that are not covered by SOLAS, mostly leisure craft, in GMDSS sea area A1. Its exam follows a harmonised European syllabus, CEPT ERC Recommendation 31-04.
What the SRC is
The SRC is an operator's certificate: it shows that the person using the radio is qualified. It is not the licence for the radio installation itself, which is a separate ship station licence. The CEPT syllabus lists the two separately under regulations.
CEPT describes the SRC as the certificate for radio personnel on non-SOLAS vessels sailing in sea area A1 that use GMDSS frequencies and techniques on a voluntary basis. Sea area A1 is the area within range of at least one VHF coast station with DSC.
CEPT recommends that administrations recognise each other's SRCs when they are issued in line with ITU Radio Regulations Resolution 343 and the Recommendation's annex. The SRC does not cover MF or HF radio: on non-SOLAS vessels that is the Long Range Certificate (LRC). Ships that must carry radio under SOLAS need the GMDSS operator certificates instead (ROC or GOC).
Who needs one
The rule comes from the administration that licenses the radio on board, so check that administration's requirements before you sail or charter.
United Kingdom: the RYA, which runs SRC training and assessment for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, calls the SRC the minimum qualification to operate marine VHF on a UK-flagged vessel. That includes a handheld VHF carried on a kayak or paddleboard.
United States: the Coast Guard's Navigation Center says the FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit applies to boaters with a VHF transceiver who travel in foreign waters, and that no test is required to apply for it. The SRC itself is issued by administrations that follow the CEPT procedure, such as the UK, so a US boater needs one only when the administration of the boat they use requires it.
What the SRC syllabus covers
The CEPT annex sets the minimum content in six parts. Each line below follows its wording, with the IALACOLREG lessons that cover the same ground.
AGeneral knowledge of maritime radiocommunications
Types of communication and stations; VHF channels, range, simplex and duplex; distress, calling and intership channels; GMDSS structure; search and rescue; Maritime Safety Information and NAVTEX.
BPractical knowledge of radio equipment
VHF controls (channel selection, dual watch, power, squelch); DSC call categories and types; MMSI and Maritime Identification Digits; antennas, connection to a position device and batteries.
CProcedures and practical operation
Sending and acknowledging a DSC distress alert, distress relays, urgency and safety announcements; protecting channels 16 and 70 and cancelling a false alert; testing; 406 MHz EPIRBs, SARTs and handheld VHF.
DRadiotelephony procedures
MAYDAY, PAN-PAN and SECURITE calls and messages; SEELONCE MAYDAY and MAYDAY RELAY; IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases; the phonetic alphabet; calling coast stations and other ships.
ERegulations for VHF communications
Lists of coast and ship stations; the operator's certificate and the ship station licence; radio record keeping; secrecy of correspondence; prohibited transmissions; watchkeeping.
FExamination requirements
Candidates must show theoretical and practical knowledge and meet any national requirements.
How the SRC exam works
CEPT: the exam is a theory test supplemented by practical tests or assessed practical training, overseen by an independent examiner. Each administration adds its own national requirements.
In the UK (RYA): the exam has a written theory paper and a practical assessment on a marine VHF radio, taken at an RYA Recognised Training Centre. The course can be taken online or in a classroom; the RYA lists it as 10 hours plus exam time. On exam day you must be at least 16 and show one of: proof of an RYA SRC course at a recognised centre, an RYA Restricted VHF certificate, or a suitable aviation radio operator's certificate. If you study online, check where and when the practical exam takes place before you book.
Fees, booking and the exact format vary by country and centre, so confirm them with the body that issues the certificate.
How IALACOLREG helps you prepare
The free GMDSS lessons and their quizzes cover the theory in parts A to E above, and the radio simulator lets you rehearse a DSC distress alert and the voice procedure on a simulated set without transmitting.
IALACOLREG is practice material, not an approved course or exam centre. It does not issue an SRC: you still need the course and exam your administration requires.
Frequently asked questions
What does SRC stand for?
Short Range Certificate: the marine radio operator's certificate for VHF and VHF DSC on non-SOLAS vessels in GMDSS sea area A1.
Is the SRC the same as a ship radio licence?
No. The SRC qualifies the operator; the ship station licence covers the radio installation. The CEPT syllabus lists them as two separate documents.
Does the SRC cover MF/HF or satellite radio?
No. The SRC is for VHF and VHF DSC. On non-SOLAS vessels, MF/HF is covered by the Long Range Certificate (LRC).
What is the minimum age for the SRC exam in the UK?
The RYA requires candidates to be at least 16 on the day of the exam.
Can I get the SRC on IALACOLREG?
No. IALACOLREG offers free lessons, quizzes and a radio simulator to prepare. The certificate is issued only after the exam set by your administration (in the UK, through an RYA Recognised Training Centre).