The Short Range Certificate (SRC) is the international radio operator's certificate for maritime radio communication on VHF frequencies.It entitles you to operate a radio on board yachts – both privately and commercially. The radio operator's certificate is recognized worldwide and is valid for life. It is issued by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) .

The The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is the official British training organization for watersports. Its licenses – such as the SRC certificate or the RYA Yachtmaster – are internationally recognized and set the global standard for quality in maritime training.

An RYA radio course guarantees that you learn according to international standards. This means: modern radio equipment, plenty of hands-on practice and realistic exercises, all in a compact 1-2 day course. Afterwards, you will receive a certificate that is valid worldwide.

There's no upper age limit for the course itself, but you must be at least 16 to take the exam. Of course, there's no upper age limit – motivation is more important than age. 😉

Yes, you can prepare for the SRC online. With the official RYA learning software you can study flexibly from home – including a radio simulator. The software is in English. The exam itself then takes place at a certified examination centre, for example with us in Austria. 😉

Yes, in most countries the SRC is mandatory when a VHF radio is on board. Charter companies therefore generally require a valid radio certificate. Without an SRC you are not legally permitted to operate the radio. The certificate is checked almost everywhere, particularly in the Mediterranean.

Yes, the SRC (Short Range Certificate) is valid for life. It does not need to be renewed or extended. After passing the exam you will receive an internationally recognised RYA certificate that remains permanently valid.

Yes, as a skipper you need an SRC as soon as your yacht is equipped with a VHF radio. The certificate entitles you to operate the radio legally. Charter companies frequently require the SRC as a prerequisite for taking over a boat.

Not necessarily – the course is open to all sailors. However, please note that parts of the course and the entire exam are conducted in English. If you have no sailing experience at all, we recommend allowing a little extra preparation time. For complete beginners, the 2-day course offers more practice time.

Yes, no sailing licence is required for the SRC certificate. You can obtain this internationally recognised radio certificate completely independently of any other licence – in just one day in Vienna or Austria.

The SRC certificate is issued by the RYA and usually arrives by post within 4–6 weeks.

The online course with RYA learning software is conducted entirely in English, making it ideal for anyone who prefers to learn in English – check our website for current information.

The SRC (Short Range Certificate) covers VHF radio communication in coastal and recreational waters. The LRC (Long Range Certificate) is required for long-range radio communication on the open sea. For most recreational sailors in Austria, the SRC certificate is perfectly sufficient.

An SRC radio course lasts 1 or 2 days depending on the option chosen. The 2-day course offers more practice time on the radio and is particularly suitable for beginners. The 1-day course requires approximately 3 hours of additional self-study. The exam usually takes place directly afterwards.

In the SRC radio course you learn how to use VHF marine radio safely. This includes Distress and safety communications (Mayday, Pan Pan)Routine callsDSC functionsGMDSS basicsThe phonetic alphabetThe practical operation of modern VHF radiosThe aim is to be able to operate the radio correctly and confidently in an emergency.

Yes, in the classroom course you train with real VHF radios. This allows you to practise actual distress and routine procedures under realistic conditions – so you can apply what you've learned directly on board.

The international language of radio communication is English. However, in the course we speak German with each other, but we practice all English phrases, responses, and emergency calls together. This way you'll be confident in practice and also during the exam.

Yes, you will receive the official course book by post in good time before the course begins, along with a supplementary handout. This allows you to prepare specifically in advance and to review the content after the course as well.

The SRC exam consists of a written multiple-choice test and a practical section on the radio. You will be tested on distress calls, routine communications and the use of DSC. The exam is conducted by an authorised RYA examiner and usually takes place directly after the course.

The written SRC exam is in English, while the practical part on the radio is conducted in German – the international radio procedures are of course in English. 😉 Don't worry though: during the course we prepare you specifically for the exam.

A good level of school English is perfectly sufficient. You'll learn all the technical terms, radio messages, and procedures in the course – step by step. If you're unsure, we recommend the 2-day course, which gives you more time to practice.

Don't worry – if you don't pass the exam, you can retake it at any time. We'll help you work specifically on the areas you want to improve.

The cost of an SRC radio course in Austria typically ranges from around €250 to €400, depending on the provider and course duration. A 2-day course is slightly more expensive than the compact 1-day option with self-study. In addition, an exam fee of approx. GBP 76 is payable directly to the RYA. Current dates & prices can be found here.

The exam and certification fee for the SRC is approximately GBP 76. This amount is paid directly to the Royal Yachting Association and is separate from the course fee.

The exam fee is paid directly to the Royal Yachting Association. You can do this easily via this link.

Unfortunately, participants sometimes experience difficulties when trying to pay the exam fee via the RYA website.If this happens to you, please check the following:Your browser's automatic translation to German must be turned off! This means you need to complete the payment using the English version of the website.You need a MyRYA account. If you don't have one yet, please create one.When entering your address, leave the "Property name" field empty. Your address goes in Address line 1 and City/Town.Feel free to contact us if you need further assistance.

In Vienna , Graz , Upper Austria and Lower Austria (St. Pölten & Wiener Neustadt).Other federal states will follow.

Registration is done online via the website. You simply select your preferred date and book your place directly. After registration you will receive all further information by email.Here is the link.

For the course you will need your course materials, something to write with, and the completed exam registration form. A passport photo in EU format is also required for the exam.

Yes. The cancellation fee is 50% up to 30 days before the course starts, and 100% from 29 days onwards – unless a replacement is found. Rebookings are possible after consultation.

Each course has a maximum of 12 participants - this ensures everyone gets enough time to practice using the radio.

You will receive the course materials by post approximately 1–2 weeks before the course begins. Further organisational information will be sent to you by email shortly after registration.