The marine radio licence every deckhand needs to operate a yacht’s VHF.
You legally need a licence to operate a marine VHF radio, and the RYA Short Range Certificate (SRC) is the standard one for yacht crew. It's a one-day course plus a short exam, covering routine and emergency calls, DSC digital calling and distress procedures. It's a common gap on a green CV that's quick to close. Larger vessels may need the full GMDSS General Operator's Certificate. Here are centres that run them, led by Flying Fish.
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My own starting point — I trained with Flying Fish back in 2018. Purpose-built superyacht training base on the water in Cowes, RYA Training Centre and MCA-approved, with one of the widest course ranges in the UK: STCW, deckhand and interior packages right through to Yachtmaster. Book online and hold a place for 48 hours.
Large charity-run academy in Cowes, MCA-approved and an RYA Training Centre, also running full cadetship pathways for crew who want the professional route.
Southampton RYA Training Centre offering entry-level superyacht deckhand packages.
Plymouth centre, MCA-approved and an RYA Recognised Training Centre, covering STCW plus powerboat, radio and tender tickets.
Plymouth RYA Recognised Training Centre, strong on practical powerboat, tender and shorebased courses on the South West coast.
Major Fort Lauderdale training campus, MCA / USCG / RYA approved — the main US hub for crew training either side of the Atlantic.
Phuket-based, MCA and IYT approved — the leading superyacht training hub in South-East Asia.
Palma centre (also in Naples), IYT / MCA / Marshall Islands approved, covering deck tickets across two Med bases.
This is our shortlist. See every accredited provider offering GMDSS / VHF SRC in the full GMDSS / VHF SRC directory →
Looking wider? See our best STCW courses →
Yes — operating a marine VHF radio legally requires an operator's certificate. The RYA Short Range Certificate (SRC) is the standard qualification for most yacht crew.
The VHF SRC (Short Range Certificate) covers VHF radios on smaller vessels. The GMDSS General Operator's Certificate (GOC) is the fuller qualification needed for radio operation on larger commercial ships.
The RYA VHF SRC is usually a one-day course followed by a short practical and written exam.
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