SRC exams
Arranging and paying for your RYA Marine Radio Short Range Certificate exam
The RYA Marine Radio Short Range Certificate (SRC) is the minimum qualification required to operate marine VHF radio equipment on a UK flagged vessel. It is obtained by successfully completing an SRC exam conducted at an RYA Recognised Training Centre.
SRC exams consist of a written theory exam and assessment in the practical use of marine VHF radios, with the exam fee payable to the RYA. See the section on the exam fee for more details.
Eligibility for the examination
To be eligible for the exam, on the day of the exam all candidates must:
1. be 16 years old or older, and
2. present one of the following eligibility documents:
- evidence of completing an RYA SRC training course through an RYA Recognised Training Centre*, or
- an RYA Restricted VHF certificate, or
- a suitable aviation radio operator's certificate.
*The RYA SRC course may be taken in the classroom or online.
Find out more about the SRC course
Arranging an exam
If you intend to complete an SRC course at a training centre prior to taking the exam, the training centre will arrange the exam.
If you intend to take an SRC course online, make sure you check the location and date of the practical SRC exam before making the booking.
If you are not required to complete the SRC course and intend to present either an RYA Restricted VHF certificate or a suitable aviation GMDSS radio operator's certificate as evidence of eligibility, you should discuss the availability of direct assessments with a local RYA Recognised Training Centre. In addition to the exam fee a charge may be made by the training centre to cover the cost of facilitating a direct exam.
The exam fee
The SRC exam fee is £70 and covers the cost of the examiner and the administration of processing and issuing the certificate
This fee is payable to the RYA and is separate to the fee that you pay for the training course. Note that training course fees are set by individual centres.
There are a number of ways you may pay the exam fee:
1. Online payment by debit or credit card
The preferred method is to pay online, which streamlines both the payment process and the issuing of your certificate following the exam.
Prior to taking the exam, use the RYA online exam payment system to pay for the exam and receive a personalised exam application form. Print this out and take it with you to the exam, together with your eligibility documents and passport sized photo.
The card payment does not need to be in your name, and no payment details are recorded against your account. If you need help completing the online payment please see the help notes in 'Related documents'.
2. Payment by cheque
If you wish to pay by cheque, prior to the exam download and complete the application and payment form.
Indicate on the form that payment is being made by cheque. If the cheque is not in the exam candidate's name, write the candidate's name on the back of the cheque. Take the completed form, together with your eligibility documents and passport sized photo to the exam.
3. If your Recognised Training Centre pays on your behalf
In some circumstances your course fee includes the exam fee and the training centre will make the exam payment on your behalf. They may also complete the paperwork on your behalf. This is most typical when your employer is paying for the course and exam. Please note that the training centre may make an additional charge for this service.
If you are not sure whether the fee you have paid includes the exam fee, contact your training centre to check. Your training centre will also advise whether you should download the application form in 'Related documents' or whether they will provide it for you. Regardless of who completes the application form, you must bring your eligibility documents and a passport sized photo to the exam.
The RYA manages SRC training and assessment on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in line with the ITU Radio Regulations and the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) SRC guidelines.