How Much is a VHF Radio Course?

If you are using a marine VHF radio out on the water, it is a legal requirement that not only does the vessel hold a license for a VHF radio, but also someone onboard has an VHF operator’s license (also known as a SRC (Short Range Certificate).

To get a VHF Radio licence you need to you need to do the official the official RYA course plus the final assessment, both of which we offer.

VHF Radio Course Prices

We have 3 different options.

1. You can take the course and assessment all in one day

The VHF radio course costs £149 plus the £70 license fee to the RYA when taken with the assessment in one day. This usually takes place in our Southampton classrooms.

2. You can take the course on a Saturday and then the assessment in a 3 hour period on the Sunday

This approach to taking the VHF radio course costs £149 plus £30 for the assessment plus the £70 licence fee to the RYA.  If you take the course with another provider and just want to do the assessment with us it is £45 plus the £70 license fee. This Saturday/Sunday option usually takes place in London.

3. Finally, there is the online version of the VHF radio course

This costs £95.  There is then the £30 assessment fee plus the £70 license fee to the RYA.

As mentioned above the course and assessment can be taken from our Southampton or London offices. It takes about 8 hours to complete, plus the assessment.

Upon successfully passing the RYA will then issue you with a VHF licence/SRC.  It can take around 21 days for the RYA to process and issue a licence, unless you pay them an admin fee of £50 (RYA member) to fast track your application and then it will be turned around in 4 days.

Once you are qualified you will have your VHF certificate.  There is no expiry date however if there is ever a fundamental change in the technology then you may one day have to do it again.  Also, if you use a VHF radio only occasionally then you may want to refresh your skills every now with us at First Class Sailing and we’d love to see you again.

About the VHF Radio course

The RYA VHF course teaches you how to operate a VHF Radio competently and safely. You need to take this course before you can take a VHF Radio Assessment. VHF Radio course includes how to use a radio in routine communications plus when in distress, and in safety situations.

Posted by: First Class Sailing