Sailors need to know how to use a VHF radio. Not only is it essential for safety, it’s also the law – if your yacht is fitted with a VHF radio, someone on board needs to hold a licence. That’s where the RYA VHF Radio Course comes in. Whether you’re skippering your own yacht, sailing with friends, or preparing to charter abroad, this one-day RYA course gives you the confidence, safety knowledge, and legal qualification you need to operate a marine VHF radio correctly, including in distress, urgency, and safety situations.
Before you read on, you might wonder why not just use a mobile phone if you have a signal, and call the coast guard for help?
We’ve put the answer at the bottom of this page…
What the RYA VHF Radio Course Involves
This one day VHF Radio Course from First Class Sailing is designed to teach you how to use a marine radio properly, safely, and confidently. It takes place at First Class Sailing’s locations in London and Southampton. But if you need something more flexible, you can take it online with our e-learning option.
The VHF Radio Course includes:
- Routine radio communications (e.g. calling marinas or other boats)
- Emergency use – Mayday and PanPan calls
- Digital Selective Calling (DSC) – sending alerts with location
- Using safety equipment like EPIRBs and SARTs
- NAVTEX and Maritime Safety Information (MSI)
- Radio etiquette and the International Phonetic Alphabet
This is hands-on training where you’ll get to practice real-world scenarios and make sure you’re ready for anything the sea might throw at you.
What You’ll Learn
Whether you’re taking the VHF Radio Course in person or online, the content and outcome are the same. You’ll cover everything needed to safely and legally operate a VHF marine radio including the skills required to pass the VHF Radio Assessment and gain your Short Range Certificate (SRC).
The syllabus includes:
Distress Communications
- How to identify distress situations
- Sending and receiving Mayday calls
- Using DSC to send emergency alerts
- How to cancel a false distress message
Urgent Situations
- Sending and responding to PanPan calls
- When and how to issue an urgency alert
Safety Broadcasts
- Sending and receiving safety information
- Using NAVTEX to receive maritime safety updates
Routine Use
- Contacting other vessels and shore stations
- Setting up and managing DSC calls
- Proper use of voice channels and radio checks
- Programming MMSI numbers
- Maintaining a listening watch
By the end of the course, you’ll feel confident using a VHF radio correctly – from daily chatter to emergency communications that could save lives.
How the VHF Radio Course Helps Keep You Safe at Sea
The sea is unpredictable and if things go wrong, you need to be able to communicate clearly over radio. By understanding radio protocols with the RYA VHF Radio Course, you will know how to raise the alarm quickly, clearly, and in the correct format – giving rescuers the vital information they need to act fast.
You’ll learn how use the radio safety skills as outline earlier. It’s not just about emergencies either. Safe sailing is also about:
- Calling ahead to harbours and marinas
- Avoiding close-quarters situations with other vessels
- Sharing information during busy or restricted navigation
In short: it’s a course that makes you a safer sailor and a more capable crew member – and that helps protect everyone on board.
Course Length, Assessment, and Licence
The RYA VHF Radio Course takes around 8 hours, followed by a separate practical and written assessment. Sometimes the assessment is held on the same day, sometimes the following day. We can let you know in advance and offer convenient time slots.
You must complete the course before you can take the assessment.
Once you pass, you’ll get your RYA Short Range Certificate (SRC) – this is your VHF Radio Licence. It does not expire and is internationally recognised, including by charter companies across Europe.
Who’s This Course For?
This course is for anyone who sails, whether you’re just starting out or well on your way to Yachtmaster. It’s particularly useful for:
- Day Skipper and Coastal Skipper students
- Anyone chartering in the UK or overseas
- Crew members who want to be helpful, not just passengers
- Sailors looking to boost confidence with essential safety knowledge
- And if you’ve already got a VHF on board, you have to have it
Why Take Your VHF Course with First Class Sailing?
We’ve been teaching sailors since the year 2000 and understand how to make essential training accessible, practical, and enjoyable. Whether you join us in London, Southampton, or online, you’ll benefit from:
- Experienced, RYA-qualified instructors
- A friendly, hands-on approach to learning
- A choice of locations or online study
- Clear guidance and support all the way to your licence
And just like all of our RYA courses, student numbers are kept low for a better learning experience.
Here’s What Our Students Are Saying on TripAdvisor
“We used first class sailing to do our VHF course and exam. Good prework and content on the course day. I feel much more confident using the radio now. Would recommend”
“Did our VHF certificate with First Class Sailing, Dave the instructor was great, it’s a lot of material to get through in just one day but he kept us on track, he was relaxed and friendly but also very professional and efficient.”
“Competent Crew and VHF certificates all passed thanks to First Class Sailing. Very good tutors happy to answer lots of questions and managed to make it fun too. 5 days sailing on the Solent, learning lots about sailing but also the history and wild life around us.”
“Having charted and attended shore based courses i have to give First Class Sailing 10/10. During my recent VHF radio course both tutor and examiner were a pleasure to spend time with, attention to detail 100%. The new class room facility is perfect, I look forward to coming back soon.”
Booking and What’s Included
Course Fee: from £149 + £30 assessment fee (if taken in London) + £76 RYA licence fee (prices correct as at June 2025)
That includes:
- One-day RYA VHF Radio Course
- Course materials
- Support leading up to the assessment
- Access to our training centre or online platform
- Help with booking your assessment and getting licensed
Get Started
If you want to sail legally, communicate safely, and feel confident in your ability to use a VHF marine radio – the RYA VHF Radio Course is an essential.
You can join us in Southampton, London, or online to take the next step in your sailing journey.
Oh – and the answer to why not just use your mobile to call for help – Only the person you are phoning will hear of your distress. If you put out a call on the VHF radio everyone within your horizon will hear and maybe able to come to your assistance.
