An LRC radio course teaches you both the necessary theoretical knowledge as well as practical skills in handling the equipment. The training is typically divided into a theoretical instruction part and practical exercises on the radio.

Theory: In the theoretical training you learn all relevant topics of maritime radio for worldwide shipping. These include amongst others:

• Radio technology and equipment: Fundamentals of the structure and operation of marine radio equipment, aerials and radio waves (VHF, medium wave/medium frequency, short wave).

• Radio procedures & distress calls: International radiotelephony procedures (such as calls, acknowledgements) as well as distress, urgency and safety messages under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). You learn, for example, the correct procedures for Mayday, Pan Pan and Sécuritécalls.

• Regulations & rules: Important international regulations for marine radio (e.g. ITU regulations, GMDSS provisions) and the legal framework.

• Navigation & weather by radio: Use of radio technology for navigation aids (e.g. bearings) as well as reception of weather reports and navigational warnings (for instance via NAVTEX or SafetyNET).

• Satellite communication: Operation of satellite radio systems such as Inmarsat-C and their integration into GMDSS for worldwide emergency communication.

Practice: In the practical training on the radio you apply the theoretical knowledge. Under instruction you learn in particular:

• Equipment operation: Handling of typical radio installations for VHF (with DSC), medium/short wave radio (MF/HF) and satellite radio (Inmarsat). You practise, for example, editing a DSC controller, configuring an Inmarsat-C installation and sending digital radio messages.

• Distress and routine radio: Step by step, the placing of a distress call (maritime distress alert) via DSC and the transmission of a Mayday call by voice radio. You also practise transmitting urgency and safety messages (Pan Pan / Sécurité) as well as correctly handling routine radio traffic (routine calls between ships or with coast radio stations).

• Practising emergency scenarios: Using case studies, you learn how to respond to incoming distress calls. You receive distress or urgency messages (usually in English) and initiate appropriate measures, e.g. acknowledging a received distress call or relaying a distress call to other stations. You also practise terminating distress traffic and cancelling false alerts.

• Satellite and data communications: Specifically for the Inmarsat system, you also practise initiating distress calls (Distress) and transmitting, for example, send telex messages. You also learn to receive weather and navigational messages via services such as Navtex/SafetyNET.

A good LRC course places great emphasis on practical exercises – often using genuine radio equipment or simulators, so that you can operate the radio confidently and routinely in an emergency. This ensures you are optimally prepared for the examination tasks.

A Long Range Certificate brings many advantages for ocean sailors – and in certain cases it is even legally required. Here are the main reasons why the LRC radio certificate is worthwhile:

• Legal requirement for certain radio installations: The LRC is required by law, as soon as MF/HF or or satellite radio equipment is installed on board. In this case, at least one crew member must hold a valid LRC radio certificate. (This typically applies to yachts sailing on the high seas and having corresponding radio technology on board.)

• Worldwide range: With the LRC you can maintain radio contact even far from the coast. Unlike pure VHF radio (range approx. 30 nm), the LRC enables communication via short/medium wave and satellite over thousands of nautical miles. This way you stay in contact with coastal stations, weather services or other vessels even on ocean passages – no matter how far you venture.

• Rapid help in emergencies: In case of serious problems on board (accident, water ingress, dismasting etc.) you can use LRC to send a distress call immediately and alert rescue services – even in the middle of the high seas where no mobile phone coverage exists. This can be lifesaving: through the worldwide distress frequency you always reach a coordination centre or a vessel nearby.

• Up-to-date information underway: Via short-wave and satellite radio you receive important nautical information in real time, e.g. weather reports, gale warnings or navigational warnings for your sea area. Especially on long passages it is essential to get weather reports early so you can adjust course and sail trim accordingly.

• Internationally recognised certificate: The LRC radio certificate is valid worldwide and is accepted by most countries as an official certificate of competence. So if you charter a boat abroad or sail in foreign territorial waters, the LRC serves as recognised proof of your radio competence. This way you comply with all regulations internationally as well and are on the safe side.

In summary: With the LRC you are equipped for all eventualitiesas soon as you venture beyond coastal range. Often the certificate is not only sensible but indispensable for safe sailing on worldwide trips.

What is the difference between SRC and LRC?

The SRC radio certificate (Short Range Certificate) authorises you for voice radio on VHF in coastal waters – typically up to approximately 30–35 nautical miles distance from the coast. The LRC (Long Range Certificate) extends this authorisation and additionally covers short-wave and satellite radioto enable communication across entire oceans. With the LRC you may therefore communicate worldwide (GMDSS maritime radio in areas A1 to A4), whilst the SRC is limited to VHF coastal radio. The LRC automatically includes the SRC; if you have the LRC you no longer need a separate SRC certificate.

Do I need an SRC to do the LRC?

No, you do not have to already hold the SRCto obtain the LRC radio certificate. You can take the LRC examination directly take – in this case the SRC examination is simply taken at the same time, as the LRC builds upon it. If you already hold an SRC certificate, however, you can often take a shortened supplementary examination only for the LRC-specific part. Either way, you end up with the full LRC radio certificate (including SRC authorisation).

How good does my English need to be for the LRC?

You don't need perfect English, but basic English skills are necessary. The general radio language is English – this becomes particularly evident in the LRC exam, where, for example, a distress call is dictated in English. More important than fluent conversation is mastering the basic radio phrases (Mayday, Pan Pan, etc.) and the phonetic alphabet. The required vocabulary and phrases in maritime radio are manageable and can be learnt in a targeted way. With solid basic knowledge and a bit of practice, you can master the English parts of the exam.

How much does the LRC radio certificate cost?

For the official examination for the LRC, examination fees apply. These consist of the registration fee, the theory and practical exam fees, and the fee for issuing the radio certificate. In total, the examination costs currently amount to around €187 (as of 2025). On top of that there may be Course feesif you take an LRC radio course at a sailing school – these vary depending on the provider (an intensive preparation course can run to several hundred euros). At toernfinder.de you can compare the prices and services of different course providers impartially.

How long is the LRC radio certificate valid?

The LRC radio certificate is valid indefinitely. Once passed, you do not have to renew or refresh the certificate – it remains valid for life. A German LRC is also recognised abroad without time limit. Of course, it is advisable to keep your radio skills up to date through practice and, if necessary, refresher courses, but the document itself does not expire.