A SRC radio course prepares you comprehensively for the examination and subsequent radio operation. The training comprises both theoretical background knowledge and practical exercises on the radio, so that you feel confident on examination day and on board.

Theory: In the theory part of the course, the fundamentals and regulations of maritime radio are taught. These include, amongst other things:

• Maritime radio service: how the mobile VHF maritime radio service works and the legal basis

• GMDSS system: structure of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and the role of the SRC within it

• Distress calls and radio traffic: rules for distress, urgency and routine radio traffic (public vs. non-public message exchange)

• Radio English: use of the English language in maritime radio, including the international phonetic alphabet (Alfa, Bravo, Charlie …)

practical: In the practical part of the course you learn to operate real radio hardware and practise typical voice radio situations. Important practical course contents include, for example:

• Operating the radio: switching on and off, channel selection, using the DSC controller and general equipment knowledge

• Sending distress calls: Practise sending a distress call (Maydaycall) via voice radio step by step and formulate correct emergency messages

• Routine radio traffic: Communication with other vessels and coast radio stations in everyday situations, including channel changes and call set-up

• Radio discipline: Observing the international radio regulations and avoiding errors or false alarms in radio operation

Obtaining the SRC radio certificate brings many advantages – and in certain cases it is even essential. Here are the key reasons why the SRC radio certificate is useful or required:

• Legal requirement: In Germany the SRC legally requiredif a pleasure craft under German flag is equipped with a VHF radio installation. In many other countries too, a radio installation on board may only be operated if the skipper holds an appropriate radio certificate. Without an SRC certificate you therefore not only risk safety, but also violate regulations.

• Safety at sea: Radio communication can decide between life and death in emergencies. With the SRC you learn to make distress calls correctly and comply with international emergency procedures. This ensures that in an emergency rescue services are alerted quickly and effectively. You also improve overall safety on board because you can confidently conduct routine radio communications (e.g. weather reports or harbour registrations) without misunderstandings.

• Worldwide recognition: The SRC radio certificate is internationally accepted and is valid worldwide. If you charter a boat abroad or are travelling in foreign waters, a valid radio certificate is usually required. With the Short Range Certificate you are on the safe side here – it is the recognised standard for coastal radio. For worldwide offshore passages you can extend it with the Long Range Certificate (LRC) if necessary, but for most leisure skippers the SRC is perfectly sufficient.

Is the SRC radio certificate compulsory?

Yes. Whenever on a boat or yacht a radio installation is present, at least one crew member on board must hold a valid radio certificate. In coastal areas the Short Range Certificate (SRC) is the correct certificate for this (for worldwide voyages possibly LRC). If you have no radio equipment on board, you do not strictly need an SRC legally – but it never hurts to have this qualification. Many charter companies also require that the skipper can present a radio certificate before they release an equipped boat.

How long is the SRC valid?

The SRC radio certificate is valid indefinitely. Once you have passed the exam, your radio licence remains valid for life – it does not expire. So you do not need to renew or refresh the SRC. (Of course it makes sense to use your radio skills regularly so that you remain proficient in an emergency. But the licence itself does not expire.)

What is the difference between SRC, UBI and LRC?

These three abbreviations stand for different radio certificates:

• SRC (Short Range Certificate): Applies to marine VHF radio within coastal waters approximately 35 nautical miles from the coast. You need this certificate as a leisure skipper at sea if a VHF radio is on board.

• UBI (UKW-Sprechfunkzeugnis für Binnenschifffahrtsfunk): Applies to inland waterways radio (radio operation on inland waters inland waters such as rivers, canals and lakes). The UBI is nationally/internationally recognised on inland waters and is required as soon as a radio is operated on inland waterways. The UBI is a separate exam; if you already hold the SRC you can take an abbreviated UBI exam.

• LRC (Long Range Certificate): Applies to worldwide marine radio over greater distances, including short wave and satellite communication – i.e. high seas and offshore areas beyond VHF range. The LRC is required if you want to use long-distance radio equipment (e.g. for Atlantic crossings). It is often acquired as an extension to the SRC; the LRC exam additionally covers mainly short-wave and satellite communication.

Important: SRC and LRC are not valid for inland waterways radio; for that you need the UBI in any case. Conversely, the UBI does not entitle you to participate in marine radio services at sea. Many recreational boat operators first obtain the SRC (for sea) and add the UBI (for inland waters) as required. The LRC is only needed by those who genuinely require worldwide radio coverage.

Do I need a boat licence to take the SRC?

No, a boat licence is not a requirement for the SRC radio certificate. You can sit the SRC exam without holding a Sportbootführerschein (SBF) beforehand. In practice, however, the SRC is mainly relevant if you are also operating a boat equipped with radio. It is therefore usual for watersports enthusiasts to first obtain the Sportbootführerschein See SBF See (for operating motorised boats at sea) and then the SRC radio certificate, or both in parallel. But it is not mandatory – for example, as a crew member on a boat you may hold only the SRC in order to operate the radio while someone else is in command.

Do I need English language skills for the SRC exam?

A certain level of English language skills is definitely helpful, as the international marine radio language is predominantly English. In fact, the SRC exam includes a section in which you must know English – for example, you must receive an English distress call (Mayday message) and translate it into German, and translate a German text into English. But do not be put off by this: the required Technical terms and phrases you learn in the preparation course. You don't need to speak perfect English. Basic knowledge (school English) is perfectly adequate to understand and correctly reproduce the English radio texts. If in doubt, you can learn the most important vocabulary before the exam – many questions in the question catalogue are also available in English, which gives you a feel for the expressions.

What does the SRC radio certificate cost?

The costs consist of the examination fee and, where applicable, the course fees. The official examination fees for the SRC in Germany are approximately 130 € (as at August 2025). This includes the admission fee, the fees for the theory and practical examination as well as the issue of the radio certificate. You pay this fee to the examination board. Additionally there may be costs for the preparation course may apply if you attend a course – course fees vary depending on the provider and scope. A traditional classroom course is often in the region of about €150–300; online courses can be cheaper. Note that some schools include teaching materials or the practical use of equipment in the price, others do not. So find out in advance what is included in the course price.

Is an SRC radio course compulsory?

No, you are not obligedto attend a course. In theory, you can prepare for the SRC exam self-study on your own – the entire question catalogue is publicly available (e.g. from the Federal Office ELWIS as a PDF) and there are textbooks as well as learning apps. If you have sufficient discipline and technical understanding, you can acquire the knowledge independently. Nevertheless, a course is worthwhile: In an SRC radio course (whether as a weekend seminar, evening school or online course) you can practise the practical use of the radio equipment under expert guidance. Particularly the transmission of distress calls and the operation of the equipment is best learnt through practical repetition. In addition, course instructors keep you up to date on the examination procedure and tips, which gives you confidence. In short: you may learn by yourself, but a course saves you many questions and prepares you in a very focused way.

Where do I find an SRC radio course?

SRC radio courses are offered by many sailing and yacht schools – often as compact weekend courses or in evening course form over several weekdays. To find a suitable course near you, you can toernfinder.de use. Various course providers advertise their SRC radio coursesthere, and you can compare them independently. The portal is independent and helps you to sort offers by criteria such as location, date, duration and price. Once you have chosen a course, you can quickly and easily contact the course provider via a contact form or visit their website. In this way you get a transparent overview of which SRC course suits you best, without toernfinder itself intervening in the booking. Good luck with your SRC training and always fair winds!