Superyacht Deckhand Essentials Package
Minimal skill set you need to start working as a deckhand. Includes STCW
10 Days
14 SEP 2026
Certification
IYT
Who issues your official qualification
Recognition
Worldwide
Where your certificate is accepted. Check with your flag state for specific approvals.
Suitable For
All Crew
Who the course is designed for
Experience Level
No experience required
Minimum experience needed to join
Duration
1/2 Day
Training days only, breaks are not included
Certificate Validity
5 years
How long your certificate stays valid
Why This
Course Matters
This legal requirement for marine radio operation is more than a checkbox. It shows you’re trusted with safety communication, emergency procedures, and vessel coordination. Required for any role involving tender ops, watchkeeping, or bridge communication, and often requested in entry-level crew job ads.
What You’ll
Learn
VHF Protocols & Communication Standards
Learn distress, urgency, and safety call formats using both voice and Digital Selective Calling (DSC), following GMDSS procedures.
Equipment Familiarity & Setup
Understand how to set up and operate fixed and handheld VHF sets, including dual-watch, scanning, and weather channels.
Operational Scenarios & Emergency Use
Practice handling real-life situations such as man-overboard reports, port authority communication, and bridge-to-tender coordination.
0
100
What’s Included
Comprehensive course materials
Coffee station and snacks
Free rescheduling up to 7 days before course start
Final plastic certificate (issued after passing the practical exam)
Standard delivery of your certificate
NOT included
Online VHF/SRC Theory Exam ($95 USD), payable directly to IYT via their eLearning platform
PREREQUSITES
Minimum age
16 years old
Language Requirement
A good level of spoken and written English is required, as all training and assessments are conducted in English
Meet Your
Instructors
Frequently
Asked Questions
What Is the VHF (SRC) Course?
The VHF (SRC) course is a marine radio communications course delivered by International Yacht Training.
It trains candidates to legally and correctly operate marine VHF radios, including distress, urgency, and routine communications using internationally recognised procedures.
What Does SRC Stand For?
SRC stands for Short Range Certificate.
It is the internationally recognised qualification required to operate marine VHF radios with DSC (Digital Selective Calling) within VHF range.
Who Needs a VHF (SRC) Certificate?
A VHF (SRC) certificate is required for:
- yacht crew expected to operate VHF radios
- yacht owners and charterers
- anyone responsible for distress or safety communications onboard
On many yachts, at least one certified VHF operator is mandatory.
Is the VHF (SRC) Certificate Mandatory for Yacht Crew?
Yes, in practice.
STCW does not certify radio operation.
If you are expected to use the vessel’s VHF radio, a separate VHF (SRC) certificate is required.
What Will I Learn on the VHF (SRC) Course?
The course covers:
- correct VHF radio procedures
- DSC operation and emergency functions
- Mayday, Pan-Pan, and Sécurité calls
- channel use and radio discipline
- legal responsibilities of radio operators
The focus is on accuracy, clarity, and compliance.
Is There an Exam?
Yes.
Candidates must:
- pass the IYT online VHF (SRC) theory exam, and
- pay the exam fee directly to IYT via the IYT system
The practical assessment is conducted during the course.
The certificate is issued only after successful completion of both.
How Long Is the VHF (SRC) Certificate Valid?
The VHF (SRC) certificate is valid for 5 years.
Important clarification:
- Certificates issued before 1 June 2013 did not show an expiry date
- IYT has since standardised the system
- All IYT VHF certificates now require revalidation every 5 years, including older paper certificates
This aligns IYT certification with modern international standards.