Our Online VHF Marine Radio Course allows you to learn everything you need to know about using Marine VHF Radios at your own pace and wherever you like! If you've always wanted to apply for an MMSI number for your vessel, this course will help you to take the first step. At the end of this VHF Marine online radio licence course, you will know how to call for help in an emergency, communicate with other vessels at sea and understand how to use various safety equipment you may have onboard. This online course also prepares you to sit for your SROCP exam and obtain your radio operators certificate.
Online SROCP Course – Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency
The Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (SROCP) is the Australian marine radio qualification for operating a VHF marine radio.
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View our video to see what this course offers...
How the Online Course Works
Your study and assessment are completed 100% online.
The flexible learning is self-paced, and the assessment is a one-on-one video call, which you can book at a time that suits you using our online scheduling system. Your enrolment includes lifetime access to the course.
The SROCP is valid for life and is required to legally operate a marine radio, obtain an MMSI, and meet the radio licence requirements for commercial qualifications such as the Coxswain and Yachtmaster.
- Enrol in the Course
- Receive Instant Access to login and start learning
- Schedule & Complete Your SROCP Assessment
- Receive Your SROCP Certificate
Get an MMSI number!
Mobile Marine Service Identities (MMSI)
Digital Selective Calling (DSC) requires an MMSI Number to function. The MMSI number application requirements in Australia are either a Short-Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (SROCP) or a Long-Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (LROCP).
After obtaining your marine radio licence, applying for a new MMSI number or transferring an existing one is straightforward and free of charge. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) issues MMSI numbers, typically overnight, upon receiving your completed application and proof of your marine radio qualification.
Our VHF licence course exceeds the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) standards. Upon completing our online radio course and passing the assessment, the Office of Maritime Communications (OMC) within the Australian Maritime College (AMC) issues your certificate. The Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) designated the AMC to issue internationally recognised SROCP and LROCP in Australia.
Online learning – VHF Radio Course
This is an online course. After you have enrolled, we will send your login details. This radio course is structured to review the material as fast or as slow as you feel comfortable. The marine VHF radio course takes around 4 hours to complete.
Above & Beyond Boating is accredited by the Office of Maritime Communications as part of the Australian Maritime College to train and assess the VHF (SROCP) and HF (LROCP). We have a 100% pass rate for both courses.
Neil's vast experience as an Ocean Yachtmaster Instructor, Sea Safety & Survival Instructor and having taught 1000's of people for their radio licences has been drawn on throughout the course.
What you will learn...
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Marine radio uses and communications
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VHF equipment and how to communicate at sea
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VHF repeater channels and shore stations
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Distress, urgency & safety calling
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Using a DSC enabled radio and AIS
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Emergency beacons and transponders
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Power supplies for radio equipment
Learning Online
Our courses have been specifically designed for an online learning experience. Enrolment in an online course presents a flexible opportunity to work at your own pace. Our team can provide feedback, instruction and personal support to help you get the answers you need.
Get your VHF radio licence!
Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (SROCP)
On completion of the online radio course, you'll have the opportunity to complete an exam and receive your radio operator certificate of proficiency (SROCP). This is is essential training if you carry a marine VHF radio on your boat, PWC, kayak or person.
A VHF certificate will allow you to apply for an MMSI number for your vessel, which is required to transmit AIS information and enable the digital selective calling function on a radio.
The Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (SROCP) for VHF marine radio is ideal for obtaining Royal Yachting Association (RYA) or International Yacht Training (IYT) qualifications that mandate a marine VHF radio licence.
Completing your SROCP radio qualification
Completing an exam is necessary to obtain your SROCP (certificate of proficiency).
One of the most significant advantages of obtaining your SROCP certificate is that it does not expire. This lifetime certification means that once you've passed, you're permanently qualified.
We are authorised by the Office of Maritime Communications to conduct this assessment virtually via video call, ensuring a personalised, one-on-one experience. The exam consists of two main components:
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Online multiple-choice questions
You have 30 minutes to answer 25 questions in a closed-book assessment. You need at least 18 correct answers to pass. The course works, with most candidates achieving a score of at least 96%.
You have 30 minutes to answer 25 questions in a closed-book assessment. You need at least 18 correct answers to pass. The course works, with most candidates achieving a score of at least 96%.
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Practical assessment
This crucial segment allows you to work through VHF marine radio operations. Engaging directly with your invigilator, you'll delve into practical simulations and discussions encompassing digital selective calling (DSC), broadcasting distress messages, and conducting radio checks.
This crucial segment allows you to work through VHF marine radio operations. Engaging directly with your invigilator, you'll delve into practical simulations and discussions encompassing digital selective calling (DSC), broadcasting distress messages, and conducting radio checks.
Following the exam, there will be an opportunity to discuss MMSI number applications, EPIRB registrations, and the broader marine communications set-up for your boating. We guide you through the assessment process in an informative and enjoyable manner.
VHF Course & SROCP Exam Fees
Start for $135 today – pay remaining fees later
ALL FEES IN AUD($)
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Online VHF Radio Course - $135
Payable to enrol in the course. Course access is open for the lifetime of the product and the VHF radio course duration is approximately 4 hours of self-paced e-learning. Your course support is available for 12-months following enrolment. If life gets too busy, you can pause your course support for up to 6-months, and then continue when you have time!
Payable to enrol in the course. Course access is open for the lifetime of the product and the VHF radio course duration is approximately 4 hours of self-paced e-learning. Your course support is available for 12-months following enrolment. If life gets too busy, you can pause your course support for up to 6-months, and then continue when you have time!
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Virtual Assessment - $100
Payable when scheduling an exam. This remote 'virtual' assessment is scheduled using an online calendar inside the course. If you have access to your own radio, you are welcome to sit the assessment from your boat or use your equipment. You do not need to bring a radio to the assessment.
The primary purpose of the assessment is to ensure you have understood everything you learnt and understand how it will be applicable for the context of the boating you are doing and plan to do. The assessment is conducted on a 1:1 basis to keep everything relevant and make time available at the end to cover any questions you have that are specific to your boating and equipment, such as the next steps for MMSI applications.
Payable when scheduling an exam. This remote 'virtual' assessment is scheduled using an online calendar inside the course. If you have access to your own radio, you are welcome to sit the assessment from your boat or use your equipment. You do not need to bring a radio to the assessment.
The primary purpose of the assessment is to ensure you have understood everything you learnt and understand how it will be applicable for the context of the boating you are doing and plan to do. The assessment is conducted on a 1:1 basis to keep everything relevant and make time available at the end to cover any questions you have that are specific to your boating and equipment, such as the next steps for MMSI applications.
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Office of Maritime Communications (OMC) Processing & SROCP Exam Fee - $108
This fee must be paid directly to the Office of Maritime Communications (OMC), part of the Australian Maritime College (AMC), between booking and taking an exam. The OMC payment is separate from the course enrollment and assessment fees and is set by the OMC.
The OMC is part of the Australian Maritime College (AMC). Upon successfully passing our remote assessment (we have a 100% pass rate for our course candidates), you will receive a Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (SROCP) issued by the OMC.
In the rare event that you need to retake your assessment, the assessment fee is payable to Above and Beyond Boating, and the processing and licence fee is payable to the OMC for each assessment attempt.
The SROCP is internationally recognised for operating VHF and 27 MHz equipment in a marine environment, including DSC-enabled VHF radios and AIS transceivers. To obtain an MMSI number from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), you must possess the SROCP.
Please note that the OMC typically takes up to 15 working days from the assessment date to process and mail your SROCP. Upon request to the OMC, a scan of the SROCP photo card can be emailed to you. This still takes up to 15 working days, but it does save waiting for the hard copy to arrive in the mail. The OMC fee covers both Australian and international postage for your certificate.
This fee must be paid directly to the Office of Maritime Communications (OMC), part of the Australian Maritime College (AMC), between booking and taking an exam. The OMC payment is separate from the course enrollment and assessment fees and is set by the OMC.
The OMC is part of the Australian Maritime College (AMC). Upon successfully passing our remote assessment (we have a 100% pass rate for our course candidates), you will receive a Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (SROCP) issued by the OMC.
In the rare event that you need to retake your assessment, the assessment fee is payable to Above and Beyond Boating, and the processing and licence fee is payable to the OMC for each assessment attempt.
The SROCP is internationally recognised for operating VHF and 27 MHz equipment in a marine environment, including DSC-enabled VHF radios and AIS transceivers. To obtain an MMSI number from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), you must possess the SROCP.
Please note that the OMC typically takes up to 15 working days from the assessment date to process and mail your SROCP. Upon request to the OMC, a scan of the SROCP photo card can be emailed to you. This still takes up to 15 working days, but it does save waiting for the hard copy to arrive in the mail. The OMC fee covers both Australian and international postage for your certificate.
Emergency Action Card
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Enrol today and you will receive a bonus Emergency Action Card set.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When is the SROCP assessment available?
A: You can book your assessment as soon as you login—there's no need to wait until you've finished the course. You can schedule it at your convenience and continue working through the course materials in the lead-up to the assessment. Assessments are only available during Tasmanian business hours, as the Office of Maritime Communications (OMC) is based there. The OMC require a minimum of two business days' notice to schedule an assessment and issue certificates within 15 business days for successful candidates.
A: You can book your assessment as soon as you login—there's no need to wait until you've finished the course. You can schedule it at your convenience and continue working through the course materials in the lead-up to the assessment. Assessments are only available during Tasmanian business hours, as the Office of Maritime Communications (OMC) is based there. The OMC require a minimum of two business days' notice to schedule an assessment and issue certificates within 15 business days for successful candidates.
Q: How long is the VHF radio operator course?
A: 4 hours of self-paced e-learning
A: 4 hours of self-paced e-learning
Q: Is a phone or a VHF radio better for an emergency?
A: The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) advises that while mobile phones can be used in emergencies, they should not be the primary means of communication at sea. Instead, an open communication Channel, like VHF radio, allow for open communication. This means that any nearby vessels can hear the distress calls and potentially provide assistance.
A: The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) advises that while mobile phones can be used in emergencies, they should not be the primary means of communication at sea. Instead, an open communication Channel, like VHF radio, allow for open communication. This means that any nearby vessels can hear the distress calls and potentially provide assistance.
Q: What is DSC certification/endorsement?
A: In Australia, proficiency in Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is integrated into the Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (SROCP) and the Long Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (LROCP). These certifications ensure operators are trained to use DSC-equipped marine radios in accordance with international standards.
A: In Australia, proficiency in Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is integrated into the Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (SROCP) and the Long Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (LROCP). These certifications ensure operators are trained to use DSC-equipped marine radios in accordance with international standards.
Q: Can you update pre-DSC certifications?
A: If you obtained a marine radio operator certificate before DSC functionalities were included in the training, it's advisable to update your qualification. This is particularly important if you intend to operate DSC-equipped marine radios, apply for a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number, or pursue commercial skipper qualifications such as the Coxswain or Yachtmaster.
A: If you obtained a marine radio operator certificate before DSC functionalities were included in the training, it's advisable to update your qualification. This is particularly important if you intend to operate DSC-equipped marine radios, apply for a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number, or pursue commercial skipper qualifications such as the Coxswain or Yachtmaster.
Q: What is included in the course material?
A: A wide range of multimedia is used with supporting questions and practice assessments to develop an understanding of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), the operation of VHF radiotelephony equipment with DSC facilities, and procedures for distress, urgency, and safety communications. You will also learn basic maintenance practices for marine radio equipment.
A: A wide range of multimedia is used with supporting questions and practice assessments to develop an understanding of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), the operation of VHF radiotelephony equipment with DSC facilities, and procedures for distress, urgency, and safety communications. You will also learn basic maintenance practices for marine radio equipment.
Q: How long does the VHF radio card last in Australia?
A: In Australia, the Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (SROCP) and the Long Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (LROCP) are issued for life and do not require renewal. However, if you obtained a marine radio operator certificate before the integration of Digital Selective Calling (DSC) training, it's advisable to update your qualification.
A: In Australia, the Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (SROCP) and the Long Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (LROCP) are issued for life and do not require renewal. However, if you obtained a marine radio operator certificate before the integration of Digital Selective Calling (DSC) training, it's advisable to update your qualification.
I just completed one of the online radio courses, wonderful!! The platform, learning materials and assessment process were excellent. Neil was an excellent teacher, very approachable and displayed exemplary knowledge of his field. I thoroughly recommend using Above and Beyond Boating for yourselves, as I will continue my learning journey with them too.
Andrew Fulton
I had an exceptional experience with AA Boating. Despite my usual apprehension towards courses and testing, the VHF course I undertook was remarkably straightforward and stress-free. The setup was impeccable, with all necessary information provided promptly. Neil's expertise and approachability made the learning process seamless. Should I seek to further my skills in boating, I will undoubtedly choose this company again. Highly recommended!
Jazmine Hawdon
Over 750 5-star Google reviews
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