The Short Range Certificate is an international qualification required to operate maritime VHF radio equipment equipped with Digital Selective Calling. It proves the holder understands standard distress protocols, emergency frequencies, and routine radio etiquette. Port authorities and charter companies require the master or at least one crew member to hold this certificate before taking a vessel to sea.
Heard on the job
The coast guard inspector asked to see the captain's SRC during the routine boarding.
Insider tip
You cannot legally transmit on a marine VHF without this, except in a genuine life-threatening emergency.