SHSC Marine Radio Course (Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency)

Marine Radio Operators Certificate (SROCP) — Tailored for Surf Ski Paddlers 📻🌊

If you paddle a surf ski — whether in the harbour, ocean, or downwind — a VHF handheld marine radio can be the difference between getting help fast… or watching a manageable situation escalate.

But it’s not enough to clip a radio onto your PFD. You need to know how to use it properly, under pressure, in real paddling scenarios.

Because marine radio protocols are internationally regulated, Australian law requires anyone operating a VHF marine radio to hold a Certificate of Proficiency. This is a must-have if you carry and use a marine radio.

What makes this SROCP different

This SHSC SROCP course is delivered by SHSC surf ski Coaches/Invigilators Nadine Reynolds and Dave Neal, authorised by the Office of Maritime Communications (for ACMA) to train and supervise the SROCP exam and practical assessment.

You’ll learn everything required by the regulator — but taught specifically for surf ski paddling, which is very different to using a radio on a motor vessel.
(And yes — the certification covers short range marine radios generally, not just handhelds.)

Course details

📅 Date: Wednesday 25 March
🕡 Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm (3 hours)
📍 Location: SHSC Mosman clubhouse (classroom with projector/slides)
💰 Cost: $260 (includes handbook, presentation, practical component, exam fee + licence — if you pass)
👥 Capacity: 10 paddlers maximum (limited spots)

Who it’s for

Any SHSC paddler who wants to:

communicate clearly with fellow paddlers/coaches on the water

• call for help confidently in an emergency

• understand the local search & rescue response (who responds, how, and how quickly)

• stay compliant with Australian law when using a VHF marine radio

What you’ll learn

• Marine VHF basics: range, limitations, and how it behaves on the water

• Radio equipment fundamentals: key parts, switches, power supplies

• Tips + best practice for using a VHF radio on a surf ski

• VHF marine repeaters

• Operating + calling procedures

• Routine calls and emergency messaging: Mayday / Pan Pan / Securité (what they mean and when to use them)

• Digital Selective Calling (DSC) — how it works and why it’s a game changer (SROCP required)

• EPIRBs and PLBs

• AIS (Automatic Identification System)

• Search & Rescue in Australia: what happens after you call for help

Assessment (on the night)

You’ll complete both in front of the Invigilators:

1. Written multiple choice exam (closed book, 25 questions, 30 minutes, 70% pass mark)

2. Practical observation checklist, including:

• logging on with Marine Rescue

• making a Mayday call

• activating a DSC alert

• setting the radio for dual watch

Prerequisites (important)

To enrol, you must:

• be confident you can score 70%+ in the online trial exam

• be able to perform all activities on the observation checklist

• register no later than 7 days before the course date

• bring photo ID (driver’s licence/passport)

Practice questions:
Use the online revision questions here: https://academic.amc.edu.au/~omc/RevisionQuestionSROCP.html

Radio tip: If you own (or can borrow) a handheld VHF, bring it along. If you’re planning to buy one, please text Nadine (o434 536 690) or Dave (0433 178 123) first so you choose the correct model for paddling.

Please enrol early ✅

Early enrolment gives you time to prepare properly for both the exam and practical assessment. Once you book, Nadine and/or Dave will contact you to organise your Marine VHF Radio Operators Handbook so you can get started straight away.

Limited spots — secure your place early.