Beschränkt gültiges Funkbetriebszeugnis

The Beschränkt gültige Funkbetriebszeugnis (Short Range Certificate or SRC), is a German radio operator’s certificate required for the use of marine VHF radio equipment with Digital selective calling (DSC) on seagoing vessels. It certifies that the holder is qualified to operate maritime VHF radio installations in accordance with national and international regulations.

Legal basis

The legal basis of the SRC is provided by German telecommunications and maritime regulations implementing the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). These regulations are aligned with international standards established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Scope

The SRC is required for operators of VHF radio equipment on seagoing vessels that are equipped with DSC and participate in the maritime mobile service.

The certificate applies to short-range communication within the VHF band and is typically sufficient for coastal navigation. It is distinct from the Long Range Certificate (LRC), which covers additional equipment such as MF/HF and satellite communication systems.

Requirements

Applicants for the SRC must demonstrate:

• knowledge of maritime radio procedures
• understanding of the GMDSS system
• familiarity with the operation of VHF DSC equipment

Minimum age and administrative requirements are defined by the relevant authorities.

Examination

The examination for the SRC consists of theoretical and practical components. It includes:

• radio regulations and procedures
• use of VHF radio equipment with DSC
• distress, urgency, and safety communication

The practical examination typically involves simulated radio communication and operation of DSC controllers.

Administration

The SRC is issued by authorized examination bodies on behalf of the competent German authorities. Certification is carried out in accordance with national telecommunications regulations and international GMDSS standards.

Position in the German certification system

The SRC is part of the German system of radio operator certificates for recreational boating. It complements navigation licences such as the Sportbootführerschein See and the Sportseeschifferschein, which cover vessel operation but not radio communication.

For inland waterways, the corresponding certificate is the UKW-Sprechfunkzeugnis für den Binnenschifffahrtsfunk (UBI), while for extended maritime communication the Long Range Certificate (LRC) is required.

See also

• Short Range Certificate
• Long Range Certificate