Long Range Certificate Examination Format

The LRC examination consists of four parts as follows:

1. Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) examination paper
2. Regulations Paper
3. Radiotelephone Communications(R/T) exercise simulating a Distress situation
4. Operation of Equipment

To pass the examination, you must pass each of the above parts. There is a facility to resit any failed part (at the discretion of the Examination Co-ordination Centre - EEC), provided this is done within seven working days of the first attempt and at the same ECC.

The SOLAS exam consists of 9 questions. The pass mark is 75%.

The Regulations paper is a multiple choice type. There are four answers provided for each of the 10 questions. To pass, candidates must correctly answer 6 questions.

The R/T exercise involves a number of candidates taking the role of ships at sea. The examiner takes the role of a ship in Distress. Candidates are required to use correct verbal and written procedures at appropriate times during the execution of the scenario. Pass mark is 75%.

During the Operation of equipment stage, the candidate is asked to perform a range of practical tasks on each piece of the equipment. The equipment includes MF/HF Transceiver, VHF Transceiver, DSC Controller, NAVTEX, SART, EPIRB and handheld VHF. The practical examination also covers more general topics on the testing of equipment, the care and maintenance of batteries and antenna installations. The pass mark is 70%.

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Satellite Module

There is an additional (optional) Satellite Module which may be taken at the same time as the LRC, at no extra cost. Ask your course provider for details. The format of the Satellite Module Exam is as follows:

1. SOLAS paper. Five questions. Pass mark 60%
2. Radio Regulations & Inmarsat C Terminal Operation. Pass mark 70%

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LRC Syllabus

Examination Syllabus for the CEPT LRC for vessels not subject to Compulsory Fit under the SOLAS Convention.

The examination should consist of theoretical and practical tests and should include at least:

General knowledge of radio communications in the Maritime Mobile Service

• General principles and basic features
• System overview of the GMDSS structure
• Search and Rescue (SAR)
• Maritime Safety Information (MSI)

Practical knowledge and ability to use radio equipment

• VHF radio installation
• MF/HF radio installation
• Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
• Antennas, interfacing and power sources

Procedures and practical operation of the subsystems

• DSC Distress, urgency and safety communication procedures for VHF, MF and HF
• Protection of distress frequencies on VHF, MF and HF
• Alerting, Communication and Locating Signals

Radiotelephony procedures

• Ability to exchange communications relevant to the safety of life at sea
• Practical and theoretical knowledge of radiotelephony procedures

Regulations for VHF/HF/MF communications

• Regulations, obligatory procedures and practices

Examination Requirements

See AMERC Administration Handbook for detailed LRC syllabus information.

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LRC Course Providers

See the full list of LRC course providers.