Learn LRC –
General Operator's Certificate
The Long Range Certificate (LRC) is the highest marine radio certificate in recreational boating – valid for VHF, MF/HF and satellite radio in all sea areas worldwide.
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The LRC (Long Range Certificate) is the highest marine radio certificate in recreational boating and is valid worldwide for VHF, MF/HF and satellite radio (all sea areas A1–A4). It builds on the SRC: in the theory you answer a paper of 14 LRC questions in 20 minutes – passed from 11 correct answers. Anyone without an SRC additionally works through the SRC paper (24 questions). Added to that are an English dictation with translation and a practical part. Boatpass trains the official LRC question catalog (76 questions) with exam simulation and mistake training.
What is the LRC?
The Long Range Certificate (LRC) is the official authorization for unrestricted participation in the worldwide maritime radio service within the GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System). It permits radio via VHF, MF and HF as well as via satellite – i.e. also far from the coast on the high seas.
This makes the LRC the highest marine radio certificate in recreational boating. It is administered by the examination boards of the German Sailing Association (DSV) and the German Motor Yachting Association (DMYV), is internationally recognized and valid indefinitely.
What you study here – the official source
LRC catalog · sea radio (worldwide)
View on ELWIS ↗The date shows when each official edition came into force – not how old the questions are. Every catalog listed here is authoritative for the 2026 exam year. When a new edition is published, we build it in automatically.
This overview as of:July 2026 · The official publication always prevails – the linked ELWIS pages always show the currently valid edition.
Who needs the LRC?
LRC vs. SRC: what's the difference?
- ✓ Worldwide (sea areas A1–A4)
- ✓ VHF + MF/HF
- ✓ Satellite radio (GMDSS)
- ✓ Unrestricted validity
- ✓ Coastal area (sea area A1)
- ✓ VHF marine radio only
- ✗ No MF/HF
- ✗ No satellite radio
For most coastal areas the SRC is sufficient. But anyone who wants to use radio on the high seas needs the LRC – it fully includes the scope of the SRC.
LRC exam: structure & contents
Multiple choice (SRC + LRC papers)
Send texts (phonetics)
DSC, MF/HF, satellite
on exam day ≥ 17 y. 9 mo.
Exam topics: the GMDSS system and sea areas A1–A4, VHF/MF/HF marine radio, DSC procedures (Digital Selective Calling), satellite radio (Inmarsat), NAVTEX, distress, urgency and safety traffic, international distress English and the phonetic alphabet, plus the ITU radio regulations (Radio Regulations).
Afraid of radio? We'll take that fear away.
The worry about dictation and sending a message almost always comes from a lack of repetition – not from a lack of ability. The messages follow a fixed wording (MAYDAY, PAN PAN, phonetic alphabet). Anyone who has run through the procedure often enough has it down.
You get the final speaking polish on real equipment in the practical exam part at your radio school. The wording and procedures you bring with you confidently via Boatpass.
What does the LRC cost?
For the official LRC exam there is a fee for admission, the exam and the issuance of the certificate:
The exact exam fee varies by association and federal state (approx. €188–207). A preparation course is not required – you can also learn the theory independently with the official question catalog. These official fees are independent of the Boatpass LRC learning module (one-time €9.99).
How Boatpass helps with the LRC
Learn by category
The LRC question catalog comprises 76 questions across 6 topic areas – practice in a targeted way based on your weak spots.
Source: official question catalog on elwis.de.
Boatpass LRC module
The LRC module for Boatpass is here – with the same learning concept as SBF Inland & Coastal: official question catalog, exam simulation and targeted mistake training. One-time €9.99, no subscription.