RYA Day Skipper Radio Procedures — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The phonetic alphabet word for the letter 'M' in the NATO alphabet used on marine VHF is:
- Mike (Correct answer)
- Mother
- Metro
- March
Correct answer: Mike
The NATO phonetic alphabet is used on marine VHF to spell out vessel names, positions, and key information clearly. M = Mike.
Question 2: What is the correct format for a Pan Pan urgency call?
- PAN PAN Ă— 3, ALL STATIONS Ă— 3, vessel name, MMSI, position, nature of urgency, assistance required (Correct answer)
- MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY followed by position
- PAN PAN once, then vessel name and position
- PAN PAN Ă— 3, Coastguard name, then vessel details
Correct answer: PAN PAN Ă— 3, ALL STATIONS Ă— 3, vessel name, MMSI, position, nature of urgency, assistance required
Pan Pan (urgency) format mirrors Mayday (distress) but uses 'PAN PAN' instead of 'MAYDAY'. All elements: repetition Ă— 3, all stations or specific coast station, vessel name/MMSI, position, urgency, persons on board.
Question 3: A skipper wishes to call a marina on VHF. They should first call on:
- Channel 16, then agree a working channel and switch (Correct answer)
- Channel 12 directly
- Channel 06
- Channel 67
Correct answer: Channel 16, then agree a working channel and switch
All vessels and shore stations maintain watch on Ch 16. Initial calls are made on Ch 16 to establish contact, then communication moves to an agreed working channel.
Question 4: What does a DSC Urgency call transmit automatically?
- MMSI of the transmitting vessel, position (if GPS-linked), and the nature of urgency (Correct answer)
- Only the vessel's name
- The weather at time of call
- A recorded voice message
Correct answer: MMSI of the transmitting vessel, position (if GPS-linked), and the nature of urgency
Like a DSC Distress call, a DSC Urgency call transmits the vessel's MMSI automatically, and if a GPS is connected, the position. This data reaches rescue centres even before any voice message.
Question 5: A vessel receives a Securité message on Channel 16. This is:
- A safety announcement regarding a navigational or meteorological hazard (Correct answer)
- A distress call
- A routine port authority broadcast
- A vessel requesting a weather update
Correct answer: A safety announcement regarding a navigational or meteorological hazard
Securité (pronounced 'say-cure-ee-tay') is the safety call prefix used to announce navigational or meteorological hazards — e.g., a drifting container, reduced visibility, or a traffic separation scheme update.
Question 6: When a rescue helicopter is co-ordinating a search, mariners in the area should:
- Maintain a listening watch on Channel 16 and follow instructions from the on-scene commander (Correct answer)
- Switch to Channel 6 and operate independently
- Ignore communications unless directly called
- Proceed at maximum speed to assist
Correct answer: Maintain a listening watch on Channel 16 and follow instructions from the on-scene commander
During co-ordinated search and rescue operations, all vessels in the area must monitor Ch 16 and comply with instructions from the on-scene co-ordinator. Uncoordinated assistance can hamper the rescue.
RYA Day Skipper Radio Procedures
The phonetic alphabet word for the letter 'M' in the NATO alphabet used on marine VHF is: