RYA Day Skipper Radio Procedures

Question 1

The phonetic alphabet word for the letter 'M' in the NATO alphabet used on marine VHF is:

Accepted Answer

Mike

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

PAN PAN × 3, ALL STATIONS × 3, vessel name, MMSI, position, nature of urgency, assistance required

Answer

Pan Pan (urgency) format mirrors Mayday (distress) but uses 'PAN PAN' instead of 'MAYDAY'. All elements: repetition × 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:

Accepted Answer

Channel 16, then agree a working channel and switch

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

MMSI of the transmitting vessel, position (if GPS-linked), and the nature of urgency

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

A safety announcement regarding a navigational or meteorological hazard

Answer

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.

RYA Day Skipper Practice Test

RYA Day Skipper Practice Test

RYA Day Skipper Radio Procedures