RYA Day Skipper Safety at Sea

Question 1

What is the correct procedure for sending a 'Mayday' distress call on VHF radio?

Accepted Answer

Say 'MAYDAY' three times, followed by 'THIS IS' and your vessel name three times, then give position, nature of distress, and number of persons on board

Answer

Say 'Mayday' once and give your name

Answer

Call the coastguard on channel 16 and ask for help

Answer

Send a text message to the RNLI

Question 2

What does the 'SOLAS' convention stand for?

Accepted Answer

Safety Of Life At Sea

Answer

Standards Of Lifesaving And Sailing

Answer

System Of Lighthouse And Signals

Answer

Society Of Licensed And Safe

Question 3

What is the purpose of a 'kill cord' (engine cut-off device) on a motorboat?

Accepted Answer

To cut the engine automatically if the helmsperson falls overboard or away from the helm

Answer

To prevent theft

Answer

To improve fuel efficiency

Answer

To control boat speed

Question 4

In a man overboard situation under sail, what is the recommended initial action?

Accepted Answer

Shout 'MAN OVERBOARD', throw a lifebuoy, assign a spotter, press MOB on GPS, and begin the recovery manoeuvre

Answer

Drop all sails immediately

Answer

Call the coastguard before doing anything else

Answer

Continue sailing until you can turn around

Question 5

How many pyrotechnic flares are typically recommended for a yacht sailing in coastal waters?

Accepted Answer

A minimum pack including red hand flares, red parachute rockets, and orange smoke signals

Answer

None — flares are obsolete

Answer

One white flare only

Answer

Flares are only for commercial vessels

Question 6

What is the primary purpose of a 'liferaft' on a cruising yacht?

Accepted Answer

To provide a means of survival if the yacht must be abandoned, keeping crew out of the water

Answer

To provide extra sleeping space

Answer

To carry extra stores

Answer

To act as a tender for going ashore