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

The correct Mayday procedure is: 'MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY, THIS IS [vessel name x3], MAYDAY [vessel name], MY POSITION IS [position], [nature of distress], [assistance required], [number of POB], [any other useful information], OVER.'

Question 2

What does the 'SOLAS' convention stand for?

Accepted Answer

Safety Of Life At Sea

Answer

SOLAS stands for Safety Of Life At Sea. It is the most important international treaty concerning the safety of merchant ships, originally enacted after the Titanic disaster.

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

A kill cord attaches the helmsperson to the engine's emergency cut-off switch. If they fall overboard or are thrown from the helm, the cord pulls out and stops the engine immediately.

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

Immediate actions are: shout the alarm, deploy a lifebuoy or danbuoy, assign someone to point at the casualty continuously, press MOB on GPS, and begin the appropriate recovery manoeuvre.

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

For coastal sailing, the minimum recommended pack includes red parachute rockets (for long-range alerting), red hand-held flares (for close-range signalling), and orange smoke signals (for daytime use).

RYA Day Skipper Practice Test

RYA Day Skipper Practice Test

RYA Day Skipper Safety at Sea