Pilotage & VHF DSC Basics Flashcards

A Day Skipper must be able to send a DSC distress alert. The quickest method is to:

Answer: Lift the red cover on the dedicated distress button and hold it for 3–5 seconds

The dedicated distress button on a DSC radio, when held for 3–5 seconds, automatically sends a DSC distress alert on Channel 70 with MMSI, position (if GPS connected), and nature of distress.

After sending a DSC distress alert, the skipper should immediately:

Answer: Switch to Channel 16 and broadcast a Mayday voice message to supplement the DSC alert

DSC alert and voice Mayday are complementary. After the DSC alert, switch to Ch 16 and broadcast the full Mayday message (MAYDAY × 3, vessel name × 3, position, nature of distress, number of persons, any useful information).

The RYA Day Skipper course requires competence in VHF radio use. Which licence is required to operate a marine VHF radio legally?

Answer: Short Range Certificate (SRC) — a OFCOM/MCA authorised qualification

The Short Range Certificate (SRC) is the minimum licence required to operate a DSC VHF marine radio. It is obtained by examination through RYA or other authorised providers.

VHF Channel 16 should be monitored at all times because:

Answer: It is the international distress, safety, and calling channel — all vessels must keep watch on it while at sea

Ch 16 is the international distress, urgency, and safety calling frequency. SOLAS requires all vessels to maintain a continuous watch. Working communications are then moved to an agreed working channel.

A skipper hears a Mayday relay broadcast on Channel 16. This means:

Answer: Another vessel or coastguard is relaying a distress call from a vessel that cannot broadcast itself

A Mayday Relay (MAYDAY RELAY × 3) is issued when a vessel receives a distress signal but the distress vessel cannot communicate with rescue services directly, or when rescue services relay the information to all vessels.

Which of the following distress signals is NOT listed under COLREGs Annex IV?

Answer: Waving a blue flag continuously

Orange smoke, continuous fog signals, and gun firing are all valid COLREGs Annex IV distress signals. Waving a blue flag is not listed — the correct flag signal is the Code N over C (or a square flag with a ball above or below it).