RYA SRC DSC Procedures 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum power output of a standard fixed VHF marine radio?
- 25 watts (Correct answer)
- 10 watts
- 50 watts
- 5 watts
Correct answer: 25 watts
Standard fixed-mount VHF marine radios transmit at a maximum of 25 watts on high power. Hand-held radios are typically limited to 5 or 6 watts maximum.
Question 2: In DSC, what does the term 'working channel' refer to?
- The voice channel agreed upon after a DSC call to conduct communication (Correct answer)
- Channel 70 used for all DSC transmissions
- The channel used for weather broadcasts
- Channel 16 used for distress monitoring
Correct answer: The voice channel agreed upon after a DSC call to conduct communication
A working channel is the VHF channel agreed by both parties after the initial DSC contact on which they will conduct their voice conversation, keeping Channel 16 free for distress traffic.
Question 3: What is a DSC group call?
- A call addressed to a pre-defined group of vessels sharing a group MMSI (Correct answer)
- A call broadcast to all vessels worldwide
- A call to a group of coast stations simultaneously
- A conference call feature between multiple vessels
Correct answer: A call addressed to a pre-defined group of vessels sharing a group MMSI
A DSC group call is addressed to a specific group of vessels that share a common group MMSI number, allowing fleet operators to contact all their vessels simultaneously.
Question 4: How does DSC improve safety compared to voice-only distress procedures?
- It sends position and distress nature automatically even if the operator is incapacitated (Correct answer)
- It has longer range than voice communications
- It requires less operator training
- It works on more frequencies than voice radio
Correct answer: It sends position and distress nature automatically even if the operator is incapacitated
DSC automatically transmits position, MMSI, and nature of distress with a single button press. This is critical when an operator is injured or incapacitated and cannot make a full voice MAYDAY call.
Question 5: What does it mean when a DSC radio shows 'no position' in the distress alert?
- The radio is not connected to GPS or GPS has no fix (Correct answer)
- The distress alert was not transmitted successfully
- The operator forgot to enter the vessel name
- Channel 70 is being jammed
Correct answer: The radio is not connected to GPS or GPS has no fix
'No position' in a DSC distress alert means the radio has no GPS connection or the GPS does not have a satellite fix. Rescuers will not receive automatic position information, making a voice MAYDAY with position more critical.
Question 6: Which body issues the Short Range Certificate (SRC) qualification in the UK?
- RYA (Royal Yachting Association) (Correct answer)
- MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency)
- Ofcom
- Trinity House
Correct answer: RYA (Royal Yachting Association)
The RYA (Royal Yachting Association) administers the SRC course and assessment in the UK on behalf of the MCA. Successful candidates receive the SRC certificate authorising them to operate VHF marine radios.
RYA SRC DSC Procedures 5
What is the maximum power output of a standard fixed VHF marine radio?