RYA SRC - Short Range Certificate (Marine Radio) Practice Test 2026

RYA SRC Exam at a Glance

What changed for RYA SRC in 2026

• Oct 31, 2026: Eligibility changed to Age 16+ and completion of RYA SRC course or recognized prior radio certificate (previously Age 16+ and completion of an RYA SRC course, RYA Restricted VHF certificate, or aviation radio certificate).^[1]
• Oct 31, 2026: Registration deadline changed to Prior to taking the exam (previously Exam fee must be paid before the exam starts).^[1]
• Oct 31, 2026: Score release changed to Around 21 working days (within 5 working days with Fast-Track) (previously Certificate issued in about 21 days (3 working days with Fast Track)).^[3]

RYA SRC Study Tips

• Create a structured study schedule at least 4-6 weeks before your RYA SRC exam date.
• Focus on understanding core concepts rather than memorising answers for the RYA Short Range Certificate VHF Marine Radio.
• Use our free practice tests to identify weak areas and track your progress over time.
• Review the official RYA SRC exam syllabus to ensure complete topic coverage.
• Take timed practice sessions to build your exam pace and reduce test-day anxiety.

Free RYA SRC Study Tools

Interactive RYA SRC resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:

• RYA SRC flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
• RYA SRC study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
• RYA SRC cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review

According to Royal Yachting Association, “SRC exams include a written theory question paper and a practical assessment on the use of marine VHF radios.”^[1]

Worked examples: how to reason through RYA SRC questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: On which frequency does a 406 MHz EPIRB primarily transmit its distress signal?

1. 156.8 MHz (Channel 16)
2. 406 MHz
3. 2182 kHz
4. 243 MHz

Answer: B. 406 MHz

Explanation:

The correct answer is 406 MHz. A 406 MHz EPIRB sends its distress signal on that frequency, which is monitored by the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system, so the alert is detected quickly and the position can be located accurately.

156.8 MHz (Channel 16) is the VHF distress and calling channel for voice and DSC radios, not the beacon's main transmission. 2182 kHz is an older medium frequency radiotelephone distress frequency. 243 MHz is an older homing frequency, and it is not what the satellite system listens for on a modern beacon.

Rule to remember: the satellite beacon works on 406 MHz, while the handheld or fixed VHF set works on Channel 16. Keep the two systems separate in your head.

Example 2

Question: What does the proword 'OVER' signify at the end of a VHF radio transmission?

1. The communication is finished
2. The speaker has finished their message and is awaiting a reply
3. An emergency situation
4. The channel is changing

Answer: B. The speaker has finished their message and is awaiting a reply

Explanation:

The correct answer is that the speaker has finished their message and is awaiting a reply. OVER hands the turn to the other station.

It does not mean the communication is finished. That is the job of a different proword, used when both sides have nothing more to say. Closing the exchange early would leave the other station unsure whether to answer.

It does not signal an emergency either. Distress traffic uses its own words and procedure, and OVER is routine in every ordinary exchange. It is also not a channel change, which is agreed in words before anyone switches.

Rule to remember: OVER means your turn to speak, and the end-of-conversation word means the exchange is closed. Do not mix them.

Example 3

Question: Which VHF channel is designated as the UK Small Craft Safety channel, commonly used for communications with HM Coastguard by small vessels?

1. Channel 16
2. Channel 67
3. Channel 72
4. Channel 14

Answer: B. Channel 67

Explanation:

The correct answer is Channel 67. It is the UK Small Craft Safety working channel, used by HM Coastguard to talk with small craft after initial contact has been made on Channel 16.

Channel 16 is where that first contact happens, so it is the calling and distress channel rather than the working channel the question asks about. Channel 72 and Channel 14 are other channels with different uses, and neither is the Small Craft Safety channel.

Rule to remember: call on Channel 16, then move to the working channel the Coastguard directs. Learn Channel 67 as the small craft safety channel for UK waters, and practise the switch from Channel 16 in the VHF channel usage set.

How to use these practice tests

Start with the official material from your training centre and the RYA pages on the SRC exam, so you know what the written paper and the practical assessment involve. Then use the practice sets to find weak spots.

Take the free RYA SRC practice test first as a cold check. Note which topics cost you marks, then work through the matching sets:

• Calls: Distress and Urgency Calls and MAYDAY and Distress Procedures.
• Digital selective calling: DSC Operations and DSC Procedures.
• Equipment and systems: EPIRB, SART and Emergency Equipment, GMDSS and MMSI Numbers.
• Voice procedure: VHF Radio Procedures, VHF Channel Usage and Phonetic Alphabet and Prowords.
• Rules: Radio Regulations, Radio Operator Responsibilities and MCA Regulations and Phonetic Alphabet.

After each set, read the explanation for every question you missed, not only the ones you guessed. Say the distress call and the phonetic alphabet aloud, because the practical assessment tests speaking, not recognition. Finish with a second run of the free practice test and compare it with your first. Our questions are written by us and are not real exam questions, so treat them as practice for understanding.

Ready to Pass the RYA SRC?

Join thousands of candidates who have used our free practice tests to prepare for the RYA Short Range Certificate VHF Marine Radio. Start practising today and build the confidence you need to succeed. Practice with the free RYA SRC practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (7 questions with answer explanations).

Sample RYA SRC Practice Questions

Try these questions from our free RYA SRC practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.

1. When should the self-test function of an EPIRB be carried out?

   • A. Every day at noon
   • B. Only when the battery is replaced
   • C. Periodically as specified by the manufacturer, typically monthly
   • D. Never — testing can trigger a satellite alert

Answer: C. Periodically as specified by the manufacturer, typically monthly

Manufacturers typically recommend monthly self-tests using the built-in test mode, which does not transmit a live distress signal via satellite.

Answer: A. Red

An activated EPIRB flashes a red LED to indicate that the distress signal is being transmitted.

Answer: B. Automatically release from its mounting bracket and activate if the vessel sinks, transmitting a distress signal via satellite

A float-free EPIRB is mounted in a hydrostatic release unit that automatically releases the EPIRB if the vessel sinks below a certain depth (typically 1.5-4m). It then activates and transmits a distress signal via the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system.

Answer: B. The battery expiry date has passed or the unit has been activated for more than one hour

SOLAS requires the battery to be replaced or recharged by the marked expiry date or after cumulative activation exceeds one hour, whichever comes first.

Take the full RYA SRC practice test

Sources & last verified

1. Royal Yachting Association — number of questions, exam fee, eligibility, registration deadline (official source). “SRC exams include a written theory question paper and a practical assessment on the use of marine VHF radios.” Verified Oct 31, 2026 · source checked Oct 20, 2026.
2. Royal Yachting Association — delivery (official source). “This course is based either online or in the classroom with the exam taking place in the classroom.” Verified Oct 31, 2026 · source checked Oct 20, 2026.
3. Royal Yachting Association — score release (official source). “The standard (non-fast track) processing time is currently around 21 working days from receipt of your application.” Verified Oct 31, 2026 · source checked Oct 31, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.