RYA Short Range Certificate (SRC) Radio Operator Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which VHF channel is used for yacht club communications in the UK?

Channel M (Channel 37 in UK) (Correct answer)
Channel 80
Channel 16
Channel 06

Correct answer: Channel M (Channel 37 in UK)

Channel M (also known as Channel 37 in the UK) is designated for use by marinas and yacht clubs. It is a UK-specific channel not internationally recognised, used for club-to-vessel communications.

Question 2: What does an SRC assessment require the candidate to demonstrate practically?

Only a technical inspection of their radio equipment
Only a written examination on radio regulations
Conducting a simulated MAYDAY call, DSC distress alert, and routine radio procedures (Correct answer)
A voyage log showing radio communications experience

Correct answer: Conducting a simulated MAYDAY call, DSC distress alert, and routine radio procedures

The SRC practical assessment requires candidates to demonstrate correct procedures for a simulated DSC distress alert, a MAYDAY voice call, a PAN PAN call, and routine radio procedures including channel changing and phonetic alphabet use.

Question 3: What is a SART and when would it be activated?

A type of compass
A type of fire extinguisher
A satellite telephone
A Search and Rescue Transponder that produces a distinctive signal on radar screens to help rescue services locate survivors (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A Search and Rescue Transponder that produces a distinctive signal on radar screens to help rescue services locate survivors

A SART (Search and Rescue Transponder) is a radar transponder activated in a distress situation. When interrogated by a rescue vessel's radar, it produces a distinctive pattern of dots on the radar screen leading to the SART's position.

Question 4: How is a PAN PAN message structured differently from a MAYDAY?

PAN PAN is spoken once only, followed immediately by position
PAN PAN uses Channel 70 instead of Channel 16
PAN PAN is spoken three times, then the same format as MAYDAY but indicating urgent rather than distress (Correct answer)
PAN PAN does not require a vessel name or position

Correct answer: PAN PAN is spoken three times, then the same format as MAYDAY but indicating urgent rather than distress

A PAN PAN message begins with PAN PAN spoken three times, then follows a similar format to MAYDAY (vessel name, position, nature of urgency, persons on board, assistance required) but communicates urgency rather than immediate distress.

Question 5: On which radar frequency band does a SART respond when interrogated?

L-band (1.5 GHz)
C-band (5 GHz)
X-band (9 GHz) (Correct answer)
S-band (3 GHz)

Correct answer: X-band (9 GHz)

A SART responds to X-band (9 GHz) radar, which is the standard navigation radar fitted to most vessels and used by Search and Rescue craft.

Question 6: Under radio regulations, what type of communications are prohibited on marine VHF?

Weather reports
Unnecessary transmissions, obscene language, false distress calls, and broadcasting to the general public (Correct answer)
Calls to harbourmasters
Navigation warnings

Correct answer: Unnecessary transmissions, obscene language, false distress calls, and broadcasting to the general public

Radio regulations prohibit: unnecessary or superfluous transmissions, obscene or profane language, false or misleading distress signals, broadcasting (one-way transmissions to the general public), and transmitting without identification.

Question 7: What is the correct way to make an initial call to another vessel on VHF?

Just start talking about your message
Sound your horn first
Send a text message via DSC first
State the name of the station being called (up to 3 times), followed by 'THIS IS' and your vessel name (up to 3 times), then 'OVER' (Correct answer)

Correct answer: State the name of the station being called (up to 3 times), followed by 'THIS IS' and your vessel name (up to 3 times), then 'OVER'

The correct format is: '[Station name] x3, THIS IS [Your vessel name] x3, OVER'. On a working channel, names need only be said once each.

Question 8: Can a MAYDAY be transmitted by any person on board, not just the skipper?

No, only the licensed radio operator
No, only the skipper or master
Yes, but only if the skipper is incapacitated
Yes, any person on board may transmit a MAYDAY if necessary (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, any person on board may transmit a MAYDAY if necessary

In a genuine life-threatening emergency, any person on board may transmit a MAYDAY regardless of whether they hold a radio licence. Saving life takes absolute priority over licensing requirements.

Question 9: Who has the authority to cancel a MAYDAY situation?

The first vessel to arrive on scene
Any vessel in the vicinity that has the casualty in sight
Only the vessel that originally transmitted the MAYDAY
The vessel in distress or the coordinating coast station (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The vessel in distress or the coordinating coast station

A MAYDAY can be cancelled by the vessel in distress or by the controlling coast station coordinating the search and rescue response.

Question 10: Can a vessel legally operate in UK waters without a Ship Radio Licence?

Yes, if the vessel is under 10 metres in length
Yes, for day sailing only
No — a Ship Radio Licence from Ofcom is required to operate any ship radio (Correct answer)
Yes, if the radio is hand-held rather than fixed-mount

Correct answer: No — a Ship Radio Licence from Ofcom is required to operate any ship radio

UK law requires any vessel carrying a radio transmitter (including VHF marine radios) to hold a valid Ship Radio Licence issued by Ofcom. There is no exemption based on vessel size or type of sailing.

Question 11: Which body issues the Short Range Certificate (SRC) qualification in the UK?

RYA (Royal Yachting Association) (Correct answer)
Trinity House
MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency)
Ofcom

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.

Question 12: A DSC urgency call uses which category?

Distress
Safety
Routine
Urgency (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Urgency

An urgency call is preceded by the PAN PAN signal and uses the Urgency category in DSC, which is one level below Distress.

Question 13: At what minimum height above sea level should a SART be held or mounted when activated to maximise its radar detection range?

3 metres
1 metre (Correct answer)
0.5 metres
5 metres

Correct answer: 1 metre

A SART should be positioned at least 1 metre above sea level — the higher the better — to maximise the range at which a searching vessel's radar can detect it.

Question 14: What does the proword 'OUT' signify?

The communication is ended and no reply is expected (Correct answer)
The speaker is going outside
A request to change channel
An error has been made

Correct answer: The communication is ended and no reply is expected

'OUT' signifies that the communication has ended and no further reply is expected or required. 'OVER' and 'OUT' should never be used together.

Question 15: What is the purpose of a MAYDAY RELAY?

To repeat a MAYDAY from your own vessel
To pass on a distress message from a vessel that cannot communicate directly with rescue services (Correct answer)
To acknowledge a MAYDAY on behalf of the coastguard
To cancel a false MAYDAY alert

Correct answer: To pass on a distress message from a vessel that cannot communicate directly with rescue services

A MAYDAY RELAY passes on distress information from a vessel that is unable to communicate directly with rescue services, ensuring the alert reaches the coastguard even when the distressed vessel lacks sufficient radio range.

Question 16: What is the difference between a DSC 'all ships' call and a 'group' call?

Group calls have higher priority
An 'all ships' call alerts every DSC station within range; a 'group' call alerts only stations with a matching group MMSI (Correct answer)
All ships calls are only for distress
They are the same

Correct answer: An 'all ships' call alerts every DSC station within range; a 'group' call alerts only stations with a matching group MMSI

An 'all ships' call goes to every DSC-equipped station within range and is used for distress, urgency, and safety messages. A group call targets only vessels programmed with a specific group MMSI number.

Question 17: What happens to Channel 16 watch requirements when entering a port or marina?

Continue monitoring Channel 16 unless instructed to switch to a port working channel (Correct answer)
Switch to Channel 12 for all port communications
Channel 16 watch is suspended in port waters
Switch immediately to Channel 80

Correct answer: Continue monitoring Channel 16 unless instructed to switch to a port working channel

Vessels should continue monitoring Channel 16 even in port unless instructed by the harbour authority to maintain a watch on their designated working channel instead. The requirement does not automatically cease.

Question 18: What is the phonetic alphabet word for 'B'?

Bermuda
Beta
Bravo (Correct answer)
Biscay

Correct answer: Bravo

In the NATO phonetic alphabet, the letter B is represented by 'Bravo'. The phonetic alphabet ensures each letter has a distinct word that cannot be confused with another, especially in poor radio conditions.

Question 19: What is the legal requirement regarding a radio log book on a pleasure vessel in UK waters?

Pleasure vessels are not legally required to keep a radio log, but recording distress communications is good practice (Correct answer)
A detailed log of all transmissions must be maintained
Logs must be submitted to Ofcom monthly
Only commercial vessels need a log

Correct answer: Pleasure vessels are not legally required to keep a radio log, but recording distress communications is good practice

UK pleasure vessels are not legally required to keep a formal radio log. However, it is strongly recommended to record all distress and urgency communications, and it is required for commercial vessels.

Question 20: What does 'ROGER' mean in radio telephony?

Message acknowledged — please repeat
I will comply with your instructions
I agree with your transmission
I have received and understood your last transmission (Correct answer)

Correct answer: I have received and understood your last transmission

ROGER means 'I have received and understood your last transmission'. It confirms receipt and comprehension of the message. It does not mean you will comply — for that, 'WILCO' (will comply) is used.

Question 21: What does the Nature of Distress field in a DSC distress alert indicate?

The type of emergency, such as fire, flooding, or collision (Correct answer)
The vessel's current speed and heading
The vessel's port of registration
The number of people on board the vessel

Correct answer: The type of emergency, such as fire, flooding, or collision

The Nature of Distress field in a DSC alert encodes the type of emergency (e.g. fire, flooding, man overboard) to help rescuers prepare an appropriate response.

Question 22: VHF marine radio waves primarily travel by which type of propagation?

Tropospheric scatter allowing beyond-horizon communication
Sky wave propagation by reflection off the ionosphere
Line-of-sight propagation limited to the radio horizon (Correct answer)
Ground wave propagation along the sea surface

Correct answer: Line-of-sight propagation limited to the radio horizon

VHF radio waves travel predominantly by line-of-sight propagation and are limited to the radio horizon. Unlike HF (high frequency) radio, VHF waves do not reflect off the ionosphere, which constrains their range to approximately 20–30 nautical miles under normal conditions.

Question 23: What must a vessel owner do if their vessel's details change (e.g., new vessel name)?

No action is required — the database updates automatically
Notify the RYA only
Purchase a new MMSI
Notify Ofcom to update the MMSI database with the new details (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Notify Ofcom to update the MMSI database with the new details

Any change to vessel details (name, home port, owner address, emergency contacts) must be notified to Ofcom to keep the MMSI database accurate. Outdated information could compromise SAR effectiveness if a distress alert is received.

Question 24: What is the typical maximum VHF communication range between two recreational vessels at sea level?

20–30 nautical miles (Correct answer)
3–5 nautical miles
300 nautical miles
100 nautical miles

Correct answer: 20–30 nautical miles

Due to line-of-sight propagation, two vessels at sea level can typically communicate over approximately 20–30 nautical miles. Range to a coast station with a high-mounted antenna can be considerably greater, which is why HM Coastguard antennas are positioned at height.

Question 25: What is the purpose of a MAYDAY RELAY transmission?

To repeat a MAYDAY call on behalf of a vessel in distress that you have received (Correct answer)
To repeat your own MAYDAY if no response is received after five minutes
To pass a MAYDAY message via a commercial radio relay station
To inform other vessels that a MAYDAY has been received and cancelled

Correct answer: To repeat a MAYDAY call on behalf of a vessel in distress that you have received

A MAYDAY RELAY is transmitted by a vessel that has received a distress message but believes the distress has not been acknowledged by a coast station.

Question 26: What does the term 'MMSI' stand for in DSC operations?

Marine Mayday Signal Indicator
Marine Mobile Signal Identification
Maritime Management Station Index
Maritime Mobile Service Identity (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Maritime Mobile Service Identity

MMSI stands for Maritime Mobile Service Identity, a unique nine-digit number assigned to a vessel's radio equipment for DSC identification.

Question 27: What is the correct format for expressing a position in a Mayday call?

Just the name of the nearest town
Latitude and longitude, or a true bearing and distance from a known point (Correct answer)
GPS coordinates in any format
Grid reference from an Ordnance Survey map

Correct answer: Latitude and longitude, or a true bearing and distance from a known point

Position should be given as latitude and longitude (degrees and minutes, North/South, East/West), or as a TRUE bearing and distance from a named charted feature.

Question 28: How should a DSC distress alert be acknowledged by a coast station compared to a ship station?

Ships acknowledge on Channel 16; coast stations acknowledge on Channel 70
Both ships and coast stations acknowledge simultaneously on Channel 70
Coast stations acknowledge on Channel 70; ships should NOT transmit a DSC acknowledgement and should listen on Channel 16 (Correct answer)
Ships should acknowledge immediately on Channel 70; coast stations should not

Correct answer: Coast stations acknowledge on Channel 70; ships should NOT transmit a DSC acknowledgement and should listen on Channel 16

In GMDSS, only coast stations should acknowledge DSC distress alerts digitally; ship stations must avoid transmitting DSC acknowledgements to prevent confusion and channel congestion.

Question 29: 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 16 used for distress monitoring
The channel used for weather broadcasts
Channel 70 used for all DSC transmissions

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.

RYA Short Range Certificate (SRC) Radio Operator Exam

The RYA Short Range Certificate (SRC) is the minimum qualification required by law to use VHF marine radio in UK waters and is recognised internationally. The exam is administered by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and covers VHF radio procedures, GMDSS, DSC operations, distress and urgency calls, MAYDAY procedures, phonetic alphabet, prowords, MMSI numbers, MCA regulations, and radio operator responsibilities. The practical and written assessments must be passed at an RYA-approved training centre.

Questions

45 min

Time Limit

75%

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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

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rya.org.uk — Score release, eligibility, fees, exam format, registration deadline, test delivery · verified Oct 2026