Mixed Deck — All RYA SRC Topics Flashcards

What MCA certificate is required by the master of a UK passenger vessel?

Answer: An Oral Examination (OOW/Master certificate appropriate to vessel size and area)

UK passenger vessel masters must hold an MCA Certificate of Competency appropriate to the vessel's size and area of operation. The RYA qualifications are primarily for recreational vessels, while MCA certificates cover commercial passenger operations.

Which ITU region does the United Kingdom fall within for radio frequency allocations?

Answer: ITU Region 1

The UK and Europe fall within ITU Region 1, which governs radio frequency allocations for that area.

After announcing a SECURITE call on Channel 16, what should the operator do next?

Answer: State the working channel and transmit the safety message on that channel

After the initial SECURITE announcement on Channel 16 (including the vessel's name and MMSI), the operator states which working channel the traffic will be on (e.g., 'listen Channel 67'), then switches to that channel to deliver the full safety message.

Can a DSC distress alert be cancelled once transmitted?

Answer: Yes, by transmitting a DSC distress cancellation message on Channel 70

A DSC distress alert can be cancelled by transmitting a DSC distress cancellation message on Channel 70, followed by a voice announcement on Channel 16 to prevent unnecessary SAR response.

What does MAYDAY originate from?

Answer: The French 'm'aidez' meaning 'help me'

MAYDAY comes from the French phrase 'm'aidez' (or 'mayday' as a phonetic rendering of 'm'aider') meaning 'help me'. It was adopted internationally as the standard voice distress signal.

When can a Mayday call be cancelled?

Answer: When the distress situation is resolved and the vessel is no longer in danger, the originating vessel should cancel it with 'MAYDAY — ALL STATIONS — SILENCE FINI'

The vessel that originated the Mayday (or the coast station coordinating) should cancel it when the emergency is over, using the proword 'SILENCE FINI' (pronounced 'SEE-LONCE FEE-NEE') to indicate the distress traffic is ended.

What is the transmission power for most ship-to-shore communications?

Answer: High power (25 watts) for long range communications

High power (25 watts) should be used for ship-to-shore communications to ensure reliable contact. Low power (1 watt) is used for short-range communications to reduce interference with distant stations.

How long should a vessel maintain a watch on Channel 16 after sending a DSC distress alert?

Answer: Continuously until the distress situation is resolved

A vessel in distress must maintain a continuous watch on Channel 16 after sending a DSC alert to receive instructions from the coast station coordinating SAR operations.

What is Channel 16 primarily used for?

Answer: Distress, safety, and calling

Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) is the international distress, safety, and calling frequency. All vessels must monitor it and use it to establish initial contact before moving to a working channel.

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

Answer: 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.

How is a MAYDAY RELAY call prefixed when transmitted by a third party?

Answer: MAYDAY RELAY spoken three times

A relay distress call is introduced with the words 'MAYDAY RELAY' repeated three times before the call.

What is the procedure for testing a VHF radio in UK waters?

Answer: Use a DSC test call to a coast station or conduct a radio check on Channel 67 with HM Coastguard

Radio tests in UK waters should use a DSC test call or contact HM Coastguard on Channel 67. Testing on Channel 16 with 'MAYDAY TEST' is not permitted. Never send a DSC distress alert for testing purposes.

Which organisation coordinates the international system of maritime safety information broadcasts?

Answer: IMO

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) coordinates the international system for maritime safety information broadcasts.

In what order of priority are Mayday, Pan Pan, and Securite calls ranked?

Answer: Mayday (distress), Pan Pan (urgency), Securite (safety)

The priority order is: Mayday (highest — distress/immediate danger), Pan Pan (urgency — serious concern), Securite (safety — navigational or meteorological warnings). Mayday takes absolute priority.

On which VHF channel should a SECURITE call initially be announced?

Answer: Channel 16 (international distress, safety and calling channel)

SECURITE calls are announced on Channel 16, the international distress, safety and calling channel, to alert all listening stations. The operator then states which working channel the safety message will be passed on, and switches to that channel to transmit the information.

What does 'OVER' mean at the end of a radio transmission?

Answer: I have finished transmitting and am awaiting your reply

'OVER' at the end of a transmission means the sender has finished speaking and is inviting the other party to respond. It indicates the radio is now in receive mode waiting for a reply.

What is the phonetic alphabet word for 'W'?

Answer: Whiskey

In the NATO phonetic alphabet, the letter W is represented by 'Whiskey'. This refers to the distilled spirit and is clearly distinct from all other phonetic words.

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

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.

What is the main operational difference between an AIS SART and a radar SART?

Answer: An AIS SART is detected by AIS receivers and displays on a chartplotter; a radar SART is detected by X-band radar

An AIS SART transmits an AIS signal showing position and MMSI on chartplotters and AIS displays, while a radar SART creates a distinctive pattern on X-band radar screens.

What is a SART and when would it be activated?

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.