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Radio Operator Responsibilities Flashcards

6 cards from real RYA SRC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 6 Radio Operator Responsibilities flashcards as text

  1. What qualification is required to operate a VHF marine radio in UK waters?

    Answer: Short Range Certificate (SRC)

    The Short Range Certificate (SRC) is the minimum qualification required to operate a VHF marine radio in UK waters. It is issued by the RYA and authorises the holder to operate VHF and DSC radio equipment.

  2. What does the Short Range Certificate (SRC) authorise?

    Answer: Operation of VHF and DSC radios up to 25 watts

    The SRC authorises the holder to operate VHF DSC radios up to 25 watts. It covers the GMDSS distress and safety procedures for the VHF frequency band only, not MF/HF or satellite systems.

  3. Under what circumstances may an unlicensed person operate a marine VHF radio?

    Answer: In a genuine emergency to save life, any person may transmit

    In a genuine emergency where life is in danger, any person may operate the radio to transmit a distress call, regardless of whether they hold an SRC. Saving life always takes priority over licensing requirements.

  4. Who is responsible for ensuring a VHF radio is operated correctly on a vessel?

    Answer: The skipper (master) is ultimately responsible

    The skipper (master) of a vessel is ultimately responsible for ensuring that all radio equipment is operated correctly and by appropriately qualified personnel. They hold overall responsibility for communications on board.

  5. What is the SRC holder's responsibility regarding false distress alerts?

    Answer: They must take all reasonable steps to prevent false alerts and immediately cancel any accidental activation

    An SRC holder must take all reasonable steps to prevent false distress alerts and, if an accidental activation occurs, must immediately cancel it using the correct DSC cancellation procedure and voice announcement to prevent unnecessary SAR deployment.

  6. What ongoing responsibility does an SRC holder have regarding their radio equipment?

    Answer: Ensure the MMSI is correctly programmed, GPS connected, and the radio is maintained in working order

    An SRC holder has a continuing responsibility to ensure their DSC radio is correctly programmed with a valid MMSI, connected to GPS for position data, and maintained in working order so it will function effectively in an emergency.

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Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

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