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VHF Channel Usage 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 VHF Channel Usage flashcards as text

  1. What VHF channel should a vessel use to contact HM Coastguard for a routine safety call (CG66)?

    Answer: Channel 16

    Vessels participating in the HM Coastguard Voluntary Safety Identification Scheme (CG66) register their details and sail plans ashore. Initial contact with HM Coastguard is made on Channel 16.

  2. Can private (non-commercial) vessels use Channel 6?

    Answer: Yes, Channel 06 is available to all vessels for inter-ship safety communications

    Channel 06 is available to all vessels (commercial and recreational) for inter-ship safety communications. It has particular importance for communications between vessels during safety-critical manoeuvres.

  3. What is the purpose of maintaining a radio log on a commercial vessel?

    Answer: To record all distress, safety, and urgent transmissions for legal and safety purposes

    Commercial vessels are required to maintain a radio log recording all distress, safety, and urgency traffic. This provides a legal record and helps with accident investigation and SAR debrief.

  4. What does 'SILENCE MAYDAY' (SEELONCE MAYDAY) authorise coast stations to do?

    Answer: Transmit on Channel 16 to impose radio silence on all other stations

    SEELONCE MAYDAY authorises the coordinating coast station to impose radio silence on all other stations using Channel 16 so that distress communications are not disrupted by non-essential traffic.

  5. What is a 'coast radio station'?

    Answer: A shore-based radio station providing communications services to vessels at sea

    A coast radio station is a shore-based facility that provides radio communication services to vessels, including handling distress calls, medical advice, ship-to-shore telephone services, and broadcasting safety information.

  6. What is the significance of the 'guard' function on a VHF radio?

    Answer: It allows simultaneous monitoring of Channel 16 and a working channel

    The dual-watch or guard function allows a VHF radio to simultaneously monitor Channel 16 (for distress calls) while the operator uses a working channel, ensuring distress calls are never missed.

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Sources & references

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