RYA SRC Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the RYA SRC exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 RYA SRC Exam Format at a Glance
📚 RYA SRC Topics to Study (51)
✍️ Sample RYA SRC Questions & Answers
1. What MCA certificate is required by the master of a UK passenger vessel?
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.
2. Can a DSC distress alert be cancelled once transmitted?
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.
3. What does MAYDAY originate from?
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.
4. When can a Mayday call be cancelled?
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.
5. What is the transmission power for most ship-to-shore 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.
6. How long should a vessel maintain a watch on Channel 16 after sending a DSC distress alert?
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.