RYA SRC Phonetic Alphabet and Prowords — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the NATO phonetic alphabet used in marine radio, what word represents the letter 'M'?
- Montreal
- Mike (Correct answer)
- Mary
- Monaco
Correct answer: Mike
In the NATO/International phonetic alphabet, 'M' is represented by 'Mike'. This standardised alphabet is used worldwide to avoid confusion between similar-sounding letters.
Question 2: How should the number '5' be spoken in marine radio communications?
- Five
- FIFE (Correct answer)
- Cinq
- Penta
Correct answer: FIFE
In marine radio, '5' is spoken as 'FIFE' to avoid confusion with '9' (NINER). This pronunciation system ensures numbers are clearly distinguishable over radio.
Question 3: What does the proword 'ROGER' mean in radio communications?
- Yes, I agree
- I have received and understood your last transmission (Correct answer)
- Please repeat
- I am changing channel
Correct answer: I have received and understood your last transmission
'ROGER' means 'I have received and understood your last message.' It does not mean 'yes' or indicate agreement — it simply acknowledges receipt and understanding.
Question 4: What proword is used to request a repetition of a message?
- REPEAT
- SAY AGAIN (Correct answer)
- ROGER
- COPY
Correct answer: SAY AGAIN
'SAY AGAIN' is the correct proword to request a repetition. 'REPEAT' is not used in radio procedure as it can be confused with military fire commands.
Question 5: In the phonetic alphabet, what word represents the letter 'S'?
- Sugar
- Sam
- Sierra (Correct answer)
- Santiago
Correct answer: Sierra
'S' is represented by 'Sierra' in the NATO/International phonetic alphabet used in marine radio communications.
Question 6: How should the vessel call sign 'GBXT' be spoken over VHF radio?
- G-B-X-T
- Golf Bravo X-ray Tango (Correct answer)
- George Baker Xylophone Thomas
- GB-XT
Correct answer: Golf Bravo X-ray Tango
Call signs must be spoken using the NATO phonetic alphabet: Golf (G), Bravo (B), X-ray (X), Tango (T). This ensures clear, unambiguous communication.
RYA SRC Phonetic Alphabet and Prowords
In the NATO phonetic alphabet used in marine radio, what word represents the letter 'M'?