RYA SRC Radio Operator Responsibilities 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the SRC examination format?
- A practical radio assessment and written/online examination (Correct answer)
- A written examination only
- A practical assessment only
- A logbook review by the RYA
Correct answer: A practical radio assessment and written/online examination
The SRC assessment comprises both a practical element (demonstrating correct radio procedures including a MAYDAY) and a written or online examination covering radio regulations, DSC procedures, and distress protocols.
Question 2: How long is the SRC certificate valid?
- It does not expire — the SRC is a lifetime qualification (Correct answer)
- 5 years with mandatory renewal
- 10 years then retest required
- Annual renewal with practical assessment
Correct answer: It does not expire — the SRC is a lifetime qualification
The SRC certificate does not have an expiry date — it is a lifetime qualification. Once passed, the holder is authorised to operate VHF marine radios throughout their life without needing to retake the examination.
Question 3: Can an SRC holder operate a radio on any vessel, not just their own?
- Yes, the SRC qualifies the person not the vessel (Correct answer)
- No, the SRC is vessel-specific
- Yes, but only on vessels with a matching MMSI
- No, they must be listed on the vessel's Ship Radio Licence
Correct answer: Yes, the SRC qualifies the person not the vessel
The SRC qualifies the individual to operate marine VHF radio equipment. It is not vessel-specific and can be used on any vessel, provided that vessel holds a valid Ship Radio Licence from Ofcom.
Question 4: What is the operator's duty if they hear a distress call they cannot respond to?
- Maintain silence to keep the channel clear and be ready to relay if no authority acknowledges (Correct answer)
- Continue routine communications on another channel
- Immediately call the vessel to obtain more information
- Broadcast the details on all channels simultaneously
Correct answer: Maintain silence to keep the channel clear and be ready to relay if no authority acknowledges
If an operator hears a distress call they cannot respond to, their duty is to maintain silence on Channel 16 to keep it free for rescue communications, while remaining ready to relay the call if no coast station acknowledges.
Question 5: What is the operator's responsibility regarding radio silence during a MAYDAY?
- Observe complete radio silence on Channel 16 unless they can assist or need to relay the call (Correct answer)
- Normal communications may continue on Channel 16 if they are brief
- Silence only applies to commercial vessels
- Silence only applies within the immediate search area
Correct answer: Observe complete radio silence on Channel 16 unless they can assist or need to relay the call
During a MAYDAY, all operators must observe complete radio silence on Channel 16 unless they can directly assist the vessel in distress or need to relay the call because no coast station is acknowledging.
Question 6: Must an operator give their vessel's name and MMSI when making a radio call?
- Yes, vessels must always identify themselves at the start and end of communications (Correct answer)
- No, identification is optional for recreational vessels
- Only for commercial vessels
- Only when calling a coast station
Correct answer: Yes, vessels must always identify themselves at the start and end of communications
Radio procedure requires vessels to identify themselves by name (and MMSI for DSC calls) at the start of communications. This allows the receiving station to log the contact and respond correctly.
RYA SRC Radio Operator Responsibilities 2
What is the SRC examination format?