RYA SRC VHF Channel Usage 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which VHF channels are used by port operations in the UK?
- Channels 12 and 14 are commonly used for port operations (Correct answer)
- Channels 16 and 70 only
- Channel 80 exclusively
- Channel 06 for all ports
Correct answer: Channels 12 and 14 are commonly used for port operations
VHF Channels 12 and 14 are commonly used by port and harbour authorities in the UK for vessel traffic services and port operations, though individual ports may use other designated channels.
Question 2: What is the purpose of Channel 0 (zero) on a VHF radio?
- There is no Channel 0 — channels begin at Channel 01 (Correct answer)
- It is a test channel only
- It is used for satellite communications
- It is the coastguard primary channel
Correct answer: There is no Channel 0 — channels begin at Channel 01
There is no Channel 0 on VHF marine radios. Marine VHF channels begin at Channel 01. Some radios may display '0' as part of a two-digit channel number but this refers to channels 01-09.
Question 3: For a vessel approaching a UK port, which channel should they call first?
- The port's designated working channel (found in almanac or pilot) (Correct answer)
- Always Channel 16
- Always Channel 80
- Always Channel 12
Correct answer: The port's designated working channel (found in almanac or pilot)
Vessels approaching a port should call on the port's designated working channel, which is listed in almanacs, pilot books, and chart folios. Channel 16 may be used if the port's channel is not known.
Question 4: What does 'duplex' mean in relation to VHF channels?
- Transmitting and receiving on different frequencies simultaneously (Correct answer)
- Using two radios at once
- Broadcasting on two channels at the same time
- Having two antennas for better reception
Correct answer: Transmitting and receiving on different frequencies simultaneously
Duplex channels use separate transmit and receive frequencies, allowing simultaneous two-way conversation (like a telephone). Most ship-to-shore channels are duplex. Simplex channels use the same frequency for both transmit and receive.
Question 5: Which VHF channel is used for yacht club communications in the UK?
- Channel M (Channel 37 in UK) (Correct answer)
- Channel 80
- Channel 16
- Channel 06
Correct answer: Channel M (Channel 37 in UK)
Channel M (also known as Channel 37 in the UK) is designated for use by marinas and yacht clubs. It is a UK-specific channel not internationally recognised, used for club-to-vessel communications.
Question 6: What is the correct procedure when changing from Channel 16 to a working channel?
- Agree the working channel on 16, then both parties switch simultaneously (Correct answer)
- Switch without announcement to avoid congesting Channel 16
- Ask the coast station for permission to switch
- Always inform HM Coastguard before switching
Correct answer: Agree the working channel on 16, then both parties switch simultaneously
The correct procedure is to agree the working channel during the initial contact on Channel 16, ensure both parties understand, then switch simultaneously. You should be able to monitor Channel 16 while on the working channel if possible.
RYA SRC VHF Channel Usage 2
Which VHF channels are used by port operations in the UK?