RYA Short Range Certificate (SRC) Radio Operator Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which DSC call category is used when a person has fallen overboard and immediate danger to life is present?

Urgency
Safety
Routine
Distress (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Distress

A man overboard situation involving immediate danger to life warrants a Distress category DSC call and a MAYDAY voice call.

Question 2: What is the recommended action if you sell your vessel and the radio is included in the sale?

Remove the radio and keep your MMSI for a new vessel
Cancel your MMSI with Ofcom and advise the new owner to register their own (Correct answer)
Transfer the MMSI to the new owner by notifying Ofcom
Leave the MMSI unchanged — it will automatically update

Correct answer: Cancel your MMSI with Ofcom and advise the new owner to register their own

When selling a vessel with its radio, the seller should cancel the MMSI with Ofcom. The buyer must register a new MMSI under their details before operating the DSC radio to ensure correct identification.

Question 3: Which organisation is responsible for maritime safety regulation in the UK?

RYA (Royal Yachting Association)
Lloyd's Register
MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) (Correct answer)
Ofcom

Correct answer: MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency)

The MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) is the UK government agency responsible for implementing maritime safety policy and regulations, including oversight of vessel safety, coastguard operations, and seafarer certification.

Question 4: Under international regulations, what obligation does a vessel have when receiving a distress alert?

Only vessels within 10 nautical miles must respond
All vessels that receive a distress alert are obligated to acknowledge it, provide assistance if possible, and inform the rescue coordination centre (Correct answer)
Only coast stations need respond
No obligation unless directly addressed

Correct answer: All vessels that receive a distress alert are obligated to acknowledge it, provide assistance if possible, and inform the rescue coordination centre

International maritime law (SOLAS) requires the master of any vessel that becomes aware of a distress situation to render assistance, provided doing so would not seriously endanger their own vessel and crew.

Question 5: At what height should a SART be held or mounted to maximise the radar detection range?

Inside the liferaft bag to protect it from weather
As high as possible, ideally at least 1 metre above the waterline (Correct answer)
Submerged to 0.5 metres to activate the hydrostatic release
At water level to avoid reflection interference

Correct answer: As high as possible, ideally at least 1 metre above the waterline

Raising a SART as high as possible — at least 1 metre above the waterline and ideally much higher — maximises the line-of-sight range at which a searching vessel's radar can detect it.

Question 6: What does MAYDAY originate from?

A Royal Navy distress code from World War I
The English 'May Day' bank holiday
The French 'm'aidez' meaning 'help me' (Correct answer)
The NATO phonetic word for the letter M

Correct answer: The French 'm'aidez' meaning 'help me'

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.

Question 7: What is Channel 77 designated for?

Inter-ship communications (Correct answer)
Coastguard working channel
Port operations
Distress relay

Correct answer: Inter-ship communications

Channel 77 is designated as an inter-ship working channel, available for vessel-to-vessel communications. It is one of several channels dedicated to ship-to-ship use away from distress and port traffic.

Question 8: A Category 1 EPIRB is designed to activate in which way?

By satellite command from the rescue coordination centre
Only when triggered by a DSC distress alert
Automatically when submerged to 1–4 metres, or manually (Correct answer)
Manually only, by the crew turning a switch

Correct answer: Automatically when submerged to 1–4 metres, or manually

A Category 1 EPIRB is float-free and hydrostatic — it activates automatically when immersed in water at 1–4 metres depth, and can also be activated manually.

Question 9: How often should a DSC distress alert be repeated if no acknowledgement is received?

After 30 seconds
After 1 hour
After 10 minutes
After 3.5 to 4.5 minutes (Correct answer)

Correct answer: After 3.5 to 4.5 minutes

If no acknowledgement is received, the DSC distress alert should be repeated after 3.5 to 4.5 minutes to allow time for coast stations to respond without causing excessive interference.

Question 10: What is the international distress frequency for VHF voice communications?

156.375 MHz (Channel 7A)
157.85 MHz (Channel 67)
156.8 MHz (Channel 16) (Correct answer)
156.3 MHz (Channel 6)

Correct answer: 156.8 MHz (Channel 16)

Channel 16 operates on 156.8 MHz and is the internationally designated VHF distress, safety, and calling frequency. All SOLAS vessels and most recreational craft must maintain a continuous watch on this frequency.

Question 11: Which channel is designated for search and rescue operations coordination?

Channel 70 for all SAR operations
A dedicated SAR-only channel exists
Channel 16 is used initially, then coordinating channels as directed by coastguard (Correct answer)
Channel 67 only

Correct answer: Channel 16 is used initially, then coordinating channels as directed by coastguard

SAR operations are coordinated initially on Channel 16 and then on channels designated by the coordinating authority (HM Coastguard). There is no single fixed SAR channel — the coastguard will direct communications.

Question 12: Under what circumstances may a vessel transmit a Mayday Relay on behalf of another vessel?

Only a coast station may relay a Mayday — ship stations are prohibited
When the vessel in distress is unable to communicate directly and the relaying station believes help is needed (Correct answer)
Only if the vessel in distress explicitly requests a relay
Only when authorised in writing by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency

Correct answer: When the vessel in distress is unable to communicate directly and the relaying station believes help is needed

Any station may transmit a Mayday Relay if it believes a vessel is in distress and cannot communicate directly, ensuring the alert reaches the rescue services.

Question 13: The urgency signal PAN PAN should be used when:

There is an important safety message about a navigational hazard
You wish to broadcast a routine weather warning
A vessel is in grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance
A vessel or person is in urgent need of assistance but not in immediate danger of loss of life (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A vessel or person is in urgent need of assistance but not in immediate danger of loss of life

PAN PAN indicates urgency — a serious situation requiring assistance — but not the immediate threat to life or vessel that warrants MAYDAY.

Question 14: What is an MMSI number and why is it important for DSC?

A type of radio antenna
A unique nine-digit Maritime Mobile Service Identity that identifies a specific vessel or coast station in the DSC system (Correct answer)
A frequency designation
A weather code

Correct answer: A unique nine-digit Maritime Mobile Service Identity that identifies a specific vessel or coast station in the DSC system

An MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) is a unique 9-digit number assigned to each DSC-equipped vessel or coast station. It acts like a telephone number, allowing specific calls to be made.

Question 15: Which of the following must be recorded in a vessel's radio log?

All distress, urgency and safety traffic heard or transmitted (Correct answer)
All routine radio checks with other vessels
Weather forecasts received by radio
Every channel change made during the voyage

Correct answer: All distress, urgency and safety traffic heard or transmitted

A radio log must record all distress, urgency and safety traffic — this is a legal requirement for vessels equipped with a GMDSS radio.

Question 16: What is the purpose of a DSC 'All Ships' distress relay call?

To broadcast routine navigational information to all ships
To test DSC equipment with all nearby vessels
To request a radio check from all ships in the area
To alert all vessels in range of a distress situation observed by the calling vessel (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To alert all vessels in range of a distress situation observed by the calling vessel

A DSC All Ships distress relay is used when a vessel witnesses another vessel in distress and relays the distress details to all ships in the area.

Question 17: On which VHF channel should a Mayday call be transmitted?

Channel 6
Any available channel
Channel 16 (156.800 MHz) (Correct answer)
Channel 70

Correct answer: Channel 16 (156.800 MHz)

Mayday voice calls must be transmitted on Channel 16 (156.800 MHz), the international distress and calling frequency. DSC distress alerts are sent on Channel 70.

Question 18: What is the difference between a 'Mayday' and a 'Pan Pan' call?

Pan Pan is more serious than Mayday
They are the same
Mayday is only for sinking vessels
Mayday indicates grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance; Pan Pan indicates an urgent situation that is not an immediate threat to life or the vessel (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Mayday indicates grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance; Pan Pan indicates an urgent situation that is not an immediate threat to life or the vessel

Mayday is reserved for situations of grave and imminent danger where immediate assistance is required (e.g., sinking, fire). Pan Pan is for urgent situations not immediately life-threatening (e.g., engine failure, medical concern).

Question 19: When should the self-test function of an EPIRB be carried out?

Periodically as specified by the manufacturer, typically monthly (Correct answer)
Never — testing can trigger a satellite alert
Only when the battery is replaced
Every day at noon

Correct answer: Periodically as specified by the manufacturer, typically monthly

Manufacturers typically recommend monthly self-tests using the built-in test mode, which does not transmit a live distress signal via satellite.

Question 20: Which document defines the international regulations governing maritime radio communications?

ITU Radio Regulations (Correct answer)
SOLAS Convention
GMDSS Manual
MCA Marine Guidance Notes

Correct answer: ITU Radio Regulations

The ITU Radio Regulations is the binding international treaty that governs all aspects of maritime radio communications worldwide.

Question 21: What is the operator's responsibility after a false MAYDAY is transmitted?

Switch off the radio immediately
Do nothing — false alarms are self-clearing
Contact the RYA to explain the false alarm
Cancel the alert on DSC, broadcast a voice cancellation on Channel 16, and inform HM Coastguard of the false alarm (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Cancel the alert on DSC, broadcast a voice cancellation on Channel 16, and inform HM Coastguard of the false alarm

After an accidental MAYDAY, the operator must transmit a DSC cancellation on Channel 70, broadcast a voice cancellation on Channel 16, and if possible contact HM Coastguard directly to confirm the false alarm and stand down any SAR resources dispatched.

Question 22: What does the MCA's 'Safe Skipper' guidance recommend regarding radio procedures?

Radio procedures are optional for coastal day sailing
That all skippers hold an SRC and file a float plan with someone ashore (Correct answer)
An EPIRB is sufficient without a VHF radio
Only commercial skippers need formal radio training

Correct answer: That all skippers hold an SRC and file a float plan with someone ashore

MCA Safe Skipper guidance recommends that all recreational skippers hold an SRC, carry a working VHF DSC radio, file a float plan with a responsible person ashore, and understand distress procedures before every voyage.

Question 23: A DSC routine call is typically used for what purpose?

Broadcasting to all vessels in the area
Sending distress alerts in non-emergency situations
Setting up a voice call on a working channel with another vessel (Correct answer)
Testing the radio equipment

Correct answer: Setting up a voice call on a working channel with another vessel

A DSC routine call is used to establish contact with another vessel or station and agree a working channel for voice communication, similar to the process of a telephone call being connected.

Question 24: Which VHF channel is designated as the UK Small Craft Safety channel, commonly used for communications with HM Coastguard by small vessels?

Channel 14
Channel 72
Channel 67 (Correct answer)
Channel 16

Correct answer: Channel 67

Channel 67 is the UK Small Craft Safety working channel, used by HM Coastguard to communicate with small craft after initial contact on Ch 16.

Question 25: What is the purpose of the Ship Radio Licence beyond authorising radio use?

It registers the vessel with the MCA
It serves as proof of vessel ownership
It proves the skipper holds the SRC qualification
It creates the official MMSI registration and SAR database record for the vessel (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It creates the official MMSI registration and SAR database record for the vessel

Beyond authorising radio operation, the Ship Radio Licence creates the official record linking the vessel's MMSI to its details in the SAR database. This record is what coastguards access when a distress alert is received.

Question 26: After announcing a SECURITE message on Channel 16, what should you do next?

Contact the coastguard to confirm receipt by all vessels
Wait on Channel 16 for all vessels to acknowledge
State the working channel, switch to it, and repeat the safety information in full (Correct answer)
Repeat the SECURITE announcement three more times on Channel 16

Correct answer: State the working channel, switch to it, and repeat the safety information in full

After the SECURITE announcement on Ch 16, you state the working channel, switch to it, and broadcast the full safety information.

Question 27: How should the time '14:35 UTC' be spoken over marine radio?

Fourteen thirty-five
One four three fife UTC (Correct answer)
Quarter to three
Two thirty-five PM

Correct answer: One four three fife UTC

Time is spoken digit by digit using the radio pronunciation system: 'one four three fife UTC'. Each digit is pronounced individually for clarity.

Question 28: What are the consequences of operating a marine radio transmitter in UK waters without a valid Ship Radio Licence?

A criminal offence under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006, potentially resulting in a substantial fine (Correct answer)
Confiscation of the radio equipment only, with no further penalty
A fixed administrative penalty of £50 payable to Ofcom
A formal warning letter from Ofcom with 30 days to obtain a licence

Correct answer: A criminal offence under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006, potentially resulting in a substantial fine

Operating a radio transmitter without a valid licence is a criminal offence under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006. Ofcom has powers to investigate, seize equipment, and prosecute offenders, who face significant fines. Unlicensed radio operation is treated seriously under UK communications law.

Question 29: What information should be included in a MAYDAY RELAY message?

MAYDAY RELAY x3 followed by silence to allow the distressed vessel to transmit
Only the position of the distressed vessel
MAYDAY RELAY x3, your vessel name, all details of the vessel in distress as received (Correct answer)
Your vessel's details and your position

Correct answer: MAYDAY RELAY x3, your vessel name, all details of the vessel in distress as received

A MAYDAY RELAY includes MAYDAY RELAY spoken three times, your vessel's name identifying yourself as the relaying station, then all the details received about the vessel in distress including their name, position, and nature of emergency.

RYA Short Range Certificate (SRC) Radio Operator Exam

The RYA Short Range Certificate (SRC) is the minimum qualification required by law to use VHF marine radio in UK waters and is recognised internationally. The exam is administered by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and covers VHF radio procedures, GMDSS, DSC operations, distress and urgency calls, MAYDAY procedures, phonetic alphabet, prowords, MMSI numbers, MCA regulations, and radio operator responsibilities. The practical and written assessments must be passed at an RYA-approved training centre.

Questions

45 min

Time Limit

75%

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