RYA SRC Radio Regulations 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under radio regulations, what is the correct term for a vessel that intercepts a MAYDAY but is not the station addressed?
- A relay station
- A coast station
- A ship station receiving the call (Correct answer)
- An interloper
Correct answer: A ship station receiving the call
Any vessel that receives a MAYDAY call is technically a 'ship station receiving the call' and has obligations under regulations.
Question 2: How long must a Ship Radio Licence be retained after it expires or is cancelled?
- 6 months
- 1 year
- 2 years
- It need not be retained (Correct answer)
Correct answer: It need not be retained
There is no regulatory requirement to retain an expired Ship Radio Licence; however, records of distress calls logged must be kept.
Question 3: What does the ITU Radio Regulations require regarding identification of ship radio stations?
- Vessels must identify using their MMSI number only
- Vessels must identify using the ship's name or call sign (Correct answer)
- No identification is required on VHF
- Only coast stations must identify
Correct answer: Vessels must identify using the ship's name or call sign
ITU Radio Regulations require ship stations to identify themselves using the ship's name or assigned call sign during radio communications.
Question 4: A recreational vessel's Ship Radio Licence fee is paid:
- Annually to Ofcom (Correct answer)
- Once as a lifetime fee to the MCA
- Every five years to the RYA
- Monthly to the coast guard
Correct answer: Annually to Ofcom
Ship Radio Licences for UK vessels require an annual fee paid to Ofcom to remain valid.
Question 5: Under what circumstances may a ship station transmit without a licence?
- In genuine distress situations only (Correct answer)
- When operating within 3 nautical miles of shore
- When the owner is aboard
- Never; unlicensed transmission is always prohibited
Correct answer: In genuine distress situations only
In genuine distress situations, the urgency of saving life overrides normal licensing requirements.
Question 6: Which document defines the international regulations governing maritime radio communications?
- SOLAS Convention
- ITU Radio Regulations (Correct answer)
- 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 7: What action must be taken if a Ship Radio Licence is lost or stolen?
- Report to the police and apply to Ofcom for a replacement (Correct answer)
- Continue operating until the renewal date
- Contact the RYA for a duplicate
- Cease all radio operations immediately and permanently
Correct answer: Report to the police and apply to Ofcom for a replacement
A lost or stolen Ship Radio Licence should be reported to the police and a replacement licence requested from Ofcom.
RYA SRC Radio Regulations 4
Under radio regulations, what is the correct term for a vessel that intercepts a MAYDAY but is not the station addressed?