RYA SRC Radio Regulations 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the ITU Radio Regulations, which channels are designated for inter-ship communications on VHF?
- Channels 6, 8, 72, and 77 (Correct answer)
- Channels 12, 14, and 20
- Channels 67 and 73 only
- Any channel not used by coast stations
Correct answer: Channels 6, 8, 72, and 77
Channels 6, 8, 72, and 77 are internationally designated for inter-ship communications under ITU Radio Regulations.
Question 2: What is the regulatory status of using a mobile phone as an alternative to a VHF radio for distress alerting?
- Acceptable as a primary method of distress alerting
- Acceptable only within coastal mobile phone coverage
- Not a recognised substitute for proper GMDSS radio equipment (Correct answer)
- Required as a backup to VHF DSC
Correct answer: Not a recognised substitute for proper GMDSS radio equipment
Mobile phones are not a recognised substitute for GMDSS radio equipment and cannot be relied upon as a primary distress alerting method.
Question 3: When transferring ownership of a vessel, what must happen to the Ship Radio Licence?
- It transfers automatically to the new owner
- The new owner must apply for a new licence in their name (Correct answer)
- It can be used by the new owner for up to 3 months
- It must be surrendered to Ofcom immediately
Correct answer: The new owner must apply for a new licence in their name
A Ship Radio Licence is not transferable; the new owner must apply for a new licence in their own name.
Question 4: Under radio regulations, what is the purpose of the 'silent period' observed at H+00 and H+30?
- To allow weather forecasts to be broadcast
- To allow distress signals on 2182 kHz and Ch 16 to be heard clearly (Correct answer)
- For routine radio checks between coast stations
- To update NAVTEX broadcasts
Correct answer: To allow distress signals on 2182 kHz and Ch 16 to be heard clearly
The three-minute silent period at H+00 and H+30 is for listening on 2182 kHz and Channel 16 to detect any distress signals.
Question 5: Which body is responsible for issuing the internationally recognised Short Range Certificate (SRC) in the UK?
- Ofcom
- IMO
- RYA on behalf of the MCA (Correct answer)
- JRCC Falmouth
Correct answer: RYA on behalf of the MCA
The RYA issues the SRC qualification on behalf of the MCA, which is the competent authority in the UK.
Question 6: A vessel changes its name — what must the owner do regarding the Ship Radio Licence?
- Nothing; the MMSI remains valid
- Notify Ofcom and update the licence to reflect the new name (Correct answer)
- Apply for an entirely new MMSI number
- Contact the RYA to update training records
Correct answer: Notify Ofcom and update the licence to reflect the new name
When a vessel is renamed, the owner must notify Ofcom to update the Ship Radio Licence, as it must accurately reflect the vessel's name.
Question 7: Under ITU Radio Regulations, which type of communication has absolute priority over all others?
- Navigational safety messages
- Distress communications (Correct answer)
- Port operations traffic
- Public correspondence
Correct answer: Distress communications
Distress communications relating to the immediate safety of human life have absolute priority over all other radio communications.
RYA SRC Radio Regulations 5
Under the ITU Radio Regulations, which channels are designated for inter-ship communications on VHF?