RYA SRC VHF Radio Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is VHF Channel 70 exclusively reserved for?
- Voice distress calls
- Digital Selective Calling (DSC) (Correct answer)
- Port operations
- Intership communications
Correct answer: Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
Channel 70 is exclusively reserved for Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and must not be used for voice communications.
Question 2: After transmitting a DSC distress alert on Channel 70, on which channel should the subsequent voice MAYDAY call be made?
- Channel 67
- Channel 16 (Correct answer)
- Channel 70
- Channel 72
Correct answer: Channel 16
Following a DSC alert on Ch 70, the voice MAYDAY and all distress communications take place on Channel 16.
Question 3: What is the maximum transmit power of a handheld VHF radio?
- 1 watt
- 5 watts (Correct answer)
- 10 watts
- 25 watts
Correct answer: 5 watts
Handheld VHF radios have a maximum output of 5 watts, compared to 25 watts for fixed-mount units.
Question 4: When changing from Channel 16 to a working channel, what is the correct procedure?
- Switch immediately without announcement
- Acknowledge on Ch 16, confirm the working channel, then both vessels switch (Correct answer)
- Ask the coastguard for permission to change channel
- Only switch if the other vessel switches first
Correct answer: Acknowledge on Ch 16, confirm the working channel, then both vessels switch
Both parties should confirm the agreed working channel on Ch 16 before switching, ensuring no miscommunication.
Question 5: Which international body is responsible for allocating VHF marine radio channels?
- RYA (Royal Yachting Association)
- ITU (International Telecommunication Union) (Correct answer)
- MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency)
- IMO (International Maritime Organization)
Correct answer: ITU (International Telecommunication Union)
The ITU allocates and regulates the use of the radio frequency spectrum, including marine VHF channels, internationally.
Question 6: Which VHF channel is designated as the UK Small Craft Safety channel, commonly used for communications with HM Coastguard by small vessels?
- Channel 16
- Channel 67 (Correct answer)
- Channel 72
- Channel 14
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 7: When is it appropriate to use high power (25 watts) rather than low power (1 watt) on VHF?
- At all times when at sea
- Only when communicating with other ships
- When low power is insufficient to establish or maintain communication (Correct answer)
- Only during declared emergency situations
Correct answer: When low power is insufficient to establish or maintain communication
Low power (1W) should be used for short-range communications; high power (25W) is used when low power cannot achieve the required contact.
RYA SRC VHF Radio Procedures 3
What is VHF Channel 70 exclusively reserved for?