RYA Marine Radio Short Range Certificate (SRC) Exam Mock Test
Master VHF DSC radio protocols, GMDSS procedures, and distress communications for the UK maritime radio licence.
About the RYA SRC Exam exam
Overview of the RYA Marine Radio Short Range Certificate (SRC) Exam
The RYA Marine Radio Short Range Certificate (SRC) Exam is the mandatory qualification required by UK law for anyone operating fixed or handheld marine Very High Frequency (VHF) radio equipment fitted with Digital Selective Calling (DSC). Administered by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the UK communications regulator Ofcom, the SRC license complies with the international requirements of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).
Whether you are a commercial skipper on a charter yacht, a coded vessel deck officer, a professional commercial fisherman, or an offshore leisure sailor, holding the Short Range Certificate is a legal prerequisite under the Merchant Shipping (Radio Installations) Regulations and the Wireless Telegraphy Act. The exam validates that an operator can properly configure equipment, establish voice communications using standard maritime phraseology, avoid interference on critical distress frequencies, and execute rapid, life-saving emergency transmissions during maritime emergencies.
Official Exam Structure and Syllabus Breakdown
The assessment consists of two distinct components: a closed-book written theory examination and an interactive practical demonstration on live, de-tuned VHF DSC training radios. Candidates are thoroughly evaluated on their ability to execute precise button sequences on DSC controllers and recite flawless voice messages.
1. VHF Radio Basics, Marine Bands, and Ofcom Licensing Regulations
Candidates must understand VHF wave propagation, line-of-sight range limitations, antenna installation, and dual-watch/tri-watch functions. This module covers legal licensing responsibilities under Ofcom, including Ship Radio Licences, Ship Portable Radio Licences, and personal operator certificate mandates.
2. Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and MMSI Configuration
This chapter tests knowledge of the 9-digit Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) structure, including individual, group, all ships, and coastal station MMSI formats. Operators learn how automated digital alerts function on dedicated Channel 70 before shifting to voice channels.
3. Distress Alerting and Voice Procedures (MAYDAY and MAYDAY RELAY)
Focusing on life-threatening situations, this section examines the execution of DSC Distress Alerts (both undesignated and designated categories: fire, flooding, sinking, listing, piracy). Candidates must master the standard voice MAYDAY format, acknowledging distress, maintaining radio silence (SEELONCE MAYDAY), and executing MAYDAY RELAY transmissions when another vessel cannot call for help.
4. Urgency and Safety Communications (PAN PAN and SÉCURITÉ)
This module covers Urgency traffic (threats to vessel or personal safety not posing grave and imminent danger) and Safety traffic (navigational hazards, gale warnings, and debris alerts). Practical drills cover sending a DSC Urgency call followed by voice messages using PAN PAN and SÉCURITÉ on Channel 16.
5. Routine Calling and Phonetic Alphabet
Standard ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore, and marina communications must adhere to correct radio etiquette. The exam assesses the ITU phonetic alphabet, numeric pronunciation, channel allocations (e.g., Channels 06, 08, 72, 77 for inter-ship; Channel 80 for UK marinas; Channel M/M2 for yacht clubs), and pro-words.
6. GMDSS Overview, EPIRBs, SARTs, and NAVTEX
Covers Sea Area A1 boundaries and supplementary emergency equipment within GMDSS, including 406 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs), Radar Search and Rescue Transponders (SARTs), AIS-SARTs, and NAVTEX receivers operating on 518 kHz and 490 kHz.
7. Emergency Power, False Alerts, and Radio Logs
Candidates are tested on reserve battery maintenance (lead-acid and AGM checks), procedures for immediately cancelling accidental false DSC distress alerts on Channel 16, and proper entries in the official Radio Logbook.
Examination Rules and Assessment Guidelines
- Supervision: The examination must be overseen by an independent, RYA-accredited SRC Assessor who was not the direct instructor for the candidate's classroom or online course.
- Eligibility: Candidates must be at least 16 years of age on the day of the exam and must produce an official RYA course completion certificate or eligibility voucher.
- Written Test Time Limit: Candidates are allowed 30 to 45 minutes to complete the 28-question written examination paper.
- Practical Assessment: Each candidate is tested individually on training radios, simulating sending and receiving routine, urgency, and distress transmissions.
- Prohibited Materials: The written paper is strictly closed-book. No external notes, mobile phones, cheat sheets, or programmable devices are permitted.
- Identification: Valid government-issued photo identification (such as a passport or UK photocard driving licence) must be presented before assessment.
Scoring System and Pass Requirements
The written paper contains 28 questions divided into two sections:
- Section A (Distress & Safety): Focuses strictly on distress voice procedures, distress DSC alerts, urgency calls, and Channel 16 protocols. Candidates must score at least 60% on this section, with zero critical safety errors (such as transmitting on the wrong channel or omitting vessel identity).
- Section B (General Regulations & GMDSS): Covers routine channel allocations, radio propagation, licensing, NAVTEX, and equipment testing. A minimum score of 60% is required.
Both the written test and the practical simulation must be passed to be recommended for certificate issue. Results are classified as Pass or Fail. A failure in either the practical or theoretical component requires a formal re-sit of the failed section.
Comprehensive Preparation and Study Tips
- Memorise the MIPDANIO Protocol: Master the structured content of a distress message: Mayday, Identity, Position, Nature of distress, Assistance required, Number of persons onboard, Information (other), Over.
- Practice DSC Button Sequencing: Practice selecting designated distress reasons, specifying working voice channels (Channel 16), and handling incoming distress relays using interactive simulators.
- Learn Channel Allocations Cold: Make flashcards for specific VHF channels: 16 (Distress/Calling), 70 (DSC data only), 13 (Bridge-to-Bridge Navigation), 67 (UK Small Craft Safety), and dedicated UK Marina channels (80 and M/37).
- Drill the Phonetic Alphabet: Ensure zero hesitation when spelling vessel call signs, MMSI numbers, and coordinates.
- Take Full-Length Timed Mock Exams: Test yourself on emergency message drafting, false alert cancellation steps, and GMDSS equipment definitions under simulated examination conditions.
Test rules
- Candidates must present a valid RYA SRC Course Completion Certificate or Direct Exam Voucher prior to testing.
- Candidates must produce an approved form of government-issued photographic identification (e.g., Passport or Driving Licence).
- The written test is closed-book with an allocated duration between 30 and 45 minutes; no outside reference books, mobile devices, or communication tools are permitted.
- The assessment must be conducted by an independent RYA Assessor who was not the candidate's direct instructor.
- Candidates must complete the practical radio simulation independently on approved, de-tuned VHF DSC training hardware.
- Any critical procedural safety error in a Distress (MAYDAY) broadcast results in an automatic re-assessment recommendation.
Score grading
The 28-question written paper is graded out of 100% across two sections. Candidates must achieve a minimum of 60% in Section A (Distress and Safety) and 60% in Section B (General Knowledge and Regulations), with zero critical safety omissions. The practical demonstration is assessed on a competent/not competent basis.
Syllabus & chapters covered
FAQs
Older restricted VHF certificates covered analogue voice communications only. The modern Short Range Certificate (SRC) includes operation of Digital Selective Calling (DSC) controllers and modern Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) sub-systems on Channel 70.
While you can complete the theoretical training course online, the final exam—both the written paper and the practical radio demonstration—must be conducted in person under the direct supervision of an accredited RYA examiner.
The written paper consists of 28 questions split across Section A (Safety & Distress) and Section B (Regulations & General Knowledge). Candidates must achieve at least 60% in each section and make no fatal safety errors in distress procedure.
The RYA/MCA Short Range Certificate is a lifetime qualification and does not have an expiry date, although holders must keep their skills current with regulatory updates and operational changes.
Immediately switch the radio to Channel 16 and broadcast a voice message to 'All Stations', stating your vessel name, call sign, MMSI number, and clearly cancel the distress alert, explaining it was sent in error.