SkipperThe Short Range Certificate (SRC) is the operator's certificate for a marine VHF radio with DSC. In the UK the RYA runs the exam on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and RYA training centres teach the course, in a classroom or online. Ofcom issues the separate Ship Radio Licence for the radio itself.
What does the VHF SRC exam cover?
- Channels: which to use for distress, ship to ship, and port operations.
- Digital Selective Calling (DSC): the distress button, MMSI numbers, and alerts.
- Distress, urgency and safety calls: Mayday, Pan Pan and Securite.
- The phonetic alphabet and radio procedure.
- Certificates and licences: the operator's certificate (the SRC) and the Ship Radio Licence from Ofcom.
There is a short written paper and a practical assessment on a radio or simulator.
Sample questions
Which channel is for distress, urgency and safety voice calls, and calling?
Channel 16.
Which channel carries DSC alerts?
Channel 70. It is for digital data only, never voice.
What is an MMSI?
A Maritime Mobile Service Identity: a nine digit number that identifies your station in DSC calls.
When do you send a Mayday?
When a vessel or person is in grave and imminent danger and needs immediate help, such as sinking, fire, or a person overboard.
When do you send a Pan Pan?
For an urgent situation that is not yet grave and imminent danger, such as engine failure near a lee shore, or a medical problem.
What does Securite mean?
A safety message, such as a navigation hazard or a weather warning.
What goes in a Mayday message?
MAYDAY. This is the vessel name, call sign and MMSI. Position. Nature of distress. Assistance required. Number of people on board. Any other useful information. Over. Many people remember it as MIPDANIO.
Practise it
Skipper drills the VHF topics as short lessons, including the Mayday call and the distress button, so the procedure is familiar before the exam.
Fifty-four short lessons for the Day Skipper theory and the VHF exam. Coming soon to iPhone and Android.