Module 1 - Licensing & SRC Exam
The Reference Information Behind A Radio Identity
What you will learn
Choose a current authoritative source for station identity, channel or service information and refuse to infer an MMSI or local allocation from memory.
Call signs, MMSIs, coast stations, special services and local channels sit inside national and international records. The safe habit is source, date, area and purpose—not a guessed number.
CEPT expects SRC candidates to know that national and international station documentation and databases exist. Ofcom passes licensed call-sign, MMSI, vessel and contact information to the MCA and ITU so search-and-rescue and other authorities can identify stations. Those records work only when licensees keep them accurate.
A vessel name does not let you calculate its MMSI. Use the licensed particulars for your own station, a correctly addressed received DSC call for another station, or the current official station information. Do not invent, infer or copy an identity from an old almanac, another boat or an internet post.
Local port, VTS, marina and safety-service channels can vary by area and can change. Check the current harbour directions, almanac, Coastguard information or service provider for the place and purpose, then listen before transmitting and follow the station's instruction.
| Question | Authoritative starting point | Unsafe shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| What is our call sign or ship MMSI? | Current Ship Radio Licence and programmed station display | Memory or the previous owner's licence |
| What identifies portable equipment? | Current Ship Portable Radio Licence and the equipment's assigned identity | The temporary vessel's ship MMSI |
| Which local channel applies? | Current harbour, VTS, Coastguard or service information | A universal marina-channel assumption |
| What does the SRC examine? | Current RYA course/exam page and CEPT syllabus | A revision product's marketing copy |
Prepare a port-arrival call
An old cockpit card lists a marina channel, but the current harbour notice lists a different channel for vessel movements and a separate marina working channel.
1. Name the task
Decide whether the call concerns port movement, VTS, marina berthing or another service.
2. Use the current local source
Take the channel, call sign and operating instructions from the current harbour or service publication for that task.
3. Listen and identify
Check the channel is appropriate and clear, then use the licensed identity and follow any move-to-working-channel instruction.
Sense check: A remembered channel can be a useful prompt, but it is not current authority for a different port, service or date.
Common mistake or limitation
- Guessing an MMSI from a vessel name or reusing an identity heard in unrelated traffic.
- Assuming every harbour or marina uses the same channel number.
- Using a stale card without checking its date, area and service purpose.
Recap
- Use licensed particulars for your own call sign and MMSI.
- Do not invent, infer or casually copy another station's digital identity.
- Verify local channels and services from current area-specific information.
- Match source, date, area and purpose before transmitting.
Optional quick check
Section 9 of 9
You need the correct channel for a vessel-movement call in an unfamiliar harbour. What is the best source decision?
Sources and factual review
Reviewed 31 August 2026 - Compass Revision editorial review.
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