Module 1 - Licensing & SRC Exam
SRC Exam Standard
What you will learn
Use the published SRC syllabus to turn factual knowledge into a repeatable radio decision and spoken procedure.
The official assessment is not a channel-number quiz. It samples knowledge and practical decisions across equipment, DSC, distress and safety procedures, radiotelephony and regulation.
CEPT's current SRC syllabus has five connected areas: general maritime radiocommunications and GMDSS; practical knowledge of VHF, DSC, antennas and power; DSC distress, urgency and safety procedures; radiotelephony; and regulations including documents, records, secrecy, prohibited transmissions and watchkeeping.
The RYA exam combines a written paper with practical use of marine VHF radios. A defensible response therefore has an observable sequence: classify the traffic, select the correct DSC function or voice channel, identify the station, transmit the required information, release push-to-talk and listen for the next procedural step.
Memorised phrases are useful only when attached to the right condition. Channel 70 carries DSC signalling, not voice. Channel 16 has distress, urgency, safety and initial-calling roles, but routine traffic normally moves to an appropriate working channel.
| CEPT syllabus area | Learner performance | Typical weak shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| General knowledge | Explain stations, GMDSS, SAR and MSI | Reciting acronyms without their role |
| Equipment | Set up VHF/DSC, antenna, position and power correctly | Assuming the display proves the inputs are sound |
| DSC procedures | Send, receive and follow up the right priority | Treating DSC as the whole voice message |
| Radiotelephony | Build and respond to clear calls | Memorising words without listening |
| Regulations | Apply licence, records, secrecy and watchkeeping boundaries | Calling all documents 'the radio licence' |
Use a five-decision rehearsal
An examiner gives a changing scenario rather than asking for a definition. You must decide what to do with the radio and explain why.
1. Classify
State whether the situation is distress, urgency, safety or routine and what evidence makes it so.
2. Select
Choose the DSC function, channel, power and station appropriate to that classification.
3. Structure
Give identity, position when required, the situation and the assistance or action needed in the taught order.
4. Listen and continue
Release PTT, receive the response and follow the correct acknowledgement, working-channel or traffic procedure.
Sense check: If your answer cannot say what you will listen for next, it is probably a memorised fragment rather than a complete radio procedure.
Common mistake or limitation
- Learning isolated channel numbers without learning each channel's purpose and the move-to-working-channel step.
- Speaking continuously without releasing PTT to hear acknowledgement or instructions.
- Treating every urgent-feeling event as Mayday without testing the distress definition.
Recap
- The SRC syllabus joins equipment, DSC, voice procedure, regulation and practical operation.
- Classify, select, structure, transmit, listen and continue.
- Channel 70 is DSC-only; do not use it for voice.
- This platform can rehearse decisions, but the official practical assessment observes real radio operation.
Optional quick check
Section 6 of 9
Why is 'use Channel 70 for the urgent voice call' an incomplete and incorrect exam response?
Sources and factual review
Reviewed 31 August 2026 - Compass Revision editorial review.
Continue studying Licensing & SRC Exam
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