Syllabus guide

Marine Radio SRC syllabus checklist

Use this independent checklist to plan revision across the main Short Range Certificate knowledge areas before your course or exam.

Open the module list for free previews, or unlock all revision notes, questions, flashcards, mock practice, and radio scenarios.

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Checklist

Checkable 17-topic revision checklist

Last reviewed: 22 June 2026. This is an independent revision structure for planning study, not the official RYA syllabus publication.

Foundations

Rules and safety

Calculations and navigation

Practical planning

Start with legal and exam context

Know what the SRC is for, what the assessment checks, and why operator discipline matters before moving into procedure.

Build from routine calls to emergency traffic

Routine calls establish the structure. Distress, urgency, and safety calls then add priority, content, and urgency.

Treat DSC as part of a complete call

DSC can alert and select stations, but SRC candidates still need to understand the voice follow-up and listening watch.

Syllabus modules

10 topics to revise

Open module list

Module 1

Licensing & SRC Exam

Who needs the SRC, what the exam covers, and how the RYA course and assessment fit together.

Module 2

Radio Basics

Core fixed and handheld VHF controls, listening watch, power, squelch, and range limits.

Module 3

Phonetic Alphabet & Prowords

Phonetic alphabet, numbers, vessel names, and standard radio words such as over, out, say again, and received.

Module 4

Channels & Frequencies

Channel 16, Channel 70, marina/port channels, intership working channels, and when to move off the calling channel.

Module 5

Routine Calls

Radio checks, ship-to-ship calls, marina calls, working channel changes, and ending a conversation cleanly.

Module 6

Distress & Mayday

When to use Mayday, how to structure the voice call, and what to say after sending a DSC distress alert.

Module 7

Urgency & Safety Calls

Pan-Pan urgency calls, Securite safety announcements, medical advice, hazards, and how they differ from Mayday.

Module 8

Digital Selective Calling

MMSI, Channel 70, routine individual calls, distress alerts, acknowledgements, and DSC follow-up voice procedure.

Module 9

GMDSS & Safety Equipment

How VHF fits alongside EPIRB, PLB, SART, AIS, Navtex, and other distress or safety information systems.

Module 10

Scenario Simulator

Guided call-building scenarios with expected phrases, audio responses, and optional local voice recording.

Common questions

How many modules are included?

Marine Radio Revision includes 10 modules covering SRC exam context, VHF basics, channels, calls, DSC, GMDSS, and scenarios.

Can I browse the syllabus for free?

Yes. The module list and free preview modules are available before unlocking full access.

Does this cover spoken radio practice?

Yes. The dedicated simulator lets you build and review spoken transmissions for common SRC situations.

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