Syllabus guide

Marine Radio SRC syllabus checklist

Direct answer

Use this independent checklist to plan revision across the main Short Range Certificate, RYA SRC, and VHF Radio knowledge areas before your course or exam. Read public lesson articles across the syllabus, try the complete free modules, or add guided questions, flashcards, progress, mock practice, and radio scenarios.

Course: Marine Radio
Format: Syllabus guide with checklist and module links
Review focus: Start with legal and exam context and Build from routine calls to emergency traffic
Independence: Independent revision aid; not affiliated with or endorsed by the RYA

Use this independent checklist to plan revision across the main Short Range Certificate, RYA SRC, and VHF Radio knowledge areas before your course or exam.

Read public lesson articles across the syllabus, try the complete free modules, or add guided questions, flashcards, progress, mock practice, and radio scenarios.

Use the checklist Unlock full access

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

VHF Radio Basics

Core fixed and handheld marine VHF Radio controls, listening watch, PTT, 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.

Free printables

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Free printable

Mayday and Pan-Pan script card

A printable spoken-call prompt for distress and urgency structure, channel choice, vessel identity, position, and assistance required.

Independent revision aid, not official RYA material.Privacy policy

Free printable

SRC exam revision checklist

A printable topic list for VHF, DSC, Channel 16, Channel 70, MMSI, GMDSS, routine calls, safety, urgency, and distress.

Independent revision aid, not official RYA material.Privacy policy

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 public lesson articles are open across the syllabus, with complete free modules available before buying 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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