RYA Marine Radio (SRC) course and exam syllabus

Expanded syllabus for use in planning and delivering RYA Training through
Recognised Training Centres.

The exam syllabus for the SRC qualification is specified by CEPT, the European administration that regulates
standards for telecommunications. The exam syllabus includes the following sections:

A. General Knowledge of Radiocommunications in the Maritime Mobile Service

A1. The general principles and basic features

A2. System overview of the GMDSS structure
A3. Search and Rescue (SAR)
A4. Maritime Safety Information (MSI)

B. Practical Knowledge of Radio Equipment

B1. VHF radio installation

B2. Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
B3. Antennas, interfacing and power sources

C. Procedures and Practical Operation of the Subsystems

C1. DSC Distress, urgency and safety communication procedures

C2. Protection of distress frequencies
C3. Alerting, Communication and Locating Signals

D. Radiotelephony Procedures

D1. Ability to exchange communications relevant to the safety of life at sea

D2. Practical and theoretical knowledge of radiocommunication procedures

E. Regulations for Vhf Communications

E1. Regulations, obligatory procedures and practices

F. Examination Requirements

Additional guidelines for the CEPT exam syllabus are included in subsequent pages.

The original ‘Harmonised CEPT Examination Procedures for the Short Range Certificate (SRC) for non-
SOLAS vessels’ (revised Kyiv 2009) can be downloaded from:

http://www.erodocdb.dk/Docs/doc98/official/pdf/REC3104E.PDF

Last updated: April 2019

Syllabus expansion for SRC Assessors

The following pages contain an elaboration of the CEPT exam syllabus guidelines for use by RYA SRC Assessors
who teach the classroom course.

Knowledge of:

 The subject will be covered on the course to the level where the student is familiar with the
subject and can identify when further assistance may be needed

Understands:

 The subject will be covered in greater depth. Students are able to demonstrate sufficient
understanding of the subject to be able to describe how it would be applied in practice
Can:

 The candidate is able to demonstrate appropriate application of the skill or knowledge

Notes:

 The RYA Marine Radio (SRC) course syllabus contains references to some UK-specific content. This
content must still be taught even when the SRC course is delivered outside of the UK. Any local content
must be taught in addition to, not instead of, the UK content.

 The course syllabus assumes the use of Class D DSC VHF.

Last updated: April 2019

Exam and Course Syllabus Guidelines for the GMDSS Short Range Certificate (SRC)
Adapted from CEPT/ERC/REC 31-04 (revised 2009)

A. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE OF RADIOCOMMUNICATIONS IN THE MARITIME MOBILE SERVICE

A1. The general principles and basic features

A1.1 Types of communication in the maritime mobile service

- Distress, urgency and safety communications

- SAR (Search and Rescue) Communication
- Public correspondence
- Port operations and ship movement service
- Intership communications
- On board communications

Knowledge of:

 Public correspondence calls can be made from ship-to-shore but these are no longer used
in the UK

Understands:

 Different types of radio communications, their usage and order of priority

Can:

 Define the terms ‘Distress’, ‘Urgency’ and ‘Safety’

 Explain when distress, urgency, safety and routine communications should be used

A1.2 Types of stations

- Ship stations
- Coast stations
- Rescue coordination centres
- Pilot, VTS and port stations
- Aircraft stations

Knowledge of:

 Different types of ship, coast stations and aircraft stations

A1.3 General knowledge of VHF radio channels

- The physical concept of frequency

- Propagation and range of communications
- The concept of radio channel: simplex, semi-duplex and duplex
- The usage of and restriction on VHF channels
- Distress and safety channels
- Calling channels
- Intership channels
- Port operations and ship movement channels
- Public correspondence channels
- National channels for small craft safety

Last updated: April 2019

 Knowledge of:

 The concept of radio frequencies and how these frequencies are mapped to channels
 VHF, MF and HF transmissions and the differences between each
 Private channels
 The workings of simplex, semi-duplex and duplex channels
 The ITU channel plan to which some countries don’t conform

Understands:

 The principles of VHF radio transmissions

 International differences of CH80 and good practice when using this channel
 Understand which channels may be used for distress, port operations, ship movements,
calling, intership communications, small craft safety, navigational safety, MSI and DSC
Can:

 Explain the allocated usage of channels 06, 08, 13, 16, 67, 70, 72, 77, 80, M (37) and M2
 Define the purposes for which CH16 may be used
 Calculate approximate VHF ranges between different types of vessels and between vessels
and Coast Stations

A2. System overview of the GMDSS structure

A2.1 System design

- Structure
- Block Diagram

Knowledge of:

 The GMDSS structure

Understands:

 GMDSS is part of the SOLAS convention

 VHF DSC, Navtex, EPIRBs and SARTs are part of the GMDSS as well as VHF marine radio in Sea
Area A1

A3. Search and Rescue (SAR)

A3.1 SAR regions

A3.2 The role of Rescue coordination centres

Knowledge of:

 The global organisation of SAR and the role of RCCs

 How SAR is organised in the UK, including the RYA SafeTRX database

A3.3 Organisation of search and rescue

A3.4 SAR communication including on-scene communications

Last updated: April 2019

 Knowledge of:

 Sea Areas A1, A2, A3 and A4 and the GMDSS equipment carriage requirements

Understands:

 What communications equipment may be used in Sea Area A1

A4. Maritime Safety Information (MSI)

A4.1 The NAVTEX system

- Purpose and capabilities, including Distress and Safety functions

- Message format (transmitter ID, message type, message number)
- Selection of transmitters and message type
- Messages which cannot be rejected

Knowledge of:

 The Navtex system for SAR, safety of navigation, meteorological warnings and forecasts
 Message types and which can and cannot be rejected
 Navtex message format
 Navtex range and selection of transmitters

B. PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE OF RADIO EQUIPMENT

Understands:

 Fixed and handheld VHF sets are available and share many common functions
 Radio sets incorporate a transmitter and a receiver
 The differences between fixed and handheld VHF sets

B1. VHF radio installation

B1.1 Radiotelephone channels

- Channel selection and controls

- Dual watch facilities and controls
B1.2 Basic controls and usage

- Connecting the power

- Press to transmit switch
- High/low output power switch
- Volume control
- Squelch control
- Dimmer

Last updated: April 2019

 Knowledge of:

 Typical power supplies on small craft

 The restrictions for high and low power settings on fixed and handheld VHF sets

Understands:

 The squelch adjustment function

 How the high and low power setting should be used and its effect on radio transmissions
Can:

 Use the power on/off, volume, squelch, power output, channel selector, PTT switch,
microphone, CH16 selector, dual and tri-watch, scan, dimmer and distress alert button
functions
 Use the appropriate power settings on fixed and portable VHF sets

B1.3 Handheld VHF radiotelephone

- Specifications

Knowledge of:

 The features that are unique to handheld VHF sets

B2. Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

B2.1 Call categorisation, priority and definitions

- Distress
- Urgency
- Safety
- Routine

Understands:

 The order of priority of different types of call

 The advantages of using DSC Alerts and Announcements prior to voice transmissions
Can:

 Decide which type of call is appropriate to a given circumstance

B2.2 Types of call

- Distress
- All ships
- Individual

Understands:

 DSC Distress Alerts are broadcast to every station within range

 DSC Announcements may be sent to ‘All Stations’, a group or individuals

Last updated: April 2019

B2.3 Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)

- The nationality identification: Maritime Identification Digits (MID)

- Ship station numbers
- Coast station numbers
- Group call numbers

Knowledge of:

 UK Maritime Identification Digits

 Different types of MMSI numbers including those for Coast Radio Stations, Groups, Ship Radio
Stations and Portable Stations

Understands:

 How an MMSI is issued, its format and purpose

Can:

 Can enter an MMSI manually or use a directory to a DSC Announcement

B2.4 Facilities and usage

- Distress button
- Data entry and display
- Manual and automatic updating of vessel position
- Reviewing received messages
- Watchkeeping functions and controls

Knowledge of:

 The watch and log keeping requirements for UK vessels

Understands:

 Different VHF sets have different DSC menu structures and it is import to familiarise yourself
with the equipment you use
Can:

 Use DSC menu functions to enter and view information including received messages
 Enter a manual vessel position
 Enter an MMSI number and name into a directory
 Operate the distress button

B3. Antennas, interfacing and power sources

B3.1 Antennas performance and positioning

Knowledge of:

 Knowledge of different types of maritime VHF antennas and their different characteristics
including gain, material, length and radiation patters
Understands:

 VHF antennas work on line of sight

Last updated: April 2019

B3.2 Interfacing

- Connection to position device

Knowledge of:

 Radio sets may have a built-in GNSS receiver or be interfaced with an external device

B3.3 Power sources

- Connections to different power sources

- Requirements and safety
- Charging
- Maintenance of batteries

Knowledge of:

 Types of batteries used to power fixed and portable VHF sets and their characteristics,
charging and maintenance requirements

C. PROCEDURES AND PRACTICAL OPERATION OF THE SUBSYSTEMS

C1. DSC distress, urgency and safety communication procedures

C1.1 Distress procedures

- Transmission of a distress alert

- Receipt and acknowledgement by a coast station
- Reception of a shore-to-ship distress alert relay
- Transmission of a distress alert by a station not itself in distress

Knowledge of:

 How Distress traffic is managed by a coast station

 Options when sending a designated Distress (nature of distress)

Understands:

 What data is sent as part of a Distress Alert

 Distress Alert should be followed by a Distress voice call and message
 Distress Alert should be acknowledged by a coast station in Sea Area A1
 Only a vessel itself in distress should transmit a Distress Alert
 Coast stations are the preferred controlling station in Sea Area A1
Can:

 Accept a Distress Alert then follow correct procedure

 Send a designated and undesignated Distress Alert

C1.2 Urgency and Safety communications via DSC equipment

- Procedures for DSC Urgency and Safety announcements

Last updated: April 2019

 Understands:

 Urgency Announcement should be followed by an Urgency voice call and message

 Safety Announcement should be followed by a Safety voice call and message
 Routine Announcement should be followed by a voice call and message
Can:

 Accept an Urgency Announcement, Safety Announcement and Routine Announcement then

follow correct procedure for each
 Send an Urgency Announcement, Safety Announcement and Routine Announcement and
select a working channel

C2. Protection of distress frequencies

C2.1 Avoiding harmful interference

- Avoidance of the transmission of false alerts

- Status of Channel 16 and 70

Understands:

 CH70 is only used for DSC

 Rules regarding the use of CH16
 The master of the vessel should authorise any distress transmissions

C2.2 Transmissions during distress traffic

Knowledge of:

 What transmissions are permitted and prohibited if distress working is in progress

C2.3 Prevention of unauthorised transmissions

Understands:

 What type of transmissions are prohibited

 Marine VHF radio should only be operated by, or under the direct supervision of, holders of
an Operator’s Certificate of Competence and Authority to Operate

C2.4 Test protocols and procedures

- Testing DSC equipment

- Radiotelephone test procedures

Understands:

 When and how voice and DSC transmissions should be tested

Can:

 Send a radio check request to an appropriate station

Last updated: April 2019

C2.5 Avoidance of transmissions in VHF guard bands

Knowledge of:

 Precautions when using channels 15, 17, 75 and 76

C2.6 Procedures to follow when a false or inadvertent Distress Alert is transmitted

Understands:

 Action to take if a Distress Alert, Urgency or Safety Announcement is sent in error

C3. Alerting, Communication and Locating Signals

C3.1 406 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBS)

- Registration and coding

- Operation, activation and testing
- 121.5 MHz homing function
- Mounting float-free mechanism
- Battery expiry date

Knowledge of:

 EPIRB features including antenna, battery (and expiry date), HEX ID, activation system,
mounting system and flashing light
 406MHz Cospas-Sarsat system
 Testing, service and maintenance recommendations for EPIRBs
 EPIRBs may also incorporate a 121.5MHz homing signal, a GNSS receiver or AIS transmitter
 Each device will have a battery expiry date

Understands:

 Requirement to register a 406MHz beacon and how this is done in the UK

 When and how to activate an EPIRB
 The action to take in the event of an inadvertent EPIRB activation
 The differences between an EPIRB and PLB

C3.2 Search and Rescue Radar Transponder and Transmitter (SART)

- Operation height and range

- Battery expiry date

Knowledge of:

 Various AIS and DSC MOB beacons are commercially available but not part of GMDSS

Understands:

 The differences between AIS- and Radar-SARTs

 How an AIS-SART will appear on a display and how it is used for SAR
 How an activated RADAR-SART will appear on a display and how it is used for SAR
 Each device will have a battery expiry date
Can:

 Calculate approximate ranges between a SART and other stations

Last updated: April 2019

C3.3 Handheld VHF

- Operation
- Communication range
- Battery provision

Understands:

 Differences between the operation of handheld and fixed VHF sets

 Importance of having a spare battery or suitable charging routine to ensure the handheld
VHF has power when needed
Can:

 Calculate approximate ranges between a handheld VHF and other stations

D. RADIOTELEPHONY PROCEDURES

D1. Ability to exchange communications relevant to the safety of life at sea

D1.1 Distress communications

- Distress signal MAYDAY

- Distress call
- Distress message
- Acknowledgement RECEIVED MAYDAY
- Follow up distress traffic
- The control of distress traffic
- SEELONCE MAYDAY and SEELONCE FEENEE
- Transmission of a distress message by a station not itself in distress
- MAYDAY RELAY

Understands:

 Distress Alert should be followed by a Distress voice call and message

 “Mayday” is the Distress signal proword used:
o In a Distress call by the station in distress
o At the start of each transmission that is relevant to distress working
 “Mayday Relay” is the Distress Relay signal proword used by a station transmitting a Distress
Relay call on behalf of another station in distress
 Distress call is “ broadcast” but other types of call must be sent to ‘All stations’, a group or a
named station
 What action to take upon receipt of a Distress call and message
 The Coastguard usually controls a Distress situation in Sea Area A1
Can:

 Decide when to send a Distress call and message

 Construct a Distress call and message
 Recognise prowords used during distress traffic including – “Seelonce Mayday” and “Seelonce
Feenee”
 Decide when and how to acknowledge (by voice) receipt of a Distress Alert or Distress call
and message
 Decide when a Distress Relay is appropriate and follow correct procedure
 Construct and send a Distress Received call and message
 Construct and send a Distress Relay call and message

D1.2 Urgency communications

Last updated: April 2019

 - Urgency signal PAN-PAN
- Urgency call
- Urgency message
- Radiomedical

Understands:

 An Urgency Announcement should be followed by an Urgency voice call and message

 “Pan-Pan” is the Urgency signal proword
 Medical advice should be requested using an Urgency call
 “Radio medical advice” is requested using an Urgency call
Can:

 Decide when to send an Urgency call and message

 Construct and send an Urgency call and message

D1.3 Safety communications

- Safety signal SECURITE

- Safety call
- Safety message

Understands:

 A Safety Announcement should be followed by a Securité voice call and message

 “Securité” is the safety signal proword
 The preferred option is for a ship station to relay safety information to a coast station
Can:

 Construct a Safety call and message

D1.4 Awareness of the existence and use of the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases Vocabulary

- English phrases

Can:

 Use English during radiotelephony

 Use common marine communication phrases and prowords

D1.5 Phonetic alphabet

Can:

 Use the phonetic alphabet

D2. Practical and theoretical knowledge of radiotelephony procedures

D2.1 Traffic routines

- Use of callsigns
- Establishing communication on intership, port operation and ship movement channels
- Unanswered calls and garbled calls

Last updated: April 2019

 Knowledge of:

 How a UK callsign is issued, its format and purpose

Understands:

 Radio voice protocol including:

o listening before initiating a voice call
o appropriate number of times to repeat your own identify and the identity of the
vessel you are calling depending upon the situation
o how long to wait before repeating a call
o what action to take if a call is not answered
o what action to take if you are not certain that a call was intended for you
o what action to take if a call is from a station whose identification you did not hear
Can:

 Decide when a Routine call is appropriate

 Can construct and send a variety of Routine calls to another vessel on CH16 and transfer to a
working channel
 Can use correct procedure for Routine calls and messages

D2.2 Public correspondence and radiotelephony call procedures

- Method of calling a Coast Station

- Calls to ships from Coast Stations
D2.3 Traffic charges

- International charging system

- Accounting Authority Identification Code (AAIC)

Knowledge of:

 How public correspondence calls are made

 Some countries, including the UK, no longer offer public correspondence

E. REGULATIONS FOR VHF COMMUNICATIONS

E1. Regulations, obligatory procedures and practices

E1.1 Awareness of National and International Documentation

- List of Coast Stations and Special Service Stations

- List of Ship Stations and Maritime Mobile Service Identity Assignments
- National manuals

Last updated: April 2019

 Knowledge of:

 ITU > MARS database

 The ITU Radio Regulations are the international reference for maritime legislation

Understands:

 Which organisations are responsible for making and regulating the rules that govern the use
of marine radio (ITU, CEPT, Ofcom and the MCA)
 Usage of some channels differs by country and where to source local information

E1.2 Knowledge of the international regulations and agreements

- Radio Operators Certificate

- Ship Station Licence
- Radio record keeping
- Secrecy of correspondence
- Prohibited transmissions
- Watchkeeping

Knowledge of:

 Other operator licences such as ROC, LRC and GOC

 Different countries enforce their own radio licensing regulations
 Which channels require a listening watch (CH16, VTS and possibly CH13)

Understands:

 Regulations regarding what types of calls and call content that are prohibited
 SRC Operator Certificate authorises the operation of VHF DSC and VHF radios
 How to obtain Ship Radio Licence or a Ship Portable Radio Licence
 What equipment must be covered by a Ship Radio Licence
 When a Ship Portable Radio Licence is required and the restrictions on this type of licence
 Importance of keeping the licence valid and up-to-date
 Requirement to keep ship and operator licences with the equipment
 The requirement for secrecy with radio communications

F. EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must show proof of theoretical and practical knowledge and compliance with national requirements.

Assessors should refer to the guidance provided by the RYA for the conduct of SRC courses and
exams.

Last updated: April 2019