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Italy Long Range Certificate LRC — Certificato di Operatore Radio Long Range (MIMIT)

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Key Facts: Italy SRC Marine Radio Exam

EUR 25.00

Statutory Examination Fee (Contributo Esami GMDSS)

MIMIT, Modello Domanda Esame LRC-SRC

16 years

Minimum Age for Italian SRC Eligibility

D.M. 25 settembre 2018, n. 134, art. 2(3)(b)

Sea Area A1

Operational Range Covered by SRC (VHF-DSC Coastal)

D.M. 134/2018, art. 1(4); SOLAS Chapter IV

247

Italian Maritime Identification Digit (MID) for MMSI

ITU Maritime Mobile Service Identity Tables

Pass/Fail

Grading System for Practical Simulator and Oral Test

D.M. 25 settembre 2018, n. 134, art. 2

Italy's Short Range Certificate (SRC) is examined via remote practical simulator and oral tests under D.M. 134/2018. This bank is independent English-language MCQ practice for the official syllabus, not a simulator replacement.

Sample Italy SRC Marine Radio Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Italy SRC Marine Radio exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and D.M. 134/2018, what defines Sea Area A1 (Area di mare A1)?
A.An area within the radiotelephone coverage of at least one VHF coast station in which continuous DSC alerting is available
B.An area within the radiotelephone coverage of at least one MF coast station providing continuous DSC alerting
C.An area extending exactly 12 nautical miles from the coastal baseline of any sovereign state
D.The global oceanic area covered by geostationary Inmarsat satellites between 70° North and 70° South
Explanation: Sea Area A1 is defined by Chapter IV of the SOLAS Convention as an area within the radiotelephone coverage of at least one VHF coast station in which continuous digital selective calling (DSC) alerting is available. Article 1(4) of D.M. 25 settembre 2018, n. 134 does not restate the definition: it limits the Short Range Certificate to stations on vessels operating in sea area A1 'as defined by SOLAS'. In practice A1 extends roughly 20 to 30 nautical miles from shore depending on coastal antenna elevation.
2Which authority in Italy serves as the national Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (IMRCC / Centro Nazionale di Coordinamento del Soccorso Marittimo) for maritime SAR?
A.Ministero delle Imprese e del Made in Italy (MIMIT) DGST
B.Comando Generale del Corpo delle Capitanerie di Porto – Guardia Costiera in Rome
C.Istituto Superiore delle Comunicazioni e delle Tecnologie dell'Informazione (ISCTI)
D.Marina Militare – Comando in Capo della Squadra Navale (CINCNAV)
Explanation: In Italy, the national Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (IMRCC Rome) is established at the Comando Generale del Corpo delle Capitanerie di Porto – Guardia Costiera in Rome under the National SAR Plan (Piano Nazionale SAR). It coordinates maritime search and rescue operations across the Italian Search and Rescue Region (SRR).
3What is the national emergency telephone number in Italy dedicated to maritime emergencies and connected directly to the Guardia Costiera operations rooms?
A.1530
B.112
C.115
D.1515
Explanation: Emergency short number '1530' (Numero Blu di Emergenza in Mare) is the dedicated national telephone service free of charge connecting callers directly to the nearest Coast Guard (Guardia Costiera) operational control center. While 112 (NUE) routes general emergencies, 1530 is the maritime-specific emergency telephone line.
4On which primary radio frequency does an international NAVTEX receiver operate to receive English-language Maritime Safety Information (MSI)?
A.518 kHz
B.490 kHz
C.4209.5 kHz
D.2187.5 kHz
Explanation: 518 kHz (MF) is the principal international NAVTEX frequency worldwide, broadcasting navigational warnings, meteorological forecasts, and SAR alerts strictly in the English language. 490 kHz is reserved for national language broadcasts, and 4209.5 kHz is used for tropical/HF NAVTEX.
5Which NAVTEX message subject indicator letter (B2 indicator) CANNOT be rejected or deselected by the operator on a standard receiver?
A.Letter A (Navigational warnings), Letter B (Meteorological warnings), and Letter D (SAR information)
B.Letter C (Ice reports) and Letter E (Meteorological forecasts)
C.Letter F (Pilot service messages) and Letter G (AIS service messages)
D.Letter J (SATNAV messages) and Letter V (Special services)
Explanation: Under IMO NAVTEX standards, message subject indicators A (Navigational warnings), B (Meteorological warnings), D (Search and Rescue information / piracy warnings), and L (Additional navigational warnings) are mandatory and cannot be rejected or disabled by the operator on the receiver unit.
6What is the operational purpose of a 406 MHz COSPAS-SARSAT Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)?
A.To transmit an automated distress alert to search and rescue satellites to determine the position of a vessel in grave and imminent danger
B.To transmit continuous VHF voice distress messages on Channel 16 to passing pleasure craft
C.To communicate directly with harbor authorities during docking emergencies
D.To trigger acoustic underwater sonar locators for deep-sea submarine rescues
Explanation: A 406 MHz EPIRB transmits a digital coded burst to the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite constellation (LEOSAR/GEOSAR/MEOSAR). The satellites relay the distress signal and calculated or GNSS-encoded coordinates to a Local User Terminal (LUT) and Mission Control Centre (MCC, Bari in Italy), which alerts the competent MRCC.
7At what depth is the Hydrostatic Release Unit (HRU / gancio idrostatico) of a float-free EPIRB designed to automatically activate and release the beacon?
A.Between 1.5 and 4.0 meters of water depth
B.At exactly 0.5 meters of water depth
C.Between 8.0 and 12.0 meters of water depth
D.Only when submerged deeper than 25 meters
Explanation: SOLAS and IMO performance standards specify that hydrostatic release units (HRU) for float-free EPIRBs and liferafts must automatically release when submerged to a depth between 1.5 and 4.0 meters, allowing the beacon to float free to the surface and activate automatically.
8What auxiliary homing frequency is broadcast by a standard 406 MHz EPIRB to guide search and rescue aircraft and vessels during the final on-scene approach?
A.121.5 MHz
B.156.800 MHz
C.243.0 MHz
D.2182.0 kHz
Explanation: Standard maritime 406 MHz EPIRBs incorporate an internal low-power transmitter on the international aeronautical distress frequency of 121.5 MHz. This continuous analog signal enables SAR helicopters and vessels equipped with direction finders (DF) to home in directly on the beacon on scene.
9Where must an Italian-flagged vessel register the 15-character Unique Identification Number (Hex ID) of its 406 MHz EPIRB?
A.Stazione Satellitare Italiana COSPAS-SARSAT in Bari
B.Ministero dei Trasporti – Ufficio Motorizzazione Civile di Roma
C.The local Marina Yacht Club register
D.International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva
Explanation: In Italy, all 406 MHz EPIRBs programmed with the Italian country code (247) must be registered with the Stazione Satellitare Italiana COSPAS-SARSAT located in Bari. Registration includes the vessel's name, MMSI, call sign, owner contacts, and 24-hour emergency phone numbers for immediate verification upon alert reception.
10How does a standard 9 GHz Search and Rescue Radar Transponder (SART) appear on the screen of an approaching ship's X-band radar when activated?
A.A line of 12 equally spaced dots extending outwards along the SART's bearing, which turn into concentric arcs as the range closes
B.A flashing yellow cross symbol centered on the target
C.A steady bright red circle indicating vessel distress
D.An automated AIS text message displaying 'SART MAYDAY'
Explanation: When interrogated by a 9 GHz (3 cm / X-band) marine radar, a radar-SART responds by transmitting a swept-frequency signal. On the radar PPI display, this creates a distinctive radial line of 12 dots extending outwards from the SART's position. As the searching vessel closes to within approximately 1 nautical mile, the dots widen into curved arcs and eventually concentric circles.

About the Italy SRC Marine Radio Exam

The Short Range Certificate (SRC) is the statutory Italian marine radio operator qualification under D.M. 25 settembre 2018, n. 134 authorising the operation of VHF and VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) radio stations on non-SOLAS vessels (pleasure craft and small commercial vessels) operating in Sea Area A1. It is mandatory for skippers operating craft fitted with a DSC-enabled VHF set programmed with an MMSI. The examination assesses practical simulator operation, GMDSS distress and safety communications, NAVTEX, EPIRB, SART, and maritime English. OpenExamPrep provides an independent 100-question English-language MCQ study bank adapted to this syllabus.

Exam sponsor: Ministero delle Imprese e del Made in Italy (MIMIT) — Direzione Generale per i Servizi Territoriali. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Practical simulator test on the virtual consoles of the Sala Nautica (VHF and Class D DSC manipulation, distress alerting, urgency/safety calls, channel switching) and an oral examination on statutory regulations, emergency procedures, and maritime English before a commission appointed under Article 3 of D.M. 134/2018. Administered remotely by video conference pursuant to Decreto direttoriale 25 settembre 2025.

Time Limit

varies

Passing Score

pass-fail

Exam / Certification Fees

EUR 25.00 examination fee (DGST pagoPA portal) plus a EUR 16.00 revenue stamp on the application form

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

25%

General Knowledge of Maritime Radiocommunications, GMDSS, SAR & MSI

GMDSS sea areas, Sea Area A1 parameters, MRCC Rome, SAR alerting chains, NAVTEX reception on 518/490 kHz, and EPIRB/SART fundamentals.

30%

Practical Operation of VHF and DSC Equipment

VHF frequency band, channel plan (Ch 16, 70, 13, 06), power settings (25W/1W), Class D DSC controllers, 9-digit MMSI layout, antennas, and battery maintenance.

25%

DSC Operational Procedures, Distress, Urgency & Safety

Distress alerting protocols, nature of distress codes, distress relay restrictions, false alert cancellation on Ch 16, urgency and safety calling, and radio watchkeeping.

20%

Radiotelephone Procedures, Regulations & Maritime English

Statutory rules under D.M. 134/2018 and D.Lgs. 259/2003, station licence, phonetic alphabet, pro-words (MAYDAY, PAN PAN, SECURITE), IMO SMCP phrases, and CIRM medical assistance.

Preparing for the Italy SRC Marine Radio Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: pass-fail
  • Assessment: Practical simulator test on the virtual consoles of the Sala Nautica (VHF and Class D DSC manipulation, distress alerting, urgency/safety calls, channel switching) and an oral examination on statutory regulations, emergency procedures, and maritime English before a commission appointed under Article 3 of D.M. 134/2018. Administered remotely by video conference pursuant to Decreto direttoriale 25 settembre 2025.
  • Time limit: varies
  • Exam / certification fees: EUR 25.00 examination fee (DGST pagoPA portal) plus a EUR 16.00 revenue stamp on the application form Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
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Italy SRC Marine Radio: Suggested Study Strategy

1Memorize the 9-digit MMSI numbering convention: standard ship station format is MIDxxxxxx (where 247 is the Italian MID), coastal radio stations start with 00MIDxxxx, and group MMSIs start with 0MIDxxxxx.
2Understand VHF channel usage: Channel 16 (156.800 MHz) is dedicated to distress, urgency, and initial calling; Channel 70 (156.525 MHz) is strictly reserved for digital selective calling (DSC) and voice transmission is prohibited; Channel 13 is for bridge-to-bridge navigational safety; and Channel 06 is for on-scene SAR coordination.
3Know the inadvertent false distress alert cancellation sequence: immediately switch to VHF Ch 16, transmit a voice broadcast to 'All Stations', state ship name, call sign, and MMSI, and clearly cancel the distress alert giving date, time UTC, and reason.
4Remember the line-of-sight formula for VHF range in nautical miles: Range ≈ 2.22 × (√H_antenna + √h_target) with heights in meters, or 1.23 × (√H_feet + √h_feet).
5Master the distinction between Distress (MAYDAY / imminent danger to life or vessel), Urgency (PAN PAN / safety of a vessel or person is in jeopardy, including medical assistance), and Safety (SECURITE / navigation or meteorological warnings).

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs an Italian Short Range Certificate (SRC)?

Under Italian maritime communications law (D.Lgs. 259/2003 and D.M. 134/2018), any skipper or radio operator on a recreational or non-SOLAS commercial vessel equipped with a VHF radio station featuring Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and an assigned Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) must hold at least an SRC. The older 'certificato limitato di radiotelefonista senza esami' is valid only for legacy VHF sets up to 50W without DSC.

How is the official Italian SRC examination conducted?

Since Decreto direttoriale 25 settembre 2025, the MIMIT GMDSS examining commission conducts SRC examinations remotely via video conference (Webex or Microsoft Teams). Candidates interact with examiners while operating the virtual VHF-DSC consoles of the Istituto Superiore CTI's Sala Nautica simulator and answering oral questions on procedures and maritime English.

Is geography examined on the Italian SRC exam?

No. Under D.M. 25 settembre 2018, n. 134, maritime geography is examined only for the Long Range Certificate (LRC), Restricted Operator's Certificate (ROC), and General Operator's Certificate (GOC). The SRC exam syllabus in Allegato 4 focuses strictly on Sea Area A1 radiocommunications, equipment handling, emergency procedures, and English.

What is the fee for the Italian SRC examination?

The statutory exam fee is EUR 25.00. MIMIT's LRC/SRC application form directs candidates to pay it through the DGST payments portal using pagoPA, selecting '04-GMDSS Certificati GMDSS' as the payment object. The application form itself carries a EUR 16.00 marca da bollo, and the candidate encloses three identical passport-format photographs and a copy of a valid identity document.

Are OpenExamPrep practice questions official MIMIT test items?

No. MIMIT does not publish a multiple-choice question bank for the SRC, as the official exam is oral and practical. OpenExamPrep publishes an independent English-language four-option MCQ study bank covering the competencies and statutory regulations in Allegato 4 of D.M. 134/2018. It is designed as a study aid to master the required theoretical knowledge.