Are leisure yachts required to keep a radio log for VHF communications?

A. Yes — a radio log is mandatory for all vessels fitted with a VHF radio under UK law

B. Not legally required for leisure vessels in UK waters, but strongly recommended for offshore passages — logging distress traffic heard, Coastguard communications, and position reports creates a record that may be vital in a legal or SAR context

C. Radio logs are only required when carrying paying passengers

D. A radio log is only required for cross-Channel passages

A. To send a digitally coded distress alert containing the vessel's MMSI and position automatically to all DSC-equipped stations and the Coastguard

B. To broadcast weather forecasts to other vessels

C. To make telephone calls from the vessel to shore

D. To operate the radar system remotely

A. A GPS waypoint identifier used in coastal navigation

B. Maritime Mobile Service Identity — a unique 9-digit number identifying the vessel; without it a DSC distress alert cannot identify the vessel to rescuers

C. A VHF channel number allocated by Ofcom for distress use only

D. A vessel survey certificate number required by the MCA