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Summary

Ofcom proposes to reform ships radio licensing in order to reduce the regulatory burden on radio users. Key proposals are as follows:

1. To make ship radio licences valid for the life of the vessel (they are currently renewable annually);

2. To make electronic licences (probably issued as Adobe PDF® documents) available free of charge.

These proposals are consistent with the level of regulatory intervention required to manage ships’ radio spectrum and also with the UK’s international obligations.

Ofcom is aware that ships’ radio equipment exists primarily for the safety of human life and vessels at sea. We hope that these reforms would help to encourage more boat users to fit licensed ship radio equipment.

This consultation also examines some alternative options for the reform of ship radio licensing and we welcome your views on whether you agree with our analysis and conclusions. Other options considered include:

1. the transfer of the licensing function to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA);

2. to make ships’ radio WT Act licence exempt;

3. to maintain the existing licensing regime.

The text of the full document is available in PDF format below.

• Proposal to reform ship radio licensing [pdf]
  Full print version

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