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Ship Radio Licensing: FAQs

1. What are ships’ radios used for?

Ships’ radio is used for the safe navigation of vessels and for making distress calls in emergency situations. It enables communication with coast stations, port/harbour authorities and with other vessels.

Ships’ radio can include MF (medium frequency), VHF (very high frequency), HF (high frequency), and UHF (ultra high frequency) radio equipment. It can also include satellite communications equipment, radar equipment, Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and Search and Rescue Transponders (SARTs).

2. Why do ships’ radios need to be licensed?

Licensing stems from international regulatory requirements incorporated in UK law. Licensing ensures that radio equipment used on board ships does not cause undue interference to other communications equipment and is operated by competent persons.

Licensing details, including the call sign of the vessel, name of licensee and other information, are sent to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and could be used to assist in co-ordinating rescue operations if required.

3. Why is Ofcom reforming the way ships’ radio is licensed?

The new free online system will ease administration and reduce costs for ships' users. This new approach will make it easier for users to comply with legal obligations and use radio equipment that is appropriately licensed.

4. How has the licensing process changed?

On 1 December 2006, Ofcom replaced the annual licence system with a new ‘lifetime’ licensing regime whereby Ofcom::

issues lifetime licences (these will be valid for the life of the vessel and need to be reissued if the ship changes hands);
provides a free web-based licensing service as an alternative to the postal service;
will replace all valid annual licences with new free lifetime licences;
requires licensees to confirm their licence details at least once every 10 years for ships; and
no longer requires a ship radio licence disc to be displayed on the vessel; however, a copy of the licence must be kept on board the vessel.

Ofcom will continue to make paper licences available for applicants who do not have access to, or prefer not to use the internet. However, those applying via a paper-based application will be subject to an administration £20 charge.

5. Who should I contact at Ofcom about licensing?

Contact the Ofcom Licensing Centre (OLC) at:

Email: licensingcentre@ofcom.org.uk

Tel. 020 7981 3131

Website: www.ofcom.org.uk/licensing

Postal address: Ofcom Licensing Centre, PO BOX 56373, London SE1 9SZ

6. Do you need one for all types of boats?

All types of vessels need a licence providing radio is to be used on board.

7. Who issues ships’ licences?

Ofcom is the licensing authority for ships' and amateur radio in the UK.

8. What documents do I need when applying online?

Ofcom encourages applicants / licensees to ensure they have all the relevant information to hand when applying e.g. equipment type, MMSI number and call sign if equipment is already installed.

9. My licence has lapsed. Can I use the new online licensing system to ‘re-instate’ it?

No. If you wish to become licensed once more, you will need to submit a paper application form which will incur a £20 charge. This enables you to maintain your call sign and MMSI number.

10. I had a ships’ radio licence more than 5 years ago. Can I ‘re-instate’ my licence and keep the call sign and MMSI number?

If your licence lapsed more than 5 years ago, it is very unlikely that you will be able to use the same call sign and MMSI number. Ships’ call signs and MMSI numbers are recycled after 5 years from the point where either the licensee surrenders their licence or Ofcom revokes it.

When you apply for your radio licence (using either the online licensing system or the paper based forms), Ofcom will allocate you a new call sign and MMSI number. It is your responsibility to programme the new details into your radio apparatus.

11. Is there anything that still requires paper based correspondence?

Licensees cannot change their name on their licence. This can be done by submitting an amendment form to Ofcom ensuring a certified copy of the name change documentation (e.g. marriage certificate or deed poll) is enclosed.

Paper-based applications are necessary if:

an organisation wishes to nominate an individual to act on their behalf:
an applicant wishes to have an MMSI assigned to a VHF DSC Portable to be used on a Ships' Radio Licence; or
an applicant wants to apply for an historical call sign or MMSI which is not in the system (subject to availability).

12. Will users still need to hold the marine radio operator’s Certificate of Competence and Authority to Operate?

Yes. The relevant marine radio operator’s certificate of Competence and Authority to Operate is still a requirement for use of the radio and ensures that only those competent to use radio equipment under the correct procedures are entitled to do so. Incorrect operating procedures are liable to cause interference and could even hamper search and rescue operations.

For further information please contact the Royal Yachting Association. Further details can be found at:

www.rya.org.uk

13. Why is Ofcom going to charge for the postal service and not for the web-based service?

The purpose of the £20 charge is to cover the direct costs associated with processing applications and providing the postal service. There is no charge for the use of the radio spectrum. Whilst there would be some residual cost associated with the delivery of the on-line service, Ofcom believes that these costs would be sufficiently low that it would not be necessary to seek to recover these from licensees.

14. What happens if I don’t have a licence and I get caught?

Failure to hold a valid licence is a criminal office and Ofcom's enforcement team can impose on-the-spot fines. The maximum penalty on conviction is a £5,000 fine and/or a six month prison sentence. Those convicted may also be ordered to forfeit any radio apparatus used illegally.