RA logo

Ship Radio Licence

Guidance Notes

*

RA 145gn is also available in pdf logo (85KB)

Contents

Part A: Information specific to radio licensing
1.0 Introduction
2.0 What the licence covers
3.0 Ship portable radio licences
4.0 Radio equipment performance requirements
5.0 Vessel callsigns
6.0 Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) numbers
7.0 Selective Calling (Selcall) numbers
8.0 Payment of licence fees
9.0 Charities' concessionary fee
10.0 Other licensing information
11.0 Maritime Mobile Access and Retrieval System (MARS) database
12.0 Enquiries
Part B: General maritime radio information
Application form 406 MHz EPIRB registration form
12.0 Table of maritime VHF frequencies
13.0 Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs)
14.0 Operator qualifications
15.0 United Kingdom telephone calls
16.0 Foreign telephone calls
17.0 Visual Signal Letters (VSL)
18.0 Amateur radio stations on board UK registered ships
19.0 Inmarsat Point of Service Activation (PSA) entities
20.0 Maritime accounting authority contact details
21.0 Contacts for further information

Part A: Information specific to radio licensing

1.0 Introduction

1.1 These notes are designed to help those applying for a Ship Radio Licence. The following notes cover the types of equipment that are licensable, specific requirements that the equipment must meet, radio operators certificates, Accounting Authorities, callsigns, Maritime Mobile Services Identities and other licensing information that applicants need to be aware of.

1.2 If the application form is not fully completed it may be returned to you in order to supply the missing details. If you are uncertain about the information required, please contact either the Radio Licensing Centre on 0870 243 4433 or the Agency’s Aeronautical & Maritime Services Section on 020 7211 0215.

1.3 The Radiocommunications Agency is responsible for the effective management of the civil radio spectrum in the United Kingdom. Regulation is necessary to ensure that those who use radio equipment can do so without causing or suffering from undue interference.

1.4 The regulations governing the use of maritime radio are detailed in the International Radio Regulations, set by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949, as amended. It is an offence to install or use any radio equipment on board a UK ship, craft, hovercraft, lightship or any other vessel predominantly moored in UK waters without a radio licence. This includes vessels registered in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. A Ship Radio Licence is required even if the transmitting equipment is not in constant use, or if it is used only for distress purposes.

2.0 What the licence covers

2.1 The Ship Radio Licence allows the licensee to install and if the relevant Maritime Radio Operators’ Certificate of Competence and Authority to Operate is held, use any combination of maritime radio equipment listed below on a specified vessel.

2.2 VHF or VHF/DSC portable radios may only be used where these are not intended to be used on multiple vessels under the cover of a Ship Portable Radio Licence, see Section 3.

2.3 The Ship Radio Licence will comprise of a Licence Document, a Licence Terms Booklet and a Licence display disc. The licence will be valid for a period of one year unless surrendered by the licensee or revoked by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. Once a licence has been issued a reminder will auto-
matically be sent prior to the renewal date.

2.4 Licensees will be able to use an unlimited number of VHF and UHF handportables on the vessel identified in the Licence. None of the equipment covered by this licence, including safety equipment such as maritime EPIRBs and PLBs is licensed for use on land. A Licence will be needed even if EPIRBs are the only type of radio equipment carried on board the vessel. VHF/DSC portables are only licensed for use in UK territorial waters.

2.5 The equipment is authorised for operation on international maritime frequencies only. Additionally, pleasure craft owners will be able to use Channel M (157.850 MHz) and Channel M2 (161.425 MHz) in United Kingdom territorial waters only. Details of the international maritime VHF frequencies are listed on pages 10 and 11. In order for the equipment to be authorised for use it has to perform in accordance with relevant technical parameters; see Section 4.0.

3.0 Ship Portable Radio Licences

3.1 For licensing purposes, a portable radio is defined as a handheld portable VHF or VHF/DSC radio transceiver with an integral antenna and power supply which is not designed to be permanently installed on a vessel and which will be used on a number of different vessels.

3.2 A Ship Portable Radio Licence is required to cover portable maritime VHF, VHF/DSC radio equipment or PLBs intended for use on more than one vessel. If you wish to apply for a Ship Portable Radio Licence you should use form RA385.

4.0 Radio equipment conformance requirements

4.1 Equipment built to Merchant Shipping Standards: Any radio, radar or navigation equipment Type Approved under the European Marine Equipment Directive has been entirely acceptable for use on all UK vessels since 1 Jan 1999 and will continue to be acceptable for the foreseeable future. Such equipment bears the Wheel Mark.

4.2 Equipment Conforming to the Requirements of the European Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (R&TTE) Directive: Since 8 April 2000, all new marine radio and radar equipment (apart from equipment with a Wheel Mark) has had to comply with the R&TTE Directive before being placed on the market. Such equipment may be licensed for use on small craft in the UK, provided it meets the relevant UK Radio Interface Requirement.

4.3 Such equipment must bear the CE Mark, the identification number of a Notified Body (where one has been consulted by the manufacturer as part of the conformity assessment procedure), and where appropriate, the Alert Symbol (which signifies that there may be restrictions on how the equipment may be used or that the equipment may not necessarily be put into service in all EU States).

The equipment must be accompanied by:

a) A copy of the Declaration of Conformance to the requirements of the R&TTE Directive (or a simplified Statement of Compliance and information on where the formal Declaration of Conformance may be found).

b) Information on its intended use, including the countries of the EU in which it is intended the equipment is to be used.

Equipment, which additionally meets the requirements of any of the European Standards (ETS or EN) or International standards (IEC) listed over, is recommended.

4.4 Equipment previously approved under national type approval arrangements: it has remained permissible to sell equipment Type Approved prior to 8 April 2000 and some may still have been on the market when the R&TTE Directive came into force fully on 8 April 2001. This equipment will have been Type Approved to one or more of the standards listed overleaf and customers are advised to confirm this with the supplier. Nationally Type Approved equipment may continue to be licensed and installed on vessels but, since 8 April 2001, further supplies of such equipment may not be transferred from manufacturers or importers to retailers.

4.5 UK Radio Interface Requirements applicable to maritime radio equipment for small craft under the R&TTE Directive: Radio Interface Requirements are high level descriptions of how the spectrum should be used. They typically consist of the requirements related to intentional transmissions in allocated frequency bands. They do not prescribe technical interpretations of the essential requirements of the R&TTE Directive. (Some of the Radio Interface Requirements may be in draft form and are in the process of being published). The documents and a comprehensive list are available on the Agency web site: www.radio.gov.uk

5.0 Vessel callsigns

5.1 A callsign is allocated to the vessel when first issued with a Ship Radio Licence. It uniquely identifies the vessel within the International Maritime Mobile Service. The callsign remains with the vessel for the duration of its life regardless of changes of ownership or even vessel name. However the callsign is surrendered if the vessel ceases to be classed as a UK vessel or is destroyed. Therefore every effort is made to ensure that the callsign remains with the vessel.

5.2 Callsigns cannot be transferred between vessels.

6.0 Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) numbers

6.1 A Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number uniquely identifies a vessel and is only issued to vessels fitted with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and/or Ship Earth Station (SES) equipment. The UK administration does not issue MMSI numbers to EPIRBs.

6.2 In order to use SES equipment, arrangements must be made with an Inmarsat Point of Service Activation Entity see Section 20 of these Guidance Notes. An MMSI number is required before the equipment can be commissioned.

6.3 If an MMSI has already been issued for use with DSC equipment and subsequently a satellite earth station terminal is installed, a new MMSI will be required and DSC equipment will need to be re-programmed. The Radio Licensing Centre issues MMSIs free of charge as part of a Ship Radio Licence.

6.4 The Agency notifies the ITU of all MMSI numbers issued by the UK. MMSIs are also made available to HM Coastguard to assist in Search and Rescue operations.

6.5 With the advent of new VHF/DSC portable radios in 2001 the Agency has set aside a unique block of MMSI numbers which will be allocated only to this equipment. This enables HM Coastguard to differentiate between alerts sent from fixed and portable VHF/DSC radio equipment.

6.6 If the vessel is fitted with a fixed DSC radio set with a vessel MMSI number allocated and a portable VHF/DSC unit is acquired, the existing MMSI must not, under any circumstances be programmed into the portable radio. The Radio Licensing Centre will allocate a “portable” MMSI number on request. The first four digits of a “portable” MMSI will always be 2359.

7.0 Selective calling (Selcall) numbers

7.1 A Selcall number is a code which when programmed into a radio receiver will ensure that the receiver will respond only to calls addressed to it.

7.2 Selcall numbers are added to the licence document in addition to the List of Ship Stations published by the ITU. If a Selcall number is required it must be specifically requested on the application form.

8.0 Payment of licence fees

8.1 The licence fee is valid for a period of one year. A separate fee is payable for each vessel being licensed.

8.2 Before expiry of the Licence the licensee will receive a renewal reminder. If the Licence is allowed to lapse a fresh application will be required. Warning: it is an offence to use or install maritime radio equipment other than in accordance with the terms of a Licence issued by the Secretary of State.

8.3 Refunds will only be made where there has been an overpayment, duplicate payment or when a licence application has been unsuccessful. Fees may vary from time-to-time and are set by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, with the approval of Parliament.

8.4 The current list of payment methods and fees can be found in Section F of the Ship Radio Licence application form.

9.0 Charities’ concessionary fee

9.1 A concessionary fee for a Ship Radio Licence is available for licensees that meet the following criteria:

a) is a charity; and

b) has as its object the safety of human life in an emergency.

9.2 In the regulation, “charity” means a person or organisation which:

a) being subject to the laws of England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, is a charity within the meaning of Section 506(1) of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988; or

b) being subject to the laws of the Isle of Man, is registered as a charity under the Charities Registration Act 1989; or

c) being subject to the laws of Guernsey, is a member for the time being of the association of Guernsey Charities; or

d) being subject to the laws of Jersey, is a member for the time being of the Association of Jersey Charities.

9.3 Qualifying charities must provide documentary evidence of the registration according to a) to d) above or give the registered number of the charity at the time of application or renewal. Details of the fee are shown on the application form.

10.0 Other licensing information

Registration

10.1 A vessel does not need to be registered with an official body before an application for a Ship Radio Licence is made. Under normal circumstances, the Radiocommunications Agency is not able to licence vessels registered in countries other than the UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands.

10.2 When a vessel needs to be registered to comply with the Merchant Shipping (Registration) Act 1993, details may be obtained from

The Registrar General
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Room 2/09A, Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton, S015 1EG

Tel 02380 329100
Fax 02380 329252

10.3 All changes to the Ship Radio Licence details, e.g. change of; ownership of the vessel, owner’s address, radio equipment etc. must be notified to the Radio Licensing Centre in writing using form RA367. There is no charge for registering amendments.

10.4 It is advisable to keep the Ship Radio Licence documents with the radio equipment especially if the vessel is taken abroad. Foreign licensing administrations may confiscate the radio equipment where a valid Ship Radio Licence cannot be produced on demand.

10.5 If a bulk application has been made for a number of licences, each will be mailed separately.

Company applications

10.6 Whilst the Agency is able to accept applications where a company is named as the licensee a named contact must also be specified, and will be the first point of contact with the Agency. If the company box is ticked the applicant is declaring that the licensee is a limited company, and a company registration number must be supplied. If the company is not a limited company then another box should be ticked.

11.0 Maritime Mobile Access and Retrieval System (MARS) database

11.1 The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) requires the Agency to collect information about vessels being licensed and what equipment is being used. This information is held on the ITU’s Maritime Mobile Access and Retrieval System (MARS) database which is supplied for the use of Port Authorities and Search and Rescue organisations worldwide.

11.2 Much of this information is mandatory and for this reason Section B of the application form asks for information such as the tonnage of a vessel, its type and how many people it can carry. The Agency is obliged to supply this information to the ITU and so if it is not completed in full on the application form the Agency will be unable to issue a licence and the application form will be returned to the applicant.

11.3 There is some additional information which the ITU records on its MARS data-base and this is collected in Section F of the application form. This information
is not mandatory and a licence can be issued even if it is not supplied. It is anticipated that much of this information is only relevant to larger passenger carrying vessels which routinely sail out of UK territorial waters. An explanation of this additional information follows.

11.4 The national telex number and Selcall number should be supplied where these have has been issued to the vessel.

11.5 Both the General Classification and Individual Classification fields are for codes that identify the type of vessel. A full list of these codes is given in Section 22 of these Guidance Notes.

11.6 The nature of service is a code for the type of international correspondence service maintained by the vessel. The codes are as follows:

CO - a station open to official correspondence only

CP - a station open to public correspondence

CR - a station open to limited public correspondence

CV - a station open exclusively to correspondence of a private agency

OT - a station open exclusively to operational traffic of the service concerned

11.7 Services available refers to the specific services provided by a station open to
public correspondence. The services available are indicated by one or more of the following codes:

C - radiotelephone calls

D - radiotelex calls

O - OBS messages (voluntary observing Ship)

P - facsimile communications

R - radiotelegrams

11.8 Hours of service refers to the availability of the public correspondence services offered by a vessel. This should be indicated by one of the following codes:

H24 - continuous service throughout the twenty four hours

H16 - 16 hour service provided by a ship station of the second category

H8 - 8 hour service provided by a ship station of the third category

HX - intermittent service throughout the twenty four hours, or station having no specific working hours (generally applicable to pleasure craft)

HJ - day service

HN - night servic

Part B: General maritime radio information

12.0 Enquiries

12.1 Enquiries about your application should be made to:

Radio Licensing Centre
P.O. Box 1495
Bristol BS99 3QS

Tel: 0870 243 4433
Fax: 0117 921 8444
Minicom: 0117 921 9550 (For hearing impaired customers ONLY, special equipment is required to use this service).

Website: www.radiolicencecentre.co.uk
Email: radio.licensing.centre@royalmail.com

Hours of business: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, answerphone is available outside these hours.

In order to comply with the requirements of the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act (CPI) 1996, all telephone calls to the Radio Licensing Centre are recorded. If you would prefer to write, please send all communications to the above address.

12.2 Licensees are allocated a unique reference number. This reference should be quoted when making a telephone enquiry and entered clearly on all cheques and correspondence with the Radio Licensing Centre.

13.0 INTERNATIONAL MARITIME VHF FREQUENCIES TABLE

These are the only international maritime VHF frequencies that may be used. (Details of maritime frequencies in other bands are given in the Ship Fixed Radio Licence Terms Booklet issued with the Ship Fixed Radio Licence).

Channel
designators
Notes Transmitting frequencies
(MHz)
Inter ship Port Operation
and ship movement
Public
Correspondence
Ship Stations Coast Stations Single
frequency
Two
frequency
60   156.025 160.625     X X
01   156.050 160.650     X X
61   156.075 160.675     X X
02   156.100 160.700      X X
62   156.125 160.725     X X
03   156.150 160.750     X X
63   156.175 160.775     X X
04   156.200 160.800     X X
64   156.225 160.825     X X
05   156.250 160.850     X X
65   156.275 160.875     X X
06 (1) 156.300   X      
66   156.325 160.925     X X
07   156.350 160.950     X X
67   156.375 156.375 X X    
08   156.400   X      
68   156.425 156.425   X    
09   156.450 156.450 X X    
69   156.475 156.475 X X    
10   156.500 156.500 X X    
70   156.525 156.525 Exclusively for Digital Selective Calling for Distress, Safety and Calling
11   156.550 156.550   X    
71   156.575 156.575   X    
12   156.600 156.600   X    
72   156.625   X      
13   156.650 156.650 X X    
73   156.675 156.675 X X    
14   156.700 156.700   X    
             74   156.725 156.725   X    
15 (2) 156.750 156.750 X X    
75 (4) 156.775     X    

 

Channel
designators
Notes Transmitting frequencies
(MHz)
Inter ship Port Operation
and ship movement
Public
Correspondence
Ship Stations Coast Stations Single
frequency
Two
frequency
16    156.800 156.800 Distress,Safety and Calling
76 (4) 156.825     X    
17 (2) 156.850 156.850 X X    
77    156.875   X      
18   156.900 156.900   X X X
78   156.925 161.525     X X
19   156.950 161.550     X X
79   156.975 161.575     X X
20   157.000 161.600     X X
80   157.025 161.625     X X
21   157.050 161.650     X X
81   157.075 161.675     X X
22   157.100 161.700     X X
82   157.125 161.725   X X X
23   157.150 161.750     X X
83   157.175 161.775   X X X
24   157.200 161.800     X X
84   157.225 161.825   X X X
25   157.250 161.850     X X
85   157.275 161.875   X X X
26   157.300 161.900     X X
86   157.325 161.925   X X X
27   157.350 161.950       X X
87  

157.375

         
28   157.400 162.000     X X
88  

157.425

   

X

   
AIS 1 (3) 161.975 161.975        
AIS 2 (3) 162.025 162.025        

Notes:

1. The frequency 156.300 MHz (channel 06) may also be used for communications between ship stations and aircraft stations engaged in co-ordinated search and rescue operahons. Ship stations shall avoid harmful interference to such communications on channel 06 as well as to communicahons between aircraft stations, ice-breakers and assisted ships during ice seasons.

2. Channels 15 and 17 may also be used for on-board communications provided the effective radiated power does not exceed 1W.

3. These channels (AIS 1and AIS 2) will be used for an automatic ship identiftcation and surveillance system capable of providing worldwide operation on high seas, unless other frequencies are designated on a regional basis for this purpose.

4. The use of these channels (75 and 76) should be restricted to navigation-related communications only and all precautions should be taken to avoid harmful interference to channel 16, e.g. by limiting the output power to 1W or by means of geographical separation

14.0 Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and Personal
Locator Beacons (PLBs)

14.1 Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are self contained battery operated radio transmitters, the purpose of which is to facilitate search and rescue operations. EPIRBs and PLBs are intended for marine use only and should not be used on land.

14.2 There are several types of EPIRB and PLB in use in the United Kingdom; those that operate on the aeronautical distress frequencies 121.5 MHz or 121.5 MHz and 243 MHz and more sophisticated models operating on 406 MHz/121.5 MHz and 1.6 GHz. These last two have a unique identification code, which identifies the vessel to which it has been registered.

14.3 It is vital that all 406 MHz/121.5 MHz EPIRBs and PLBs are registered with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). The details provide the rescue co-ordination centres with information needed to assist a search and rescue operation. Failure to register an EPIRB will seriously degrade its usefulness to the search and rescue services in the event of an emergency and could even put lives at risk.

406 MHz EPIRBs and PLBs

14.4 The details provided in Section E of the Ship Radio Licence application form will be sent to the MCA EPIRB Registry. After having applied for a Ship Radio Licence, should you acquire, or transfer a 406 MHz EPIRB or PLB to another owner and/or vessel, the MCA EPIRB Registry must be notified using the form in the centre of these Guidance Notes. In addition, the Radio Licensing Centre must be advised in writing.

1.6 GHz EPIRBs

14.5 1.6 GHz EPIRBs must be registered with the Inmarsat Customer Activation Group (CAG), telephone 020 7728 1372, fax 020 7728 1142. After having applied for a Ship Radio Licence, should you acquire, or transfer a 1.6 GHz EPIRB to another owner and/or vessel, Inmarsat CAG must be notified. In addition, the Radio Licensing Centre must be advised in writing.

14.6 An information sheet (RA 258) concerning the safe handling of EPIRBs is available free of charge from the Radiocommunications Agency’s library, telephone 020 7211 0211.

15.0 Operator’s qualifications

15.1 Whilst it is not necessary to hold a Certificate of Competence in order to obtain a Ship Radio Licence, a maritime radio may be operated only by or under the direct personal supervision of a holder of the appropriate Certificate of Competence and Authority to Operate. This is to maintain operational standards and ensure knowledge of current distress, emergency and safety procedures. The certificate holder is required to produce these documents when requested to do so by a person authorised by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.

15.2 The minimum Certificate of Competence that is required for use of a ship portable radio is the Short Range Certificate. This certificate covers use of both standard VHF and VHF/DSC equipment under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System in sea area A1.

15.3 The training and examinations for these certificates are carried out by:

Royal Yachting Association
RYA House
Romsey Road
Eastleigh

Hampshire SO5 4YA

Tel: 023 8062 7400

Further details can also be obtained from the MCA, telephone 023 8032 9100

16.0 United Kingdom telephone calls

16.1 In June 1999 British Telecom ceased providing many commercial maritime services through its coast stations due to a substantial decline in demand.

16.2 These services included the provision of link calls made from a vessel to the UK public telephone network. There are no plans for another organisation to provide this service.

16.3 The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has assumed responsibility for providing maritime safety information and medical link calls previously provided by BT coast stations.

17.0 Foreign calls

17.1 In order to make a call from abroad (including the Channel Islands) using a foreign coast station, the licensee must have first entered into a contract with a Maritime Accounting Authority (MAA) and be able to quote the relevant Accounting Authority Identification Code (AAIC) to the coast station operator.

17.2 Coast stations will hold a copy of the ITU list of ship stations. This gives details of the MAA that the vessel is using as its agent for billing purposes. In turn, that MAA will invoice the licensee, for any call charges incurred. The ship station details will be sent to the ITU for inclusion in their list of ship stations when applying for, or amending a licence.

17.3 Information on MAAs is available from the Agency in information sheet RA390 entitled Maritime Radio Accounting Authorities.

18.0 Visual Signal Letters (VSL)

18.1 VSLs are flags or combination of flags used before radio as a means of identification and communication. A vessel that previously has used VSLs may retain them as its callsign upon application. Where this is required, a formal written application must be made, and included with the application form.

19.0 Amateur radio stations on board UK registered ships

19.1 The establishment and use of amateur radio stations on board United Kingdom registered ships is permitted under the Amateur Radio Licence, granted by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. On board a vessel, the licensee shall:

a) install, use or make changes to the station only with the written permission of the vessel’s master;

b) observe radio silence when required by the vessel’s master.

19.2 The full terms, provisions and limitations with which the licensee shall comply are available from the Agency’s Amateur Radio Licensing Section, telephone 020 7211 0160.

19.3 It is important to ensure that radio is used correctly. At sea, lives may depend upon this. Consequently, there are severe penalties for not keeping within the law and these include fines, imprisonment and the forfeiture of anything used in connection with the offence. Those convicted of such offences may, in addition, face the revocation of their licence and the suspension of their authority to operate.

20.0 Inmarsat Point of Service Activation (PSA) entities

20.1 Details of PSAs are available by contacting Inmarsat’s Customer Services Department, telephone +44 20 7728 1020 or Fax +44 20 7728 1142

21.0 Maritime (radio) accounting authorities contact details

A-N-D Group plc -
(GBOI, GB05 & GB15)
Tanners Bank
North Shields, Tyne & Wear
NE30 1HJ
Tel: 0191 258 1635
Fax: 0191 296 4484

Cable & Wireless - (GB02)
Ship Management Department

East Saxon House
27 Duke Street
Chelmsford, Essex
CM1 1HT
Tel: 01245 702000
Fax: 01245 348972

International Marine
Radio Company Ltd - (GB03)

Morley House
Badminton Court
Church Street
Amersham, Bucks
HP7 ODA
Tel: 01494 434000
Fax: 01494 431993

Crescent Marine Services Ltd - (GB04)
Brunswick House
8-13 Brunswick Place
Southampton
SO15 2AP
Tel: 023 8063 9777
Fax: 023 8063 8308
Note: Commercial vessels only

British Telecom - (GB14)
Aeronautical & Maritime

Billing
BT Delta Point
PP03A26
35 Wellesley Road
Croydon
CR9 2YZ
Tel: 020 8666 7694
Fax: 020 8666 4922

Stephenson Clarke
Shipping Ltd - (GB16)

c/o Ships Electronic Services Ltd
Waterside Court
Neptune Close
Rochester
Kent, ME2 4NZ
Tel: 01634 295500
Fax: 01634 295536
Note: Commercial vessels only

F T Everard & Sons Ltd - (GB17)
c/o Ships Electronic Services Ltd

Waterside Court
Neptune Close
Rochester Kent
ME2 4NZ
Tel: 01634 295500
Fax: 01634 295536
Note: Commercial vessels only

James Fisher Tankerships Ltd - (GB18)
c/o Ships Electronic Services Ltd

Waterside Court
Neptune Close
Rochester
Kent
ME2 4NZ
Tel: 01634 295500
Fax: 01634 295536
Note: Commercial vessels only

Yacht Electronic
Services (UK) Ltd - (GB20)

2 Mill Row
Bexley
Kent
DA5 1LA
Tel: 01322 556633
Fax: 01322 556634

Peninsular Electronics Limited - (GB06)
Broadquay House
Orpen Park
Ash Ridge Road
Almondsbury
Bristol
BS12 4QD
Tel: 01454 201777
Fax: 01454 205201/617310

GEC-Marconi Communications Systems Ltd - (GB08)
Marconi Marine Division

Marconi House
New Street
Chelmsford
Essex
CM1 1PL
Tel: 01245 353221
Fax: 01245 358776

ABB Nera Ltd - (GBII)
20 Imperial Way
Croydon
Surrey
CR0 4RR
Tel: 020 8686 5701
Fax: 020 8680 8206

Bachmann Marine
Services Ltd -(GB12)

Frances House
Sir William Place
St Peter Port
Guernsey
Channel Islands
GY1 4HQ
Tel: 01481 723573
Fax: 01481 711353

Helexco Co Ltd - (GB13)
31 High Street
Colliers Wood
London
SW19 2JE
Tel: 020 8542 4916
Fax: 020 8540 8047

BPI Communications Ltd - (GB21)
Equinox House
Oriel Court
Alton
GU34 2YT
Tel: 01420 544533
Fax: 01420 544766

Societa Italiana
Radio Marittima - (IU02)

Piazzale Giulio Douhet 25
I-00143 Roma EUR
Italy
Tel: +39 6 59614285
Fax: +39 6 59614284
Telex: 610293 SIRMi

Campagnia Generale Telemar - (IU03)
Viale Tiziano, 19
I-00196 Roma
Italy
Tel: +39 6 3221800
Fax: +39 6 3240148

AWA Electronic Services - (AAOI)
78-82 Wyndham Street
Alexandria
NSW 2015
Australia
Tel: +61 2 310 3022
Fax: +61 2 310 3662

SAIT Communications SA - (BE02)
Sait-Radio Holland Group
Chaussee de Ruisbroek 66
B-1190 Brussels
Belgium
Tel: +32 2 370 5334
Fax: +32 2 332 3327

N.B. The associated AAIC codes are shown in italics, alongside the company name.

22.0 Symbols which designate classes of ships

  General classifications   Individual classifications
FV Ship of a fishing fleet ICE Ice breaker
GV Official service ship ICN Waste incinerator
MM Merchant ship INS Inspection ship
NF River vessel LAN Lobster ship
NS Naval ship LOU Lugger
PL Pleasure ship MOR Banker
SV Rescue vessel MOU Mine layer
XX Unspecified MTB Motor boat
    NET Pollution and surface clearance vessel
  Individual classifications NVP Naviplane
ACV Air-cushion vehicle OBO Ore-bulk-oil carrier
AUX Auxiliary ship OIL Oil tanker
AVI Despatch vessel OSC Oceanographic ship
BAR Lighter OSV Ocean-station vessel
BLK Bulk carrier PA Passenger ship
BLN Whaler PAQ Liner
BLS Buoy ship PBE Livestock carrier
BTA Factory ship PCH Barge carrier
CA Cargo ship PER Drilling unit
CAB Coaster PH Fishing vessel
CBL Cable ship PHA Lightship
CGT Coast-guard PHR Lighthouse tender

CHA

Barge PHS Fishing guard
CHR Trawler PLE Platform
CIM Cement carrier PLT Pilot tender
CIT Tanker PMP Firefloat
COA Collier PMX Cargo and passenger
CON Container ship PON Pontoon
COR Corvette PTA Aircraft carrier
CRO Cruiser PTH Helicopter carrier
CTR Cutter RAM Salvage ship
DES Destroyer RAV Supply vessel
DIV Ship used by divers ROC Rock breaker
DMN Minesweeper ROU RoRo ship
DOU Customs launch SAU Rescue vessel
DRG Dredger SEC Stand-by safety vessel
DRY Dry cargo SLO Sloop
DUN Ketch SMN Submarine
ECO Training ship SRV Patrol ship
ESC Escort ship THO Tunny ship
  Survey ship TPG Liquefied gas carrier
FBT Ferry TPO Ore carrier
FPS Fast patrol ship TPS Solvent carrier
FRG Reefer TPT Transport
FRM Weather ship TPW Forest-product carrier
FRT Frigate TRA Tramp
FRU Fruit carrier TUG Pusher Tug
GEN General cargo TVH Vehicle carrier
GOL Schooner VDO Launch
GRC Grain carrier VDT Hydrofoil
GRF Floating Crane VLR Sailing ship
GS Warship XXX Unspecified
HOP Hospital ship YAT Yacht
HYD Hydrographic ship    

 

23.0 Contacts for further information

General maritime licensing policy enquiries
Inc. Ships, Coastal Station Radio (CSR) application forms, Navigational Aids & RADAR licence processing:
contact AMS on 020 7211 0215/0217,
e-mail: AMS@ra.gsi.gov.uk

Ship Radio Licence processing enquiries
The Radio Licensing Centre
PO Box 1495
Bristol, BS99 3QS.

Tel: 0870 243 4433
Fax: 0117 921 8444
Email: radio.licensing.centre@royalmail.com
Website: www.radiolicence-centre.co.uk

For information on Amateur & CB Radio contact the Amateur & CB Section on:
020 7211 0160, e-mail: AMACB@ra.gsi.gov.uk

For general information on Marine Radio Operator’s Certificates and the GMDSS
contact the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) on 0870 600 6505 or visit www.mcagency.org.uk

For details of the Short-Range Certificate (GMDSS, VHF)
Including where training and courses are available, contact the Royal Yachting Association on 0845 345 0400 or visit www.rya.org.uk

For details of the Long Range Certificate, (GMDSS, VHF, MF, HF and satellite communications), Restricted Operator’s Certificate and the General Operator’s Certificate
contact the Association of Marine Electronic & Radio Colleges (AMERC) on 01539 440 218 or visit www.amerc.ac.uk/

For details about registration of PLBs and EPIRBs
contact the EPIRB Registry on 01326 211 569

For details on Inmarsat satellite communications equipment
contact Inmarsat on 020 7728 1777

For further information about the ITU
visit their website at www.itu.int

The Agency produces information sheets and publications on most aspects of its work.

They are available from the Agency Library on 020 7211 0502/0505, or e-mailing library.ra@gsi.gov.uk or can be downloaded from the Agency’s website at www.radio.gov.uk It is also possible to subscribe to the Library (free of charge) and receive updates and new releases; details are available from the above contact options.

Please note: This form should be printed out and sent via 'surface mail' to the address given below. Please do not attempt to re-send this form via E-mail as we cannot at present handle electronic submissions.

Please print entire document.

Please use BLOCK CAPITALS throughout

406 MHz EPIRB REGISTRATION
(See Section [13] of these Guidance Notes)

COSPAS/SARSAT No: (Please leave blank)

TO BE COMPLETED BY EPIRB OWNER:

Name of vessel:
Type of vessel:
(please tick)
Merchant Fishing Pleasure Rig/Platform
Maximum Number of Persons carried:
   
MMSI:
Callsign:
Radio (please tick):

INMARSAT: A B C M

MF HF VHF VHF/DSC portable

VHF/DSC MF/DSC HF/DSC

Beacon manufacturer's name:
Beacon type:
Beacon serial no:
(from label on beacon)

Hex Id (15 characters)
(from label on beacon)

OWNER'S DETAILS

Name
Address





TELEPHONE/CONTACT NUMBERS (must include full STD code)

Owner's home telephone number
24 hour emergency telephone contact number(s)
Alternative contact details




IMPORTANT: The owner should contact the EPIRB Registry if no acknowledgement is received within 2 weeks.

Contact:

The EPIRB Registry
HM Coastguard Southern (Falmouth)
Pendennis Point
Castle Drive
Falmouth
Cornwall TR11 4WZ.

Tel: 01326 211 569
Fax: 01326 319 264

 

Return to Application for a Ship Radio Licence

Top button

*

RA145G/N (Rev 10)
October 2002
RA Home Page