Radio Licence

Tim M · 12 October 2006, 12:45

I've just put a fixed VHF in my Ribcraft so need to get a licence for it. Before when i've done this I've simply filled out an online form and a few days later a letter has come in the post with the licence enclosed. I've had a look at the ofcom and radio licence center websites but neither seem to have the online form any more. I realise there is a lot of change going on with the system at the moment and understand that I am elligable for a free licence to cover me until I can get a lifetime one, but how do I do this?

Louise · 12 October 2006, 12:52

It looks like the online application service won't be available until December. In the meantime, you need to 'phone 0870 243 4433.

See here for details.

neb · 12 October 2006, 14:44

http://www.radiolicencecentre.co.uk/rlc/

There is an online pdf there for you to fill out. There are two links (bottom of page) one for fixed and another for mobile ships radios.

How many RIBnet VHF users bother with a licence?

Simon B · 12 October 2006, 15:54

I think the idea is that now DSC radios are more common place they need to allocate the numbers and control them. Thus you need to keep the licence up to keep your MMSI number. Now that its free that should not be a problem.

Nick Hearne · 12 October 2006, 15:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by neb

http://www.radiolicencecentre.co.uk/rlc/

There is an online pdf there for you to fill out. There are two links (bottom of page) one for fixed and another for mobile ships radios.

How many RIBnet VHF users bother with a licence?

I do!

al40 · 12 October 2006, 18:45

I have literally just gone through this process today.

Description on http://www.radiolicencecentre.co.uk/rlc/ was a bit misleading when I first read it, but essentially it's free to renew or take out a new license via paper form (but only until 1st dec when free online system goes live - after then there will be an admin fee for paper forms). I called them and they were very helpful and told me to simply ignore the section re payment on the application form.

Form can be downloaded from http://www.ofcom.org.uk/ (search for of62), filled in and posted to the address on the form.

No excuse not to have a license.....

whiteminiman · 13 October 2006, 01:04

Or you can fax it in to the number on the form.

I've done my today (but then I only bought my radio two weeks ago).

WMM

al40 · 13 October 2006, 20:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by whiteminiman

Or you can fax it in to the number on the form.

Good to know - I was told I needed to post it in. Faxing would have been a lot easier!

Biggles · 13 October 2006, 20:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by al40

I called them and they were very helpful and told me to simply ignore the section re payment on the application form.

No excuse not to have a license.....

Wish I'd have got that person when I rang up last month. They still wanted £20 then.

whiteminiman · 13 October 2006, 22:56

Yep. They are issuing free licences from 1st of October. Before then you still had to shell out.

Then on the 1st of December all licence holders will get the new (free) life licence.

Jimbo · 13 October 2006, 22:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

Wish I'd have got that person when I rang up last month. They still wanted £20 then.

Erm, perhaps that would be because you rang up before the 1st October, when the regulations changed...

(P.S. - May have found replacement engine for Greyhound - looking forward to showing you which Ribcrafts she can beat!!!

)

Biggles · 14 October 2006, 19:27

Jim,

My problem with them was their total lack of flexibility at the time. We all knew the system was changing and so I thought it would have made sense if they had said just hold on for a month. As it was they said to me that it would be December before they became free (The licence), therefore if I wanted to keep a radio on my boat I would have to buy the licence. Notwithsatnding I'd just paid for one anyway for the boat I sold. Now it turns out the new "Free Date" is the beginning of this month. I know its only £20 but you show me someone who throws £20 away and I'll show you someone who has more money than sense.

By the way best of luck with the power replacement and hurry up.

Jimbo · 14 October 2006, 20:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

My problem with them was their total lack of flexibility at the time. We all knew the system was changing and so I thought it would have made sense if they had said just hold on for a month. As it was they said to me that it would be December before they became free (The licence), therefore if I wanted to keep a radio on my boat I would have to buy the licence. Notwithsatnding I'd just paid for one anyway for the boat I sold. Now it turns out the new "Free Date" is the beginning of this month. I know its only £20 but you show me someone who throws £20 away and I'll show you someone who has more money than sense.

Point taken. If I was in the same position it would probably have upset me a little too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

By the way best of luck with the power replacement and hurry up.

Waiting for seller to respond via e-mail, then it will be most likely a trip to Bristol! The 90hp I was watching on eBay got withdrawn from sale...