VHF licence

nik · 08 June 2005, 12:16

Hello all,
I need some clarification.

I have a VHF short range certificate. If I want to use a boat with a radio, do I need a licence to use that radio.

Also, if I want to get a handheld radio, can I get a licence in advance, or is the radios serial number part of the licencing process.

Thanks, Nick.

Louise · 08 June 2005, 12:27

Nik, have a look at this FAQ: http://www.rib.net/forum/showthread....6371#post86371

Looking at the application form for a portable radio, you do not need to give a serial number.

HTH

ashbypower · 08 June 2005, 12:29

Nik, You have to have a Licence for the boat to carry a radio, this is currently £20.00 pa, on this licence you can have it to cover a HH as well. Or you can Licence the HH separatly thus allowing it's use on any boat, this would cost £15.00 and no you do not need the serial number.

Brian

nik · 08 June 2005, 13:59

Thanks Louise, I had a look at that before posting.

What I am trying to determine is, is the licence for the radio or the person.

If I have no licence and use another persons boat that does have a radio licence, am I legal, or do I need my own licence.

Nick

Louise · 08 June 2005, 14:03

For a fixed radio in the boat or a handheld, the radio itself must be licensed each year. In order to operate the radio, there must be someone on board who holds their Licence to Operate. Any other people on board may then use the radio under their supervision.

Does that help?

Edit: in other words, two licences are needed.

Paul Glatzel · 08 June 2005, 14:18

Nik

Operators certificate = belongs to you and allows you to use VHF on a craft.

Licence = belongs to the vessel/set and is specific to it.

The owner/operator of the craft needs to obtain the licence for the vessel/set. In the absence of it would be (theoretically) illegal to use it except in an emergency situation.

Paul

Jon Brooks · 08 June 2005, 15:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Glatzel

The owner/operator of the craft needs to obtain the licence for the vessel/set. In the absence of it would be (theoretically) illegal to use it except in an emergency situation.

Paul

Theoretically!!!

Without either it is illegal to own/use, black and white.
Under International Maritime Law you must hold a VHF operators cert to use all channels apart from M1, M2 and other private channel.

You must under the WT Act have a Ships Radio Licence to have the unit either on or associated to your vessel.
If you have no vessel then you must have a portable licence to own a hand held.

The only caviat to this is that you can "use any and all means at your disposal to summon aid in times of disress".

This could work as a get out for the operators cert but not for the Ships Radio Licence or the Portable Licence unless you are using someone elses kit.

Having said that no one in history, that I am aware of, has ever been prosicuted for iileagle use of a radio in times of an emergency.

Regards

nik · 08 June 2005, 15:14

Hello again,
Still getting a bit confused, so I called ofcom.

If I have a src, and I get into a boat with a licenced radio, then I can use that radio unsupervised and without a licence myself.

Thanks, Nick.

Hello Jon,
I have just seen your post, which seems at odds to what ofcom told me.

Could be interesting!

Jon Brooks · 08 June 2005, 15:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by nik

Hello again,
Still getting a bit confused, so I called ofcom.

If I have a src, and I get into a boat with a licenced radio, then I can use that radio unsupervised and without a licence myself.

Thanks, Nick.

I covered this point with the man from Ofcom recently.

If you have an SRC you can use a licenced radio on any vessel.

If you have both the SRC and a SRL you are free to use your radio as trained to do on your vessel.

You could use a radio if you have no SRC if you are supervised by someone who holds a SRC.
The term is direct supervision.
This is meant to mean that whom ever is supervising you must be able to stop your transmission, if needed, with imdiate effect.
So he/she must be standing with you.

Any clearer?

Regadrs

nik · 08 June 2005, 15:28

Yes, Thanks Jon,

I think that has nailed it.

Nick.

nik · 08 June 2005, 15:36

Whilst you are here Jon.

Can I ask you if the IC-M1Euro V is much better than the IC-M31.

Thanks, Nick.

Jon Brooks · 08 June 2005, 15:43

IMHO loads better!!

Lithium-ion battery, longer standby, no problems with battery management.
Faster charging 5hrs against 12hrs.
Semi inteligent charger, knows when battery is full so the light goes out.
If the battery has more than about 80% still in it the charger will not charge it so you can never cook your battery.

You can add an extension Speaker mic.

Also is the chosen and standard radio of HMGC, Fisher Protection, Irish CG, Irish Navy, large use with in the Royal and Merchant Navy.

Loads of Powerboat instructors use it oh and that nice Jon Brooks bloke has one too

Hope that helps

Regards

nik · 08 June 2005, 15:46

And would £170 be a good price?

Jon Brooks · 08 June 2005, 15:47

Is about the normal street price.

Regards

nik · 08 June 2005, 15:51

I ask because I saw it in a couple of places at £280.

Thanks, Nick.

Jon Brooks · 08 June 2005, 15:57

that looks like the pre London Boat Show Price!
Some one has not caught up yet!

Regards

Erin · 08 June 2005, 19:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by nik

Can I ask you if the IC-M1Euro V is much better than the IC-M31.

Just upgraded from an M31 to Euro V. No doubt about it, it's a better radio. Main reason is the battery as Jon says. The M31 always uses current even when switched off which means the battery only lasts a month in a grab bag before becoming useless and needing a recharge. Not much good in an emergency

. Bit surprised by Icom on this one!

Keith