VHF on Board

Simonh66 · 25 September 2018, 08:10

Hi All
I have recently bought a RIB with a fixed VHF on board. Although ive had boats over the years, i havent had a radio fitted.
Im doing the RYA course next week, but my question is regarding the VHF being registered to the boat & any call sign

I have no idea if the VHF is registered or not. How would i find out, or can i "start again" ?

Many thanks
Si

Wiz · 25 September 2018, 08:15

Start again!!

Sprocker · 25 September 2018, 08:39

It all depends whether the MMSI number has already been registered or not, if it has then it needs to be re-registered to you, if not then just direct registration to you.

All very easy to get info on the Ofcom website, and they are also very helpful on the phone. (https://www.ofcom.org.uk/about-ofcom/contact-us)

Simonh66 · 25 September 2018, 08:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sprocker

It all depends whether the MMSI number has already been registered or not, if it has then it needs to be re-registered to you, if not then just direct registration to you.

All very easy to get info on the Ofcom website, and they are also very helpful on the phone. (https://www.ofcom.org.uk/about-ofcom/contact-us)

Thanks for that
What info do i need to find out if its registared?

Last Tango · 25 September 2018, 09:12

Using the manual for the VHF, look to see if it has an MMSI number programmed into it. You'll need that number anyway if you want to re-register it.
My understanding is OFCOM notify the previous registered owner and if they don't respond after a given period they loose it by default.

If you start from scratch the VHF will probably need to go back to a dealer to get reset.

Simonh66 · 25 September 2018, 10:21

Spoken to Ofcom & all sorted!

Thanks for the replies

Si

simonl · 26 September 2018, 16:02

Is the VHF a DSC type? Does it have a red flap with a panic button?
If not then it's not registered anywhere because it won't have an MMSI/serial number

HDAV · 26 September 2018, 21:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by simonl

Is the VHF a DSC type? Does it have a red flap with a panic button?
If not then it's not registered anywhere because it won't have an MMSI/serial number

But the boat still will as a vessel have an ofcom issued licence and call sign which the OP should now hold.

simonl · 26 September 2018, 23:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by HDAV

But the boat still will as a vessel have an ofcom issued licence and call sign which the OP should now hold.

Hmm. Maybe I should do a VHF refresher course!

Pikey Dave · 27 September 2018, 10:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by simonl

Hmm. Maybe I should do a VHF refresher course!

Fwiw, I’ve never made a DSC call since doing my VHF course years ago. If I’m honest, I cant remember how to make a routine call as opposed to an emergency call. The whole system is poorly designed & not at all user friendly.

HDAV · 27 September 2018, 14:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Fwiw, I’ve never made a DSC call since doing my VHF course years ago. If I’m honest, I cant remember how to make a routine call as opposed to an emergency call. The whole system is poorly designed & not at all user friendly.

Was just talking about this saying I had never used the DSC functionality to call anyone with an MMSI.

All ships radios need a licence and all operators need a certificate, portable (hand held vhf)are different and for many hears weren’t recognised outside of a ships licence. Now hand held are different but ships with a fixed vhf still as far as I know needs an ofcom (or other national org issued) licence to operate a vhf

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/manage-your...__target-86000

I've been told I need a Ship Radio licence, why do I need one?
Licensing ensures that radio equipment used on board ships does not cause undue interference to other communications equipment and is operated by competent persons.

Failure to hold a valid licence is a criminal offence 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.

I have just bought a vessel which has a licence. How do I transfer it into my name?
You can’t transfer a licence to your name.

Licences are non-transferable as a call sign and MMSI number stays with a vessel for life .

You will therefore need to apply for a new licence in your name, retaining the call sign and MMSI number of the vessel.

Apply for a new licence.

GuyC · 27 September 2018, 21:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Fwiw, I’ve never made a DSC call since doing my VHF course years ago. If I’m honest, I cant remember how to make a routine call as opposed to an emergency call. The whole system is poorly designed & not at all user friendly.

+1 on this.

I wonder if sending text messages via VHF is something for the future?

HDAV · 27 September 2018, 22:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuyC

+1 on this.

I wonder if sending text messages via VHF is something for the future?

That was part of the original spec i think (its what DSC does in an emergency sends a string of text)

smallribber · 29 September 2018, 07:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Fwiw, I’ve never made a DSC call since doing my VHF course years ago. If I’m honest, I cant remember how to make a routine call as opposed to an emergency call. The whole system is poorly designed & not at all user friendly.

Same here. DSC Was/is all a bit of an overkill for leisure craft

Bremar · 29 September 2018, 09:01

D.SC. is not overkiil IMHO. if you are going out to sea. If you are in real trouble to lift the red flap and press that button will be a god send. In most cases I agree that you won't need the D.SC. facility, you can just use the radio itself to summon help eg if your engine packs up. But if you are buying a new radio and you already have a chart plotter on board you should get the D.SC. capable fixed radio variety.
It should be noted that as well as a D.SC. radio you must have a gps system such as a chart plotter to connect it to. The D.S.C. radio will not operate as such without this separate gps input. I am not aware of any that are stand alone.

willk · 29 September 2018, 09:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigplumbs

Same here. DSC Was/is all a bit of an overkill for leisure craft

Are you still trolling the forum? Trolls often attempt to appear as idiotic to attract a "flame".

"DSC is overkill..."

smallribber · 29 September 2018, 09:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bremar

D.SC. is not overkiil IMHO. if you are going out to sea. If you are in real trouble to lift the red flap and press that button will be a god send. In most cases I agree that you won't need the D.SC. facility, you can just use the radio itself to summon help eg if your engine packs up. But if you are buying a new radio and you already have a chart plotter on board you should get the D.SC. capable fixed radio variety.
It should be noted that as well as a D.SC. radio you must have a gps system such as a chart plotter to connect it to. The D.S.C. radio will not operate as such without this separate gps input. I am not aware of any that are stand alone.

DSC is not just about when in distress. It was designed as a way to directly call other vessels via their MMSI.

There are many DSC fixed radios with built in GPS so with these you don't need a chart plotter

willk · 29 September 2018, 09:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bremar

The D.S.C. radio will not operate as such without this separate gps input. I am not aware of any that are stand alone.

While your approval of DSC has to be welcomed, you need to get up to speed on available VHF sets - numerous models have a GPS receiver onboard and are completely standalone.

Sprocker · 29 September 2018, 09:27

All the handheld VHF's have built in GPS, and I'm fairly sure some of the mounted VHF's do have built in GPS.

Edit.....WILLK beat me to it. I must learn to type faster.....

Pikey Dave · 29 September 2018, 09:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sprocker

All the handheld DSC VHF's have built in GPS, and I'm fairly sure some of the mounted VHF's do have built in GPS.

Edit.....WILLK beat me to it. I must learn to type faster.....

FTFY[emoji106]