Do I need a radio Licence for my boat?

You do not need a license to use marine VHF radios, any type of EPIRB, any type of radar, GPS or LORAN receivers, depth finders, CB radio, or amateur radio (an amateur license is required). Ships that use MF/HF single side-band radio, satellite communications, or telegraphy must continue to be licensed by the FCC.

Do you have to have a marine radio on a boat?

Although not required in recreational boats under 65.5 feet long, a Very High Frequency (VHF) Marine Radio allows instant communication between your boat and other boats, marinas, bridges, and the United States Coast Guard (USCG).

Can anyone use a VHF radio?

It is not a social networking facility for recreational boaters or sailors. Remember that when you are using a VHF channel, you are broadcasting to everyone within your antenna's line of sight. Also, remember that no one else can use that channel while you have your mic keyed.

Do I need a licence for a handheld VHF radio UK?

You must have a separate Ship Portable Radio Licence for each hand held VHF DSC radio. This is because each individual radio is given a separate identity. The apparatus must not be used outwith UK territorial sea.

Do you need a licence for VHF marine radio Australia?

While the VHF Radio itself does not need to be licenced or registered with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), the Operator of the Radio requires a Certificate of Proficiency.

How to register and use your VHF marine radio | Motor Boat

Do you need a certificate to use a marine VHF radio?

As required by the Radio Communications Act, all VHF marine radio operators, including those operating handheld radios, must have a Restricted Operator Certificate (Maritime) [ROC(M)].

How much is a VHF radio licence?

VHF radio licences are free, you just need to go to www.ofcom.org.uk and select Marine VHF. You will also need an operator's licence for at least one person aboard, usually the skipper. This is administered by the RYA who can advise you where to take the relevant course and exam.

Do I need a VHF radio for my boat UK?

Marine-band VHF radio is obligatory on vessels navigating many tidal waterways, including parts of the Ouse, Humber, Trent, Witham and Thames. Portable marine radio sets are now relatively inexpensive and the ship portable radio licence is free.

What licence do I need for a marine radio?

What VHF channels can boaters use?

Federal Communications Commission regulations require boaters having VHF radios to maintain a watch on either channel 9 or channel 16, whenever the radio is turned on and not communicating with another station. All non-emergency traffic should be communicated on another channel (not channels 9 or 16).

Is marine VHF AM or FM?

It uses FM channels in the very high frequency (VHF) radio band in the frequency range between 156 and 174 MHz, inclusive, designated by the International Telecommunication Union as the VHF maritime mobile band.

How long does a VHF license last?

How long does a VHF licence last? Forever.. ship radio licences last a lifetime, but must be revalidated every 10 years.

What radios can you use without a license?

Can a Ham radio talk to a marine radio?

Some radios, such as the legacy Kenwood TS-50, need to be modified to use upper sideband on 40 meters. The FCC forbids ham sets from transmitting on marine SSB frequencies, but this is standard procedure among cruising hams. The exception to this law is when there is danger to human life.

Do I need a VHF radio in a lake?

If you are a sailor, powerboater, kayaker, angler or even a paddleboarder, you will most certainly need a marine radio. It is one of the most important safety tools you can take to the sea and will help to keep you safe allowing you to contact other boat users, marinas and the Coastguard.

Can marine radios be used on land?

Marine VHF radios, whether fixed or handheld, may not be used on land, period. It's the law. Once a VHF radio goes ashore, it cannot be used for marine band transmission (without a Coast Station License).

Can you use a VHF radio without a MMSI number?

No, you will need to obtain a new MMSI number from the FCC and reprogram your radio(s) with the MMSI number the FCC issues.

What radio is used for boats?

A VHF radio is a critical piece of safety equipment that should be on board every powerboat, and knowing how to use it could save the life of you and your passengers, so read the owner's manual for your radio to become familiar with its functions.

What is a maritime radio light licence?

2.2 The Ship Radio Licence authorises the installation and use of maritime radio and associated equipment, as well as non-maritime radio equipment (such as a mobile phone picocell) on a named ship, subject to applicable licence conditions.

Can you do a VHF radio course online?

The exam will always be classroom based but the course can be taken in the classroom or online. To be able to operate the radio and know the procedures required to use the radio.

How long does a ship radio license last?

There is no end date on the 'lifetime' ship radio licence, but Ofcom will revoke the licence unless the licence is either amended or validated at least once every ten years.

Can you use a CB radio on a boat?

CB radios are not as popular as they once were and many boats no longer use them, which can make contacting someone through a CB radio difficult. Background static and other noises can make it hard to hear and the Coast Guard doesn't keep tabs on the emergency channel on a CB radio.

Do you need a license to operate a single side band radio?

CB is covered under Part 95 of the FCC rules. A CB radio does not require a license to operate. CB service operates on 40 shared channels in an AM mode or Single SideBand (SSB) mode. SSB offers less noise and greater range than AM mode and is usually found on higher end CB radios.