Important Callsign Information

[Mike_Martin]

I thought it might be helpful to mention the new callsign policy for British vessels as it could affect classic boat owners the most.

In the past the UK administration has issued vessel callsigns to remain with vessels either until they are lost, scrapped or re-flagged. Due to the pressure on vessel callsigns it has decided to fall into line with other administrations with regard to the management of its Maritime callsigns.

From 01/04/03 all callsigns previously issued to British vessels that have not been supported by a valid Ship Radio Licence for 5 or more years (reducing to 2 years in 2004) will be automatically re-claimed and considered available for re-allocation.

This would mean that if you have a classic boat with its original callsign but no Ship Radio Licence, that callsign may not be available to you in the future and will probably be issued to another vessel. As it is not certain how quickly these re-claimed callsigns will be used you will still be able to apply for a new licence using the original callsign after the deadline but it is not guaranteed that you will get it.

Mike


Manager,
Aeronautical & Maritime Section,
Radiocommunications Agency

 

[Guest]

I don't know about others but I think this is steep. Many owners of old boats can take several years rebuilding and restoring them - something which most of us acknowledge brings pleasure to a wide number of sailing and non-sailing people, especially when these boats congregate at rallies.
The problem stems from the fact that the capacity for licences ran out two years ago, and the agency has been borrowing from other areas of the call-sign spectrum. Some 350,000 signs are out there, but only 61,000 pay their licence.
But if you have to buy a licence while you are not using your boat you are wasting money. The call sign is useful and pertinent; it's in the Lloyd's Registers which some of us still know about and to have something plastic running around with it seems unfair. I think the five years thing should be adequate here, but two years is too short – most of us re-doing boats will lose out. Or is that the ministry's intention?
Your boss's name isn't R Fleecom is it?

 

[Mike_Martin]

Hi Dan,

The thing here is that policy regarding anything to do with the Maritime World will always hit one niche of it harder than others. That was the reason why the change was announced to all licensees and press notices sent to all magazines etc. I am personally aware that the change could adversely affect some classic boat owners and have done as much as I can to let them know what is coming.

Other countries who also have classic boats seem to be able to manage well enough with the same 2 years cooling period and as I mentioned it doesn't mean that you will definitely lose the callsign but rather that you will not be guaranteed to get it back.

The problem at present with un-notified losses and re-flags means that we must begin again and this is the only way to do it fairly and thereby ensure that all vessel owners get correct callsigns.

In the reality of the situation it could mean that an owner who particularly wants to keep their callsign could add £10 per year to their refurb costs. In other words license the boat by 01/04/03 to protect the callsign and ensure that it is re-licensed every other year until it is back in the water. As a licence costs £20 per year this would lead to the cost above.

Mike

Manager,
Aeronautical & Maritime Section,
Radiocommunications Agency