New ships radio licence missing the point?

Captain_Wolfie

Captain_Wolfie

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Joined
10 Aug 2005
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Location
River Stour, Essex
Visit site
http://www.ybw.com/auto/newsdesk/20061101100624ymnews.html

I went to the website and registered and expected to get my login etc via email. Guess what? It will arrive in the post within 5 days! I thought the whole idea was to cut down on admin and costs and make the whole thing internet based??

The good reporters on YM are also getting their facts muddled. Apparantly Golding rescued Thomson during the Route de Rhum in the latest article! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Unbelievable isnt it? You can buy anything by e mail /websites these days but you cant get a silly piece of paper that costs nothing without first getting a password by snail mail.
 
Crikey, I just went through the process myself (cos I need a new MMSI rather than because I didnt believe you) and your right. How mad, fill out an online form then wait for the postman to turn up - yay.

/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
It is bloody mad and inefficient! Typical government planning, or lack thereof! Setting up a webserver to do that automatically via an email is hardly brainsurgery!

No worries about trying it yourself, I have been known to get things wrong /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
Crikey, I just went through the process myself (cos I need a new MMSI rather than because I didnt believe you)

[/ QUOTE ]

It would have made a great wind up if it wasnt true /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I guess we musnt expect them to give up ALL the bureaucracy in one go.it would be just too traumatic /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
 
Surely it's done deliberately in order to ensure that the proffered name and address are those of the genuine applicants? Seems fair enough to me.
 
I would think it just proves that the address to which you want the license sent is an address to which the applicant has access.

It is very common to verify email addresses with a 'click link to confirm you wish to register' type message.
 
That's true, but proving access to an address is a pretty good way of indicating that the applicant is likely to stay there (as would have happened under the previous system).

Unlike online purchases, there is no credit card or PayPal system that can provide another form of verification. The system that is being criticised, unfairly I believe, has probably been designed to make personation and fraud more difficult.
 
I may have missed something here but why would someone want to obtain a boats VHF license using a false address?
 
Same reason stolen passports and driving licences are currency for criminals. Could be one of a set of unrelated, but false documents for the purposes of identity theft. Could also be for any purpose, resetting stolen goods for example.
 
Its hardly in the same league as a passport or driving licence.

I suppose there could be an issue with people getting a new MMSI number for a stolen radio.Not sure if this system will stop them though.The crooks usually find a way around any system.
 
Exactly; and, as access to my address and my mail is restricted, I'd rather that it stayed that way, and that MCGA makes every effort to minimise identity theft. As a regulated agency, it would be irresponsible of them not too.
 
Sorry - But I\'m sitting here with a \"told you so\" sneer .....

I am expecting other posts illustrating other daft things with the new system ....

The whole point I tried to post on before - the system has no provision for new or restart applications without using postal .... But of course I was told I was wrong ....

So lets see what happens next !!
 
[ QUOTE ]
It will arrive in the post within 5 days!

[/ QUOTE ] Wolfie,
can you clarify. Just what will be arriving. The licence or a log in ID to allow you to download and print your licence.

If it is the licence then I will have to agree the whole new system is a cockup.

If it is a login ID then I guess someone has realised the need for some security in the system.

Originally they said you would down load and print your licence. Somewhere there is, or at least was, a specimen licence online.

Can you confirm that your licence will be free or are you going to have to stump up £20. If it is going to cost you £20 then it is COCKUP in capital letters and contrary to everything that OFCOM have said from the consultation document onwards.
 
Re: Sorry - But I\'m sitting here with a \"told you so\" sneer .....

The Email I recieved today from Ofcom, gives link, http://ofcom.org.uk/licensing/olc/

You need to register before you can use the online system. The Individual New Registration link requires identity info,name postal address email address, your chosen logon password, and check question/answer plus license number if you have an existing one, presumed not expired. This section is for renewal and new application. Logon code is posted "within 5 days", waiting for mine. The online system, when accessed, says,

If you wish to use the online system to apply for your ship / ship portable radio licence, you must:

Be able to list of all the equipment (type and quantity) your licence is to cover;
Provide a mailing address (if different from the licensee address)
Supply (if previously licensed):
Call sign;
T number (where applicable);
MMSI (where applicable);
Supply EPIRB / PLB Hex ID, manufacturer and beacon details (where applicable);
Inmarsat (where applicable);
Accounting Authority Identity Code (AAIC) (where applicable);
Details of vessel.
Provide 24 hour emergency contact details (you should check that the person you’re naming is content with being contacted by the coastguard if they are unable to reach you);
Have a valid e-mail address;
Have Adobe reader installed on your PC (to open and print the radio licence - http://www.adobe.com/uk/);
Have a printer available to print the radio licence.
If your ship is flagged outside of the UK, you will need to ‘re-flag’ your vessel before applying for a new ship radio licence.

Please note that you can’t change your name online. If you wish to do this, you need to submit a paper based form with supporting documentation (e.g. marriage certificate or deed poll). The originals will be sent back to you in due course, but please keep a copy if you consider it necessary.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Wolfie,
can you clarify. Just what will be arriving.

[/ QUOTE ] I have found the answer for myself Its the login ID. Stork_III has already confirmed that anyway.

Wait now for my log in ID to arrive and hopefully next weekend I'll be filling in the application form then downloading and printing my new licence. Unless sbc really has been right all along.
 
Sorry about the slow reply, but I have been dipping a bit too much into the festive spirits for the company do and have only just recovered! Yes, it was the login details that you had to have a postal address to receive. I can see from the other comments that some security may be needed, which I did not really think was required initially. But what about those who have sold up and are enjoying a life on the open seas? Is for instance a poste restante in South East Asia going to be accepted? It could get tricky for those who have cast off for a few years.

As for the cost of the licence and any other complications. We will only know once we get the login details.
 
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