OFCOM part 2

[Jamie Dundee]

It will be interesting to see whether there is any enforcement of this in the near future.

 

[Bristolfashion]

I've done mine & documented it. Boring & pointless. However, it is far easier for an enforcement agency to bust you for not doing the risk assessment than arguing with you about the detail of the calculations.

The ofcom calculator I used 2 days ago was really rubbish.

I confidently predict that no one will ever get checked on this.

 

[Momac]

Has anyone ever seem Ofcom checking anything anywhere near a leisure boat ?

 

[Bilgediver]

Has anyone ever seem Ofcom checking anything anywhere near a leisure boat ?

They stopped visiting our marina when Ofcom took over from the Radio Regulatory Authority. and stopped charging an annual license fee.

 

[bluetooth]

Need to check my transmitter power Watts and Frequency MHz for the calculation but hopefully being mounted on a radar arch means this will be a given!

 

[Mr Googler]

Ofcom can’t even send out and email with working links! What hope is there to follow us around.

fixed vhf is usually standard 25w when on high power. Heres the specs on mine….all pretty standard



I can’t use their spreadsheet (iPad) so feel free to stick the info in.

I did it on this website and and have to ensure people are more than 0.91m away. Seeing as it’s 2.5m ish above the deck level to start with….should be ok. If anyone over 1.6m tall is on my boat...I’ll ask them to crawl around. Got to keep safe after all.

interestingly…and if I’ve read it correctly…..in 1998 I’d have had to keep everyone further away!

 

[Jamie Dundee]

My vhf user manual gives a safe distance of 2.1m and radar transmits less than 1w. I keep the manuals on board so, by my understanding, I’ve complied. I’m vaguely surprised that at least two of us on the island actually have an OFCOM license

RF Emissions notice
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This device’s antenna must be installed in accordance with provided instructions; and it must be operated with minimum 2.1 m spacing between the antennas and all person’s body (excluding extremities of hands, wrist and feet) during operation. Further, this transmitter must not be co-located or operated in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

 

[Mr Googler]

My vhf user manual gives a safe distance of 2.1m and radar transmits less than 1w. I keep the manuals on board so, by my understanding, I’ve complied. I’m vaguely surprised that at least two of us on the island actually have an OFCOM license

RF Emissions notice
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This device’s antenna must be installed in accordance with provided instructions; and it must be operated with minimum 2.1 m spacing between the antennas and all person’s body (excluding extremities of hands, wrist and feet) during operation. Further, this transmitter must not be co-located or operated in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

Only coz it’s free ??

 

[BruceK]

Sorry if this is a dumb question but do you measure from the antenna base as mine is about 8, maybe 10 foot long but I am under the impression most of that is to get height.

 

[Mr Googler]

Sorry if this is a dumb question but do you measure from the antenna base as mine is about 8, maybe 10 foot long but I am under the impression most of that is to get height.

on that website I used….it said measure height from the lowest point which I took to be the base

 

[Jamie Dundee]

on that website I used….it said measure height from the lowest point which I took to be the base

That’s how I understood it, but if you’re underneath the antenna and it’s radiating correctly then you shouldn’t be getting anything from it.

 

[Hurricane]

Pardon me
But what, exactly, should I be doing.
I have read the email and links.
I've even downloaded the calculator and it said I should keep the general public 1.6m away from my antenna.
So what!!
What do I do?

OK the radio emits radio waves - I've always known that - whats the problem?
Should I do a risk assessment?
What is it that OFCOM want me to do?

 

[PeterBoater]

Raymarine statement: OfCom-Statement-March-2021.pdf (raymarine.eu)

Icom statement: Changes to the Wireless Telegraphy Act to Comply with ICNIRP Guidelines on EMF Exposure - News - Icom UK

Part of new Ofcom statement: "To help further, we will also shortly publish an updated version of our on-line calculator which you can use to work out an appropriate compliance distance for your equipment. We are also preparing a new simplified version of the full Guidance, plus specific advice for holders of amateur, ship radio and aeronautical licences. We expect to publish these documents on our website by 8 June."

 

[Hurricane]

Raymarine statement: OfCom-Statement-March-2021.pdf (raymarine.eu)

Icom statement: Changes to the Wireless Telegraphy Act to Comply with ICNIRP Guidelines on EMF Exposure - News - Icom UK

Part of new Ofcom statement: "To help further, we will also shortly publish an updated version of our on-line calculator which you can use to work out an appropriate compliance distance for your equipment. We are also preparing a new simplified version of the full Guidance, plus specific advice for holders of amateur, ship radio and aeronautical licences. We expect to publish these documents on our website by 8 June."

Yes - but what do they want me to do?

 

[longjohnsilver]

Yes - but what do they want me to do?

It’s essential you bring your boat back to the U.K. so it can be checked. And pay a bit of VAT at the same time

 

[Hurricane]

It’s essential you bring your boat back to the U.K. so it can be checked. And pay a bit of VAT at the same time

I've always thought I should do a risk assessment before I cross the road but, in fact, I use my common sense and don't step out into oncoming traffic.
But, perhaps I need a procedure to use my common sense.

So, back to the radio thing:-
Mayday Mayday Mayday - oh shit - I'm too close to the antenna - I mustn't use it!!

 

[julians]

Yes - but what do they want me to do?

Its obvious ;-) - take action to protect the general public from exposure to EMF.

"The changes mean you may now need to take action to make sure your radio equipment complies with a new licence condition to protect the general public from exposure to Electromagnetic fields (EMF)."

I'm fine , the general public are not allowed on my boat.

 

[julians]

So, back to the radio thing:-
Mayday Mayday Mayday - oh shit - I'm too close to the antenna - I mustn't use it!!

you are not the general public - so you can fry yourself with as much EMF as you like, just make sure your wife/kids are not standing too close!


" It does not require spectrum users to protect any person from EMF exposure who is: a) the licensee, owner, operator or installer of the relevant radio equipment; or b) acting under a contract of employment or otherwise acting for purposes connected with their trade, business or profession or the performance by them of a public function. "

 

[julians]

Being slightly more serious - this PDF Guidance on EMF Compliance and Enforcement (ofcom.org.uk) is a bit more clear, but I dont think most leisure boaters need to do anything

 

[st599]

Its obvious ;-) - take action to protect the general public from exposure to EMF.

"The changes mean you may now need to take action to make sure your radio equipment complies with a new licence condition to protect the general public from exposure to Electromagnetic fields (EMF)."

I'm fine , the general public are not allowed on my boat.

The General Public in EMF regulations are anyone who isn't trained in RF installations or the operator. So your crew count as General Public.