OFCOM

We made this decision because there is in our view a risk that some spectrum users may not be fully aware of the ICNIRP Guidelines and may not be fully taking EMF emissions into account when installing, using or modifying radio equipment. We are also concerned that some spectrum users may not have appropriate processes in place to monitor the levels of EMF emissions and ensure compliance with the ICNIRP general public limits on an ongoing basis. We also noted that current regulatory regimes on EMF exposure do not formally require spectrum users to comply with the ICNIRP general public limits and do not put Ofcom in a position where we could take appropriate enforcement action in the event the limits are breached.



Gosh I just can't believe that all of us boaters dont know the ICNIRP guidelines and monitor them regularly.

What is the world coming to!

Well they are welcome to visit Mallorca to test mine!
 
Complying with our EMF policy
What do I need to do in order to comply?
If you have not already done so, you will need to carry out an assessment to check that your radio equipment operates within the ICNIRP general public limits.
One simple way you could do this is by ensuring your equipment never transmits above 10 W EIRP (6.1 W ERP).
You could also follow any manufacturers’ instructions relating to EMF compliance when you install and operate your equipment or ask a radio industry professional to install your equipment to ensure EMF compliance.
Alternatively, you can use Ofcom’s EMF calculator to work out the compliance distanceyou’ll need to maintain between members of the general public and your transmitter. In general, higher powers will result in larger compliance distances. You can use the EMF calculator to perform this calculation.
Other acceptable methods are included in our detailed Guidance on EMF Compliance and Enforcement.You’ll also need to keep evidence showing how you comply (see How do I show Ofcom my equipment is operating within the ICNIRP general public limits? below).

FAQs and help
 
How do I show Ofcom my equipment is operating within the ICNIRP general public limits?
Our aim is to make sure that all radio equipment complies with the ICNIRP general public limits.
You need to be able to explain the steps you have taken to ensure compliance with the ICNIRP general public limits and if requested, provide us with records demonstrating compliance.
Examples of an acceptable record include:
  • keeping a record of how you make sure your equipment never transmits above 10 W EIRP (or 6.1 W ERP) e.g. you may be able to demonstrate your equipment is not capable of or is set-up in a way which means it cannot transmit above 10 W EIRP (or 6.1 W ERP);
  • keeping the manufacturer’s instructions, or information from the installer of the equipment, to hand;
  • documenting any calculations you’ve made to determine the compliance distance for your equipment (for example by printing the output from Ofcom’s EMF calculator);
  • keeping the results of any on-site EMF measurements you’ve made;
  • keeping a record of the control measures you have put in place or how you may otherwise ensure that no member of the general public is present in any area in which the ICNIRP general public limits may be exceeded when transmissions are taking place.
 
What do I do if my equipment is on a ship or aircraft?
If your radio equipment is authorised under any of the licence classes identified in the General Notice, you need to make sure you comply with the ICNIRP general public limits. The requirement to comply still applies even if your equipment is installed and used in an aircraft or on a ship (of any size). However, you don’t need to carry out a new assessment every time your equipment is moved to a new location. You just need to make sure that the compliance distance that you have calculated is maintained at all times.
You may need to implement control measures to make sure that members of the general public cannot access any area within the compliance distance in which the ICNIRP general public limits may be breached and ensure that this remains the case, for example by:
  1. introducing barriers or locks to limit access to the antenna or moving the antenna.
  2. installing appropriate warnings and signs directing people where not to sit/stand when equipment is being used and setting out simple explanations of risks.
  3. ensuring you never transmit when a member of the general public may be present in an area in which the ICNIRP general public limits may be breached.
  4. ensuring equipment is only used intermittently and for no longer than a specified period, for example, by introducing signs stating not to hold a button and use equipment for more than [x] seconds/minutes.
The exemption for emergency situations may also apply – see “Are there any exemptions from these requirements?” above.
 
Oscar24 said:
Isnt the output rf power on a marine set up to 25w?
Click to expand...

No, the spreadsheet requires EIRP (Effective Isotropic Radiated Power) which is the Transmitter power AND the Antenna Gain (compared to a theoretic perfect point antenna) AND the cable losses.
Unfortunately it's not an easy calculation.
For reference a 25W transmitter in to a Metz Manta with perfect no loss cabling comes out at around 2.8m
 
st599 said:
No, the spreadsheet requires EIRP (Effective Isotropic Radiated Power) which is the Transmitter power AND the Antenna Gain (compared to a theoretic perfect point antenna) AND the cable losses.
Unfortunately it's not an easy calculation.
For reference a 25W transmitter in to a Metz Manta with perfect no loss cabling comes out at around 2.8m
Click to expand...
Ok got it ?
So the boat owner would have to do some sort of RF survey for their specific installation to prove the kits not radiating above limits.
Fine for the commercial world but i cant see it ever happening in the domestic marine environment
 
When I looked at it, it did seem a bit ambitious for the average yacht installation, where the person has probably bought two plug and play bits of kit in a chandlers and at most shortened a cable.

As most antenna gains and cable losses on websites and spec sheets are in dB, that also requires the calculation to be done in log form.

The 2.8m is for a transmitter on for 100% time (i.e. worst case), so needs some scaling for how often the antenna is in use.
 
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