Radio misuse

S

shadwell

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I'm fairly certain I know most of the answer to this myself, but a second opinion would be helpful. Is the use of a hand-held VHF marine radio on-shore for commercial purposes illegal?. The radio user is using a bridge to bridge channel. This is not just occasional use but virtually constant during the working day for the summer months. I'm not just being a misery, but I think this is serious abuse of the system, and affront to the many many properly licensed users. What do you think?.
 
Yes, it is illegal but if far inland on HHs is he causing a nuisance? If he is causing no nuisance could anyone be bothered to do anything about it?
 
Only recognised organisations can operate shore based marine band VHF, such as SAR, Yacht Clubs, Harbour Authorities etc. Handhelds are only supposed to be used afloat anyway.

Unlike the lady in Tescos caught by the radio Regulatory bods using hers to call up hubby on the yacht to check on ships stores. Her excuse? Mobile phone calls cost money. History doesnt relate whether she had moved off Ch16 /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
No teabags!! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif definitely a ch 16 job in my book.. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
To avoid having a red face and, perhaps accused of wasting authorities' time, just check the radio isn't a dual-coverage one such as the M85 or M87 Icoms, which can be switched from Marine to land-based hand held use. Then, if they're below 3 watts and not being used on marine bands they're perfectly legal.

PS They are actually marked as Marine VHF radios, so the mistake could be quite easily made.
 
Charles ,maybe its me thats thick, here, but did he not say that the culprit was using bridge to bridge channel, and if so a duall freq, radio would not make any differance, suelly it just tells us he was on amarine vhf channel. or i will stand corrected. Regards
 
Just one more point on this...before reporting him to Ofcom, give him a call and tell him that's what you plan to do. You could suggest that he buys legal handhelds. There are plenty available.
 
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Then, if they're below 3 watts and not being used on marine bands they're perfectly legal.

[/ QUOTE ]

They would only be legal to use in the UK if you have a licence from Ofcom to use the land based channels that have been programmed in.

Jonathan
 
Thank you all for your replies. I suppose it's a matter for my own conscientious.
This malpractice has been ongoing for a few years to my knowledge, but now if the RNLI has to pay for licence I think this person should be reported. They are making good money from this venture. There is also a matter of safety at sea involved. Thank you again.
 
[ QUOTE ]
perhaps this amplifies your understanding:-

However, in November 1981, 40 frequencies unique to the UK, and using FM, were allocated at 27 MHz, plus 20 channels on 934 MHz (934.0125 to 934.9625 MHz with 50-kHz-spacing).

No licence required.

[/ QUOTE ]

Only on a secondary usage basis with the MOD as primary.
 
In November 1981 you need to have a CB licence to use those frequencies (934Mhs band has now been scrapped). The requirement for a licence for CB was dropped around the same time Ofcom scrapped the fee for online applications for Ham and marine licences. The radio refered to in the earlier posts is a VHF set which operates outside the Cb frequencies.

Jonathan
 
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