Ship Radio Licensing - The Future

[Mike_Martin]

On these Forums (as elsewhere) the Ship Radio Licence is a much maligned and even more misunderstood little function of HMG, although I am happy to say that general understanding of it has increased amongst Pleasure Boaters over the last few years. In the past many have suggested that it should be scrapped as it allegedly serves no purpose other than to fund the existence of the Radiocommunications Agency (RA).

I have spent more than a little of my time at RA explaining to people what it actually is, its purpose and how it helps to maintain the integrity of the Maritime Mobile Radio service within the UK’s Territorial Waters as well as assisting in identification of British vessels when overseas. Not to mention the fact that the fee is far below what it actually should be for the work done.

In December of 2003, the RA was assimilated into the new super communications regulator, the Office of Communications (Ofcom) and the role of the UK Radio Administration is now on a different heading. One of the new tasks (as published in the Ofcom Annual Plan) we have been set is to consider the de-regulation of the licensing of UK vessels. At present Ofcom is holding talks with the MCA on how this could safely be achieved before going out to wider consultation with any plan formulated. We are tasked with formulating the de-regulation plan by the Autumn.

Just thought you might like to know.

Mike


<hr width=100% size=1>No fixed JOB Title, something or other in Ofcom

 

[Robin]

Don\'t even think about

Handing responsibilty for issuing EPIRBs, Callsigns, MMSIs to Trinity House!!!

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[Mudplugger]

Re: Don\'t even think about

Mike, in all fairness I suspect most of us find it a tad galling to pay for using the ether, particularly when one looks at the imbalance between CB Radio, Aircraft VHF etc. Payment seems to have arisen on the basis of....People use it..Lets make them Pay....Having paid, what service is provided for the user, other than the right to show the relevant piece of paper in the saloon port. When problems arise with misuse/deliberate malpractice, there appears to be no easy method of notification other than via HMCG.
With the advent of GMDSS/MMMSI etc, one can see the requirement for a central register, perhaps that is the way to go....for those not wishing to participate, No charge..For those that do, an annual registration fee is acceptable.

<hr width=100% size=1>Tony W.

 

[brianhumber]

Re: Fight back and Flag Out

For those that want to use the VHF, Lights etc Mikes viewpoint is fair enough I suppose.

For me I have a 16 year VHF solely for emergency comms, and therefore view the £20 as a complete stealth tax.
Same for the Lights, scrap the lot. If I want to know where I am going across the channel I use echo sounder and basic EP positions.
I am lucky, my circumstances are such that I can flag out when I have had enough of this stealth tax crap, much as all the shipping companies did in the 80s but I feel sorry for those stuck in Brown and B Lairs thieving little paws.


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[StephenW]

Mike
Have sent you a PM

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[Mike_Martin]

Re: Don\'t even think about

I don't know why! They do after all work for the Dept of Transport in the same way as MCA do.

M

<hr width=100% size=1>Team Executive,
Maritime & Aeronautical Team, Ofcom

 

[BobE]

Mike, Thanks for all the info,
Nothing personal, I assure you,
I do understand that we have to pay certain things , but just now we seem to be being hit by increases in all directions Light dues, Red diesel etc..
All I really wanted to know and I still cannot find an answer is how my measley £20 gets used
How much as a percentage goes to whom?

By the way If you are now Oftel my renewal for still comes from RA is this an economy in [paper work ;-) ;-)

May all the winds in 04 be fair Cheers Bob E..


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[david_e]

I have just received my new licence this morning, don't really follow all the comments etc about, I just wish that all other services were as good value. £20p.a. - to use the airwaves adinfinitum - not bad at all. You should offer rewards for us to grass non subscribers - make it even better value and save you money which could make the fee even cheaper)

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