VHF license really needed?

[billcowan]

We know that the VHF (ship) license £20 p/a is an anachronism. In UK waters at least. I hardly know anybody who has one, I have never heard of anybody being asked to show one. Its just another UK keep a QUANGO in a job deal. If in doubt check out
OFCOM - persecutions statistics 2003/4

10 people got cautioned in the whole UK in a whole year!

They probably understand that if they hassle people, a lot will just rip out their VHF and rely on their mobiles.

OK. OK so what about when in the Med - How often do you get asked to present a license <font color="purple"> </font> , and what happens if you dont have one?

 

[Mike_Martin]

Re: VHF licence really needed?

Well first I'll say that I know of around 67,000 radio carrying vessels that have one so your statistic is probably very localised. Also after 7 years of visiting UK Marinas and River Moorings there aren't many radio carrying vessels that don't have one although I'll agree that lots of people don't display them.

Whether its needed or not is plainly illustrated by the fact that we (the UK) can't just get rid of them but are intending to make the process free and get rid of the annual renewal of the document. The only downside of this is that we will need to rely on people's "sense" in order to ensure that details are updated as and when they change.

Mike

 

[ccscott49]

Never been asked for one in the meddy, but I do have one and renew it.

 

[scarlett]

Re: VHF licence really needed?

I have been asked in France and Greece [and in Wells Next the Sea ] I think £20 is small beer when taken against the total fixed cost of owning a six year old 30 foot boat. About £4000 p a in my case. One less thing to think about.

 

[Sea Devil]

Mike hi,

I asked on another post when they are going to be free? Is there a date previewed?

 

[BrendanS]

and as I replied there, you are going to probably have to wait a long time. At the moment they are only consulting (I sent in my comments, and received and email only last week to say they had been received), and there is not even yet a decision to go this route, never mind anytime timescales to achieve it if that is what they do decide

 

[Mike_Martin]

There is no concrete date.

My estimation before leaving was 18 months from the end of the consultation. That is hopefully enough time to build the system etc. However, as with all things, plans are subject to change and complete abandonment from time to time.

Mike