vhf on inland waterways in europe

[eidiohir]

Just back from Belgium where we were cruising on the Meuse.While tied up in Liege we were boarded by VHF license inspectors.Now I don't have a radio connected on board so that was OK, but they told me that from 2008 all boats must have a VHF showing their call sign Does anyone know if this is correct and does it apply to all boats or can boats not flagged in Belgium carry on without one?
I know all the arguments in favour of carrying one I'm just contrary.

 

[Gumpy]

You will need, not one, but two, vhf sets. Both will need to be ATIS enabled. ATIS stands for automatic transmitter identification system. This system is used in inland water ways in various countries in mainland Europe. At the end of every transmission the radio sends out a unique FFSK data signal which contains the user or ships unique call sign, this is monitored by marine coast stations.
The requirement is that you should be able to monitor certain channels even when transmitting.

Julian

 

[shmoo]

So that's what that squeak is that I sometimes hear at the end of the "over". I did wonder.

 

[desiderata]

I am now worried. I have a fixed DSC, and knew about the 2 radio requirement. 2008 was earlier than I thought. Is a non DSC handheld VHF as a second radio acceptable?

 

[Gumpy]

I have been searching the DBA archives and as yet cannot find this mentioned.
RAINWAT have been very tardy on this matter they were supposed to have had a meeting with Ofcom in 2006 about this but as yet I can find no details......I know that it was postponed but.......

I will ask on the DBA site to see if there is anymore news.

Julian

 

[eidiohir]

Are you sure that you will need two?It seems a bit over the top even for our continental friends.
Is there any way out of this I don't want big brother watching my every move thanks very much!

 

[thalassa]

You do not need two sets, only the right type. On the mainland, VHF radios are sold in three flavours: DSC only, ATIS (the inland waterways callsign system) only, and dual systems. The latter you just change over by selecting an ATIS or DSC option in the menu as you enter or leave the lock which separates the inland waterways from the sea or major rivers.
The ATIS- enabled radios have a suppressor fitted cancelling out the squeak.

 

[Gumpy]

Right I have the information from the DBA group

The basic documents CEVNI/Basle Agreement have been posted here -
http://www.luxe-motor-kei.co.uk/references.htm
My interpretation reading the words is that both sets are to be fixed
mounted VHF - which is the route I have taken. However, there has been some
discussion about NL and BE authorities allowing a ATIS handheld to be the second set. After a quick
search found this by Michael Clarke 13 Feb 07:

VHF

VHF radios (with ATIS) must be fitted to recreational craft greater in
length than 7m. Craft over 20m must comply by 1st Jan 2007 and craft between
7m to 20m by 1st Jan 2009. There is a requirement to be able to monitor and
talk on two channels simultaneously (not dual watch) and therefore two
radios are required, one or both of which maybe a portable unit (with ATIS).
The use of portable VHF radios is now permitted in both Holland and Belgium
from the beginning of this year. BIPT (Belgian regulatory authority for VHF)
is well aware of the problem of ATIS for British registered craft and stated
that if British craft met the British requirements for VHF then it would not
be a problem (they would turn a blind eye) but once the ATIS situation had
been resolved then they would be required to comply.


Julian

 

[eidiohir]

Thanks for all that Parglena.
Does it mean that as an Irish boat I can continue on without a radio as one is not required under Irish law?Or does it mean that I must have a radio fitted but that radio does not have to be be of the type needed for inland waterways?

 

[Anonymous]

I hadn't heard of ATIS before...I wish they'd bring it in for marine VHF so they could clamp down on all the heavy breathers and other perverts on Ch 16 who are making Ch 16 almost unusable.

You are a ship's master, I think? Are these offenders mostly from ships or private, do you know? What does the industry feel about it...is anyone trying to do something?

Edit:- Oh, sorry, have just read your bio, should have read it first! I am confusing you with someone else.

 

[Gumpy]

I would thgink that it would depend on whather your govenment have taken CEVNI on board.
Not a question I can answer Im afraid
Julian

 

[Gumpy]

Master me
/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

I am looking to move the barge to Belgium and Holland and just do a lot of resarch before the move....

Julian

 

[cockneyboy]

At present Ofcom aretalking to RAinwat as the UK are not members (will take changes in uk law) to have a agreement for UK vessels using inland waterways in europe. ofcom should put somthing in the boating press concening this.

However depending on the country your visiting and the radio you have you can get a Tempory ATIS number.

Hope this helps