VHF RADIO LICENCE

[George]

Over the weekend I bought a yacht, a westerley twenty two bilge keeler. The idea is that my wife and I learn how to sail on her then upgrade to a larger yacht later and do some more ambitious sailing. When I was looking around her I noticed a licence on the window for using the VHF, up to this point I didn't know you needed a licence and someone at the mariner told me I could get one by doing a day course. Can anyone elaborate on this and point me to some web sites that might be usefull, I live in bedfordshire, but the yacht is on the hamble.

 

[davidt]

Two licences are necessary - one for the boat to cover the equipment and one for the operator. It is illegal to have radio equipment on board without a Ship's Licence and it is illegal to operate the equipment unless you either hold your own Certificate of Competance or you under the direct supervision of someone who holds such a certificate.

You need to take an exam for the Certificate of Competance. Plenty of sea schools advertise courses but try your local Tech or Adult Education Centre. I took a VHF update course last winter in Farnham - miles from the sea!

I have forgotten the address for the Marine Radio Authority who issue the Ship's Licence. Hopefully someone else will post it for you.

Good luck

David

 

[tony_brighton]

Try : http://www.radiolicencecentre.co.uk/rlc/

 

[Guest]

Radio Operators Cource contact RYA
website www.rya.org.uk

for vessel equipment licence
Ships Radio Licencing
Radio Licencing Centre
The Post Office
PO Box 1495
Bristol BS99 3QS

Tel 0870 243 4433 fax 0117 975 8911
Web www.radiolicencecentre.co.uk