VHF

[newboat]

Has anybody experience of buying a fixed VHF from the USA for use in the UK? I saw that West Marine have an ICOM 402 (like the 401 here but with DSC built in) - tried to speak to ICOM if this model is going to be imported here but they were vey cagey, with lots of talk of CE approval. The cost of the set is about 100 pounds or so BTW

Thanks

 

[Guest]

You'll need to check it's fitted with all the international channels, not just USA channels.

Regards,

Peter
http://www.mistressofmourne.com

 

[muchy_]

American sets have slightly different channels but the main ones are the same so you should not have a problem. Where you may have one though is if the set causes interference of any kind and the man from the ministry inspects it. Having no CE number you could be opening yourself up to prosecution.

 

[pvb]

MMSI number??

To use DSC, you need to register the set with an MMSI number. Can you do this with a US import? Bet you can't! Our authorities would prefer you to spend twice as much to buy your safety equipment!

 

[Guest]

Post deleted by danfoley

 

[Twister_Ken]

Re: MMSI number??

Getting an MMSI is just a matter of sending in a form. Nobody wants to know make, model, serial number or source of supply for the set.

 

[newboat]

Thanks for the replies.

 

[alan_d]

In USA channel 80 is simplex (transmit and receive on same frequency) but international channel 80 is duplex (transmit and receive on different frequencies). The marina would have been able to hear you but you would not have heard their reply.

Alan

 

[Boatman]

Not CE approved, fines of upto £5000.00 so be careful, you might not get caught in the UK but France and other places can be quite hot on this.

 

[ccscott49]

Do you mean people actually look for these marks? They won't find any on my old seafarer or sailor VHF's, does this mean I'm in deep poo poo?

 

[Boatman]

Colin

Yes, I have had the frogs go looking for the marks, right pain in the a..se, since half my kit has either been built myself or the stickers have fallen off. They then want to see the little piece of paper that the importer certifies that the kit complies to the CE regs. (there should be a great market for photocopies).

As for your Seafarer I think (almost sure) that the CE mark only relates to gear made after a certain date and it isn't that long ago. My excuse with the frogs was oh thats at least 10 years old which they seem to accept.

BTW send me a PM re the problems you are having with the weatherfax and I'll see what I can do for you

 

[dickh]

Yes, CE marking only relates to gear sold recently, within the last 2 years I think.

dickh
I'd rather be sailing...

 

[steffen]

Re: MMSI number??

To get your MMSI number you first have to get the VHF licence and in order to get that you for sure have to submit brand, type, etc. of the set, so thats where you get syuck.
This is so in Holland anyway. probably the same in UK.

 

[ccscott49]

Re: MMSI number??

Actually I have a MMSI number and I dont have a GMDSS DSC set, because its also the same number for your EPIRB, which I do have.

 

[Guest]

Re: MMSI number??

There are no details regarding your set apart from fixed or handheld on the UK VHF licence.

Regards,

Peter
http://www.mistressofmourne.com

 

[steffen]

Re: MMSI number??

Well, that serves to show the difference between countries.
In Holland you take lessons (or not, just read the book) then
you take the exams Marcom A (just VHF inland) or B (incl. GMDSS as for DSC)
When you pass you get a license.
You send a copy of the license with the appropriate paperwork (and here comes the specific info on the VHF set) to the Gov. Radio Authorities.
That gives you the frequency permission, i.c. the right to transmit on certain frequncies) incl. the call sign and MMSI.
Should you have a radar, it must be included in the application.
Then you go to the dealer of the set and have the call sign and MMSI programmed into the set. Every time you transmit, the call signal is sent at the end of the transmission (ATIS). This is mandatory, so they can check who is who.

Obviously all steps to be payed handsomely in advance.

Pretty watertight, no way you get permission to use an unauthorised VHF set legally.

Happy sailing, Steffen

 

[Mike_Martin]

Re: MMSI number??

Just to make one thing clear.

We don't need to know any detail about the equipment or you Operator's Certificate when you apply for the Ship Radio Licence, it is when you boat is being inspected that these details become important.

Mike

Manager,
Aeronautical & Maritime Section,
Radiocommunications Agency

 

[Mike_Martin]

Man From the Ministry, what a scary thought!!

Manager,
Aeronautical & Maritime Section,
Radiocommunications Agency

 

[duke]

why is everyone so quiet? nm

 

[milltech]

They\'re all talking on the radio nm

.

John