Who is going to renew VHF licence???

[SolentSnowgoose]

Maybe I am a cynic !!!!

But given that the VHF licence becomes free in October who is going to renew it this season

Is there any truth to the rumour that if we dont renew for a couple of months then the call signs and MMSI's will be withdrawn and we have to reapply again in October for a free one

Anyone got any facts to share on this ?

How many people plan to renew and how many plan to take a chance and wait ??

 

[fireball]

As £20 is such a small part of our annual sailing bill (even for a raggie!) I cannot see any reason for not renewing - the hassle of filling out the paperwork for a new free licence isn't worth the £20 saved ... especially as 1) I'd need to get the VHF re-programmed and 2) I wish to use the kit (legally) for this season....

 

[Boathook]

Without the licence you could possibly lose your call sign and even boat name if someone applys in the few months. It's what I have heard and feel that it may happen.

 

[Rowana]

Mine is not due until 23rd October anyway, so it's one thing less to bother about.


<puts on smug git smile>

 

[jamesjermain]

I've renewed mine for the reasons given by others. It's not worth the risk.

 

[Evadne]

As I understand it from reading the documents put out by Ofcom, the license will become a lifetime one for a one-off payment after October. So you don't get a "free" license unless you buy it. I expect they may have anticipated your suggestion, and in September they could receive a major boost to their revenues by carrying out a one-off inspection of all vessels in ports around the UK. Or not, but for less than the cost of an overnight marina berth at the more expensive South Coast marinas, I'll be renewing mine.

 

[silvertop]

I agree with Dave, it is my understanding that the licence will not be free, but a life licence for a one off payment of £20 to cover admin. So what are you going to save by not renewing as and when its due.

 

[StugeronSteve]

Mine fell due last month and was renewed.

 

[Aardee]

Already renewed. Compared to some of the rip-offs we have to stomach, 20 quid for a VHF licence seems quite reasonable

 

[FullCircle]

Not even maybe..... I am a cynic. However, I, like JJ could not be arsed not to pay it, as I got cheap antifouling to balance the budget. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif In reality, the 20 quid was neither here nor there in the grand scheme, so I look forward to October, and then a lifetime of cost free VHF. After 15 more years, the 2006 'cost' will seem very minor.

 

[Guest]

Re: Who is going to renew VHF licence??? Cost as I understood ?

£20 if you don't already have valid one when "life" version comes into force...... £20 if you do it by mail .... Free if online ?

Anyway - anyone fancy a £4000 fine if found without one ?

 

[Malcb]

Renewed mine middle of March. Cheapest bit of sailing there is/was. Saving £20 isn't worth the risk of a fine IMO.

 

[Slow_boat]

I shall'nt be getting a licence.

Shall'nt be getting a VHF, either.

I have an aeriel on the windex and await the visit from the enforcement officer with interest.

 

[Rowana]

[ QUOTE ]
I shall'nt be getting a licence.

Shall'nt be getting a VHF, either.


[/ QUOTE ]

So how do you call for help when it all goes TU ??

 

[duncan]

just done now

 

[Slow_boat]

I shall be day sailing and don't intend going much further than I have in a sailing dinghy(a couple of mile offshore and in sight of land), which was far more likely to capsize, swamp, lead to hypothermia or whatever and I never had one in them.

 

[tome]

Re: Who is going to renew VHF licence??? Cost as I understood ?

Can't think that there'll be anyone bothering with enforcement as the point of scrapping the licence seems to be cost reduction

Renewed mine last month all the same as it doesn't seem worth making a fuss over £20

 

[DanTribe]

I've just renewed mine. What a marvelous efficient outfit they are.
One week before it was due, I got a threatening red Final Demand Notice [ no previous notice]
I sent a cheque by return with a note complaining about the threatening tone.
Two weeks later I received, in the same post, three separate envelopes.
1. A letter explaining why the Final Demand was sent.
2. Notice that my licence had now expired and would be re-allocated.
3. My new licence.
Makes you proud.

 

[sailorman]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I shall'nt be getting a licence.

Shall'nt be getting a VHF, either.


[/ QUOTE ]

So how do you call for help when it all goes TU ??

[/ QUOTE ]


Dont go to Sea & EXPECT to be Rescued

 

[tazzle]

VHF mandatory for maintaining listening watch and calling VTS in my cruisin' grounds ol boy...

Mine expires on 6th October. The only thing that'll annoy me is if the MCA say "After 8th October licence will be free for a one off payment ..." If I have to pay another £20 for 1 day then another £20 ...