CYCC members will recall that Ofcom will begin to replace all valid annual ships’ radio licences with new free lifetime licences from December 2006. I summarise below the essential information from http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/ifi/licensing/classes/maritime/, which sets out the Ofcom circular of 7 September 2006.

The licences will be issued automatically by mail to license holders. Ofcom urges that all current licence holders should cancel their standing orders or direct debits.

The new regime

- licences will be issued free-of-charge on-line (with a hard copy alternative for a fee), which the licensee will print and keep a copy on the vessel,

- applications will declare the licensee’s name and address and vessel callsign and MMSI number and identify the number of sets on board by category,

- the licence will remain valid until the ship’s owner or equipment change, when application will be needed for an updated licence,

- Ofcom will remind licensees regularly by email to keep their licences up-to-date and licensees must confirm the details every ten years,

- Ofcom will respect the Data Protection Act, except for making relevant details available to HM Coastguard solely for Search and Rescue reasons,

- licensees must ensure that their sets are only used within the conditions of the licence and by persons with the relevant marine radio operator’s certificate.

The arrangements

Replacement of existing valid licences by new lifetime licences

The licences will be issued automatically from December 2006 onwards. Ofcom urges that all current licence holders should meanwhile cancel their standing orders or direct debits. Transitional arrangements are needed and these are set out below.

New or renewed licences required in September 2006

Request the licence from www.radiolicensingcentre.co.uk or call 0870 243 4433.

New licences required in October, November or December 2006

Request the licence, as above. You will receive an annual licence free of charge.

Renewed licences required in October, November or December 2006

You will automatically receive a new annual licence free of charge.

New licences required after 1 December 2006

Request the lifetime licence free of charge from www.radiolicensingcentre.co.uk. A paper based application at a cost of £20 may still be made.

Amendments for a newly acquired vessel or sold vessel

Because licences are not transferable between vessels or persons, an amended licence is required. The old owner may cancel the existing licence on line and the new owner may apply for a new licence on line.

Amending a lifetime licence

Only the relevant sections for details that have changed are required, but you will need to have at hand your ship radio licence number and your callsign. Provided that your licence is still current, operation of the station may continue until a replacement document is issued.

Format of the new licence

Licence type: [United Kingdom Ship Radio Licence]*
or (delete as applicable) [United Kingdom Ship Portable Radio Licence]*

Note: This Licence is valid only if the vessel and Licensee accord with the details of the Licence and shall continue in force until the Licence is surrendered by the Licensee or revoked by Ofcom.
Section 1

Licence details
Customer reference
Licensee’s name
Licensee’s address
Mailing address
Name of vessel (Applicable only for a Ship Radio Licence)
Call sign (Applicable only for a Ship Radio Licence)
MMSI (Applicable only for a Ship Radio Licence)
MMSI for portable VHF DSC radio
“T” reference number identification (Applicable only for a Ship Portable Radio Licence)
Date of issue

Radio Equipment
Quantity Type International Telecommunication Union (“ITU”) category, ship frequency or band permitted in accordance with the relevant ITU Radio Regulations1, and ITU-R Recommendations1

This Licence, the relevant Maritime Radio Operator’s Certificate of Competence and valid Authority to Operate, and any notices of variation to the Licence shall be kept with or near to the radio equipment at all times, where it is physically practicable to do so. Issued by Ofcom, Riverside House, 2a Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HA 5
The licence form continues by setting out the terms of the licence, of which the most important are:

- Ofcom requires to be informed when any details are changed and wants all details confirmed ten years after issue or a notified change.

- Radios may only be used by persons holding or under the direct supervision of someone who holds a Marine Operator’s Certificate of Competence and Authority to Operate (except when broadcasting on Channel M or in an emergency).

- Only maritime messages may exchanged and only with maritime stations.

- UK vessels may only use sets with UK type approval or MCA marine approval.

- Sets may only be used on ship frequencies (as set out in the licence for fixed and hand-held sets) and to officially approved maximum powers and classes of emission.

DAVID DARBYSHIRE

10 September 2006