Do You Need a VHF Radio Licence in the UK? Ofcom Rules Explained
Buying a marine VHF radio is easy. Using one legally in the UK takes two pieces of paperwork: one for the equipment and one for the person using it. The good news is that the process is straightforward and, for most leisure users, low cost. Here is what you need.
1. A Licence for the Radio
Ship Radio Licence. If your VHF is fitted to a vessel, the vessel needs an Ofcom Ship Radio Licence. It covers the radio equipment on board, which can include fixed VHF, DSC, AIS, EPIRBs and radar. It is free when you apply online through Ofcom, and it must be revalidated at least every 10 years. When you apply, you will also receive your vessel's call sign and, for DSC-equipped radios, its MMSI number.
Ship Portable Radio Licence. If you use a handheld VHF that moves between vessels, such as on dinghies or friends' boats, it needs its own Ship Portable Radio Licence. A handheld used only on one licensed vessel can usually be included on that vessel's Ship Radio Licence instead.
2. A Certificate for the Operator
Anyone operating a marine VHF must hold, or be supervised by someone who holds, an appropriate operator's certificate. For most leisure users this is the Short Range Certificate (SRC), taught through RYA-recognised training centres. The course covers procedures, distress calls and DSC, and finishes with an assessment.
What About Land-Based VHF?
Marine VHF frequencies are for use at sea. Shore-based users such as marinas, harbours, yacht clubs and businesses need their own Ofcom licence for any fixed station, and business users on land typically need a Business Radio licence for their own frequencies. Those licences are what make external antennas, base stations and repeaters legal on land.
Once You Are Licensed
A licence makes your radio legal. The antenna makes it effective. For most leisure vessels, a well-mounted 3 dB fibreglass antenna such as the VHF73 is the right starting point, and a dedicated AIS54 antenna adds AIS without compromising VHF. Licensed land-based users can use a base station antenna such as the BASE001, a unity gain omnidirectional base antenna for the 150 MHz band.
Our guide to the best marine VHF antenna explains how to choose, and our list of UK marine VHF channels covers which ones to use.
Licence rules and fees can change, so always check the current position on the Ofcom website before you apply.
Questions about the right antenna for your licensed setup? Contact our team: renair.co.uk/contact-us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a marine VHF licence free in the UK?
The Ofcom Ship Radio Licence is free when you apply online. The operator's certificate (SRC) involves a course and assessment fee.
Do I need a licence for a handheld VHF?
Yes. It must be covered either by your vessel's Ship Radio Licence or by a Ship Portable Radio Licence, and the operator needs an SRC.
How long does a Ship Radio Licence last?
It continues as long as you revalidate it with Ofcom at least every 10 years and keep your details up to date.
Related products
Related reading
Understanding the Innovative Technologies Behind Our Antenna Solutions
At Renair, we utilise cutting-edge technology to design antennas that excel in performance and reliability. Our manufacturing process incorporates rigorous testing to ensure each product meets the highest standards. This commitment to quality guarantees that our antennas provide seamless connectivity for a variety of applications.
VHF vs UHF Antennas: Which Do You Need?
The difference between VHF and UHF antennas in plain English: range, terrain, building penetration, antenna size and which sectors use which band.
Do You Need a VHF Radio Licence in the UK? Ofcom Rules Explained
Which licences you need to use a marine VHF radio in the UK: the Ofcom Ship Radio Licence, the Ship Portable Radio Licence and the operator's certificate, plus what changes for land-based VHF.
UK Airband Frequencies: A Guide for Airfields, Flying Clubs and Listeners
How the UK aviation VHF airband works, from 118 to 137 MHz and 8.33 kHz channel spacing to the emergency frequency, plus how to choose an airband antenna for an airfield or ground station.
Our Customers
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
“The team at Renair is always ready to assist, providing expert advice and quality products.”
“Renair’s bespoke antenna solutions have significantly enhanced our system performance.”
“We rely on Renair for all our antenna needs. Their products and service are consistently excellent.”
“Renair’s team provided exceptional support throughout our project, ensuring seamless integration.”
“The quality of Renair’s antennas is unmatched. Our communications have never been clearer.”
“Renair’s customer service is top-notch. They promptly addressed our queries and provided tailored solutions.”
Get in Touch with Us
Contact Renair today for inquiries, partnerships, or to learn more about our solutions.
