Radio Communications

Radio Communications

Radio Licence

You will need to apply for a Ship Radio Licence through Ofcom.

If you need help applying for a Ship Radio Licence contact Ofcom Licensing Centre on:

Tel: +44 (0)20 7981 3040

Fax: +44 (0)20 7981 3235

Email: spectrum.licensing@ofcom.org.uk

Please arrange decommissioning/re-commissioning of all Satcom IDs with your airtime provider.

MMSI Number & Call Sign

The Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number and call sign will change with the issue of a new radio licence.

Arrange with your shore based maintainer for all GMDSS equipment to be reprogrammed with new MMSI numbers prior to survey.

Radio Survey

Classed cargo ship managers must arrange the radio survey and certification through their Classification Society. Further information can be found in MGN 392.

Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT)

The Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) system provides for the global identification and tracking of ships.

Under SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 19-1, vessels >300 GT on international voyages are required to transmit LRIT information. For more information, please refer to the documents below:

MGN 441(M+F) - Changes to MCA’s 2002 SOLAS V Publication, arising out of Amendments to SOLAS Chapter V.
Long-Range Identification and Tracking Testers (ATASPs)

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) Registration

Please arrange for mandatory EPIRB registration through the UK Distress & Security Beacon Registry, contact details:

Tel: +44(0) 1326 211569

Fax: +44(0) 1326 319260

Email: UKBeacon@mcga.gov.uk

Web: www.gov.uk/406beacon

For COSPAS-SARSAT 406 MHz EPIRBs, Serialised coding with a UK mid code of 232 should be used, alternatively the vessels UK MMSI number can be programmed in.