Changes to ship radio licence likely
Yachting Monthly|June 2021
UK ship radio licence holders will soon be expected to carry proof that their licensable radio equipment, including Class A AIS, radar and DSC VHF complies with electromagnetic field (EMF) emission exposure limits and doesn’t pose a risk to the public.
Katy Stickland
Changes to ship radio licence likely

OFCOM consulted on its plans last year before contacting all licence holders in March to give notice of the proposals to vary licences, which are expected to come into effect from 18 May 2021. New licensees must comply immediately, whilst those with licence renewals will have between 6-12 months.

OFCOM’s changes followed public concerns about the risk of exposure to EMF emissions from the 4G and 5G mobile phone network, and the new regulations are primarily aimed at network operators.

Like many other marine electronics manufacturers, Digital Yacht has been contacted by customers concerned at the changes, which only apply to equipment transmitting in excess of 6.1W Effective Radiated Power (ERP), which includes most fixed VHF radio sets. This means handheld VHF and Class B AIS are exempt. Emergency communication at sea is also exempt.

This story is from the June 2021 edition of Yachting Monthly.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the June 2021 edition of Yachting Monthly.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM YACHTING MONTHLYView All
Midsummer on Hanö
Yachting Monthly UK

Midsummer on Hanö

This wonderful little island in the south-east of Sweden is a real gem off the beaten track

time-read
3 mins  |
January 2025
ADVENTURE SAILING TO HAITI
Yachting Monthly UK

ADVENTURE SAILING TO HAITI

After spending two months in the Dominican Republic, Andy Brown sails west to Haïti bringing medical and school supplies to the town of Mole Saint Nicholas

time-read
8 mins  |
January 2025
In celebration of bad sailing
Yachting Monthly UK

In celebration of bad sailing

New owner Monty Halls tests his sailing skills with his family aboard their Colvic 34 ketch, Sobek. A recently qualified Day Skipper, Monty faces a few unexpected challenges...

time-read
3 mins  |
January 2025
Winter brings excitement and opportunity
Yachting Monthly UK

Winter brings excitement and opportunity

Oddity’s double glazing, insulation and heating create a warm, homely environment as I bash out this column.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 2025
ADVENTURE MAISIE GOES TO GOES
Yachting Monthly UK

ADVENTURE MAISIE GOES TO GOES

To depart or not to depart? That is the question. Is it safer to stay, or suffer the wind and weather of a rough North Sea?

time-read
7 mins  |
January 2025
'MAYDAY, GRANDAD OVERBOARD!'
Yachting Monthly UK

'MAYDAY, GRANDAD OVERBOARD!'

When David Richards and his grandson Henry went out racing from lowey, they didn't expect their sail to end with a lifeboat rescue

time-read
4 mins  |
January 2025
VERTUE
Yachting Monthly UK

VERTUE

For a 25-footer, the Vertue has a huge reputation and has conquered every ocean. So what makes this little boat quite such an enduring success? Nic Compton finds out

time-read
10+ mins  |
January 2025
Sailing siblings
Yachting Monthly UK

Sailing siblings

Mabel Stock, her brother Ralph, a friend Steve and an unnamed paying passenger passed through the Panama Canal in December 1919 on the sturdy Norwegian cutter Ogre. They were towed to a quiet anchorage in Balboa away from the boat traffic but within rowing distance of the shore.

time-read
5 mins  |
January 2025
TECHNICAL MAINSAIL MODIFICATIONS
Yachting Monthly UK

TECHNICAL MAINSAIL MODIFICATIONS

Safety and performance improved hugely when Mike Reynolds reduced the size of his mainsail and re-configured the systems controlling it

time-read
8 mins  |
January 2025
PILOTAGE DONE PROPERLY
Yachting Monthly UK

PILOTAGE DONE PROPERLY

Chartplotters are an amazing aid, but can detract from your real-world pilotage if not used with caution, says Justin Morton

time-read
10+ mins  |
January 2025