RYA SRC Ofcom Ship Radio Licensing

Question 1

Which UK authority is responsible for issuing Ship Radio Licences?

Accepted Answer

Ofcom (Office of Communications)

Answer

Ship Radio Licences in the UK are issued by Ofcom, the independent regulator for communications. The RYA administers the personal operator's certificate (such as the SRC), but the licence authorising the use of radio equipment on a specific vessel is issued by Ofcom.

Question 2

What does a Ship Radio Licence specifically authorise?

Accepted Answer

The installation and use of radio equipment on a specific named vessel

Answer

A Ship Radio Licence is linked to a specific vessel by name and authorises the use of the radio equipment installed on that vessel. It is not a personal licence — a separate personal operator's certificate such as the SRC is required for the individual operating the radio.

Question 3

What are the two separate legal requirements needed to lawfully operate a fixed VHF radio on a UK-flagged recreational vessel?

Accepted Answer

A Ship Radio Licence and a valid personal operator's certificate (such as the SRC)

Answer

UK law requires two separate authorisations: a Ship Radio Licence from Ofcom covering the radio equipment on the named vessel, and a valid personal operator's certificate (such as the SRC) held by the person actually operating the radio. Both must be in place for lawful operation.

Question 4

A vessel owner sells their boat, complete with its fixed VHF radio. What must the new owner do regarding the Ship Radio Licence?

Accepted Answer

The existing licence must be cancelled and the new owner must apply for a new Ship Radio Licence

Answer

A Ship Radio Licence cannot be transferred between owners. When a vessel changes hands, the previous owner's licence must be cancelled and the new owner must apply for a new Ship Radio Licence from Ofcom in their own name, linked to the vessel's details.

Question 5

When may a handheld (portable) VHF radio require a separate Ship Portable Radio Licence?

Accepted Answer

When the handheld radio is taken off the vessel and used on another vessel or vessel not covered by the same licence

Answer

A Ship Portable Radio Licence is required when a handheld VHF radio is used on a vessel or in a situation not covered by the existing Ship Radio Licence. For example, taking a handheld from your own vessel onto a borrowed or hired vessel requires a Ship Portable Radio Licence to ensure lawful operation on that other vessel.

RYA SRC Practice Test

RYA SRC Practice Test

RYA SRC Ofcom Ship Radio Licensing