Do you need a license for a VHF marine radio?

Not just anyone can use a VHF marine radio. To operate this equipment - both fixed and handheld radios - on a UK-flagged vessel, you must have, at the minimum, the Marine Radio Short Range Certificate (SRC). This is a legal requirement. The SRC, which must be successfully completed at a recognized training center, instructs users in radio etiquette and procedures, digital selected calling (DSC) and emergency procedures.

In addition, all marine radios require both the user and the vessel to hold a relevant license. The vessel's license is the key to obtaining a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number, a series of nine digits which uniquely identifies your vessel.

Other uses for marine radios

Although safety is foremost in everyone’s mind, marine radios aren’t just for emergency situations.

• Let larger vessels know where you are
• Listen to routine weather forecasts
• Check navigational warnings broadcast on VHF and MF at 4-hourly intervals around the UK coastline
• Communicate with harbors, locks, bridges and marinas
• Talk to other people at sea on one of your radio’s many channels

If you’re serious about investing in your safety at sea, browse our full range of VHF marine radio equipment and take advantage of our other services to purchase compatible radio accessories, help with programming and licensing your two way radios.

You can also read an interesting marine radio case study from a longstanding RadioTrader customer, which outlines the usefulness of two way radios on their luxury yacht.