Reform in Ship's Radio Licencing

Ofcom has announced a public consultation on proposals to reform licensing rules to reduce the regulatory burden for maritime radio users.

Ofcom plans to make ships' radio licences valid for the entire life of the vessel, and to make these licences available on a self-service basis and free of charge, when issued online via a new dedicated web-based service.

Today's proposals will ease administration and reduce costs for ships' radio users who are currently required to renew their licence annually at a cost of £20. It is clear that some maritime radio users are reluctant to use licensed radio equipment because of the present licensing regime; Ofcom believes that this new approach will make it easier for users to comply with legal obligations and use radio equipment that is appropriately licensed.

Ships' radio exists primarily for the safety of human life at sea. A licence also ensures that ships' radio equipment meets relevant standards and that users operate the equipment in a competent and appropriate manner.

Ofcom believes that a web-based licensing process would achieve this whilst also reducing the administrative burden for both licensee and regulator. A lifetime licence would honour international rules governing ships' radio. Ofcom will also continue to supply the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) with ship's radio licensing information.

Ofcom is today proposing to:

• Remove the requirement for radio users to purchase a new licence each year. Instead, ship radio licences would remain valid for the life of the vessel.
• Provide a web-based licensing service as an alternative to the postal service;
• Issue electronic licences, free of charge, to users of the web-based licensing service; and,
• Continue to offer a postal service for applicants who do not have access to, or prefer not to use, the internet. This service would incur a fee to cover administrative costs.

Users will still be required to keep their licence details up to date. They will also require an amended licence if any important details change, such as the name or ownership of the vessel. Such amendments can be made online for free, or via a postal service which will incur a small charge to cover administrative costs.

The closing date for responses is 3 May 2005. The document can be found at www.ofcom.org.uk.

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