Module 1 - Licensing & SRC Exam
Licence, Certificate, And Equipment Are Different Things
The Ship Radio or Ship Portable Radio Licence authorises the station and the equipment listed under its terms. The Maritime Radio Operator's Certificate of Competence and valid Authority to Operate concern the person. The call sign and MMSI identify the station or equipment during voice and digital communication; they are not qualifications.
Ofcom's current terms require the licence, relevant operator certificate, Authority to Operate and notices of variation to be kept with or near the licensed equipment where physically practicable. They must accompany the equipment when the vessel is taken abroad.
One link cannot substitute for another. An SRC holder cannot lawfully operate undeclared or incorrectly licensed equipment merely because they are qualified, and a correctly licensed station does not make every crew member a qualified operator.
| Item | Controls or identifies | Do not confuse it with |
|---|---|---|
| Ship Radio Licence | Station and listed equipment on a named vessel | The operator qualification |
| Ship Portable Radio Licence | Specified portable equipment under territorial and use limits | Permission to use any radio anywhere |
| SRC + Authority to Operate | The operator's VHF/VHF-DSC authority and competence | The station licence |
| Call sign | The licensed ship station in voice traffic | An MMSI or certificate |
| MMSI | A nine-digit digital identity used by DSC and related equipment | Proof of ownership or competence |
| Radio equipment | The actual transmitting and receiving apparatus | Authority to use an undeclared or mismatched installation |
Optional quick check
Section 4 of 9
Which item proves that the person controlling ordinary VHF/DSC operation holds the relevant operator authority?
Sources and factual review
Reviewed 20 August 2026 - Compass Revision editorial review.
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