Module 1 - Licensing & SRC Exam
Ship Radio Licensing
What you will learn
Explain what a UK Ship Radio Licence authorises and identify the actions required when a vessel, owner or equipment record changes.
A Ship Radio Licence authorises the listed radio station and equipment on a named UK-flagged vessel. The licence record, call sign, MMSI and equipment details must match the vessel's real arrangement.
Ofcom states that a Ship Radio Licence authorises installation and use of maritime and associated radio equipment on the named vessel. It assigns the ship's call sign and MMSI where applicable. The licence is needed even if the only carried radio item is intended for distress, such as a declared beacon or other licensed safety device.
The licence is non-transferable. When a vessel is sold, the buyer applies for a new licence in their own name while retaining the vessel's existing call sign and MMSI when Ofcom confirms them. A second-hand DSC set installed on another vessel must be programmed with the MMSI assigned to that vessel and shown on its licence.
The current 'lifetime' licence remains valid only while its details are correct and it is amended or validated within Ofcom's required interval. Report changes to owner contact details, equipment and other licence particulars; accurate records help search-and-rescue services interpret an alert.
Take over a vessel with fitted DSC
You buy a used UK-flagged yacht. Its fixed DSC radio displays the previous vessel MMSI and the seller hands you their licence printout.
1. Do not adopt the seller's licence
Apply for a Ship Radio Licence in the new licensee's name; the old licence is non-transferable.
2. Reconcile the identity
Give Ofcom the existing vessel call sign and MMSI and use only the identity confirmed on the new licence.
3. Reconcile the equipment
Check every fixed, portable, DSC, AIS and safety-radio item against the licence and arrange authorised reprogramming where required.
Sense check: The vessel may retain its identity while the licence holder changes; the seller's licence itself does not transfer.
Common mistake or limitation
- Keeping and using the previous owner's licence as though it transferred with the boat.
- Moving a DSC set to another vessel without matching it to the receiving vessel's licensed MMSI.
- Assuming a licence stays valid regardless of changed contact or equipment details.
Recap
- A Ship Radio Licence authorises the radio station and declared equipment on a named vessel.
- The licence is non-transferable, even though a vessel's call sign and MMSI normally remain with that vessel.
- Licence details must reflect the real owner, equipment and emergency-contact arrangement.
- Use only the MMSI confirmed for the licensed station.
Optional quick check
Section 3 of 9
You buy a yacht whose DSC radio already contains the vessel's MMSI. What should happen before relying on the fitted station?
Sources and factual review
Reviewed 31 August 2026 - Compass Revision editorial review.
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