Hand-Held VHF When Off Ship?

[Talisker]

Factor, if you don't have to register/license VHF on pleasure craft in Oz, how do you get a call sign or MMSI number?

[Talisker]

In Germany and I believe the UK too, a Short Range Certificate is required to operate a VHF transceiver. VHF coverage limited to Sea Area 1.

The Long Range Certificate allows use of other equipment necessary for use outside Sea Area 1, i.e. Sea Areas 2 to 4.

Furthermore, the VHF must be registered/licensed to a particular boat i.e. this ties in the radio serial number, the vessel, MMSI no., the call sign and the vessel's owner together.

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by Wotname

////my ships license does not require any detail of what equipment is actually on board other than that all the transceivers must have type approval. //////

Originally Posted by Factor

No "ships License" is required for VHF in Australia. There is a general class license in place for VHF radios on boats. What is required is an operators license. The class license also covers 27 meg some uhf and the use of radar.
..............

Factor, just to be complete, I was referring to MY ship's license (which I have due to the HF on board) - my post was not intended to refer to Aussie requirements other than to point out that in Oz, a ships license does not list equipment part number / serial number as required in some countries and referred to by another post as being universally required.

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by Talisker

Factor, if you don't have to register/license VHF on pleasure craft in Oz, how do you get a call sign or MMSI number?

I will chime in here (being a public forum ). You simply have to identify yourself in a unique way - usually by your vessels name or if you wish, your local state registration number (if you are required to be state registered). Almost all vessels that would carry a VHF would also be required to be state registered.

If you want a MMSI number, then you have to apply for a Ship's license (Station License) from the Spectrum Authority (ACMA) and then apply to AMSA (maritime safety authority) for a MMSI number quoting your callsign etc.

AFAIK, not many recreational boaters bother with a MMSI in Oz.