Maritime radio
Radio transmitters on board a vessel require a licence
Maritime radio frequencies are used for communication between vessels, for port operations and ship movement, for navigation and for search and rescue operations. A radio licence is required to hold and use radio transmitters operating on these frequencies. Based on a written application, the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority (FICORA) issues the licence.
A Ship Station Licence must include all radio transmitters on board which operate on maritime radio frequencies.
Examples of these transmitters:
- VHF radiotelephones (fixed installations or hand portable)
- navigation radars
- EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)
- AIS equipment (including transmitter)
International call sign
When issuing a Ship Station Licence FICORA allocates the vessel an international call sign beginning with one of the following prefixes: OF, OG, OH, OI or OJ (the first two letters of the call sign indicate the country code). The international Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI-number) used in Digital Selective Calling equipment (DSC) in EPIRBs and in AIS transmitters may also be included. If an MMSI number has already been programmed into the equipment, it is necessary to mention it in the application.
A Ship Station Licence entitles the licence holder to use the equipment for which the licence has been issued only on board the vessel or for radiocommunication directly related to the safety of the vessel. The licence and the appropriate operator's certificate must be kept in the vicinity of the ship's radio transmitters (ship's radio station).
Licence application for a pleasure craft
An application form with the label "PAL" on the upper right corner is used when applying for a licence for a pleasure craft.
The Ship Station Licence is issued provided that the applicant holds an appropriate operator's certificate. If the applicant has passed the examination but has not yet received the certificate, it is recommended that the date and place of the examination is mentioned in the application form.
The Ship Station Licence is issued for a certain period of time. The licence may be revoked if the licence conditions are violated.
User of a maritime radio transmitter must obtain a certificate
A user of a maritime radio transmitter must obtain an appropriate operator's certificate issued by the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority (FICORA) or a foreign certificate acknowledged by FICORA.
The radio operator of a pleasure craft equipped with a maritime VHF radio transmitter is required to hold a Short Range Certificate (SRC).
Holders of the old "Radiotelephone operator's restricted certificate (VHF only)" may continue to operate a VHF or VHF/DSC radio station on board a pleasure craft.
If a pleasure craft is equipped with an MF or HF radio transmitter operating on the maritime radio frequencies, the radio operator must hold a Long Range Certificate (LRC certificate) or an old Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Certificate (SSB certificate).
