{"id":212,"date":"2024-09-04T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-09-04T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pqoc.co.uk\/understanding-vhf-radio-for-narrowboats\/"},"modified":"2026-07-29T09:17:17","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T09:17:17","slug":"understanding-vhf-radio-for-narrowboats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pqoc.co.uk\/fr\/understanding-vhf-radio-for-narrowboats\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding VHF Radio for Narrowboats"},"content":{"rendered":"

VHF radio is not essential for most narrowboats travelling exclusively on quiet, non-tidal inland waterways. However, it becomes increasingly valuable\u2014and may be required by the navigation authority\u2014when venturing onto tidal rivers, estuaries and busier commercial waterways.<\/p>\n

As we plan Priscilla and consider where she may eventually take us, we need to understand both the practical benefits and the legal requirements.<\/p>\n

Does a narrowboat need VHF radio?<\/h2>\n

There is no general requirement for every UK narrowboat to carry VHF radio.<\/p>\n

On many canals, a mobile telephone is the more practical means of communication. Different rules can apply on tidal and commercial waterways, however, and some navigation authorities require or strongly recommend VHF for particular passages.<\/p>\n

The requirements for the intended route should therefore always be checked before setting out.<\/p>\n

If marine VHF equipment is installed or used, it must normally be appropriately licensed.<\/p>\n

The Ship Radio Licence<\/h2>\n

A fixed VHF radio installed aboard a narrowboat is covered by a Ship Radio Licence<\/strong> issued by Ofcom.<\/p>\n

The licence relates to the vessel and records its eligible radio equipment. It may also provide the vessel with an internationally recognised call sign and, where applicable, a Maritime Mobile Service Identity number for Digital Selective Calling.<\/p>\n

An online Ship Radio Licence is free. The licence holder must keep its vessel and equipment details accurate and comply with Ofcom\u2019s conditions.<\/p>\n

A handheld radio used on different UK vessels may instead qualify for a Ship Portable Radio Licence<\/strong>. This follows the radio rather than one particular boat, but has limitations, particularly when travelling abroad.<\/p>\n

The operator\u2019s certificate<\/h2>\n

Licensing the equipment is only half of the requirement.<\/p>\n

A marine VHF radio must normally be operated by\u2014or under the direct supervision of\u2014someone holding an appropriate Maritime Radio Operator\u2019s Certificate of Competence.<\/p>\n

For most leisure narrowboats using VHF or VHF with Digital Selective Calling, this will be the Short Range Certificate<\/strong>, commonly known as the SRC.<\/p>\n

The SRC covers subjects including:<\/p>\n