Hand held VHF licence

[bwoolno]

Have ordered a handheld VHF radio and have been trying to find out the licencing laws reguarding them.Some sites say you need a licence some say you don't.The ACMA site says you don't need one then on another page it says you do so this is confusing.

[oz_brett]

Have ordered a handheld VHF radio and have been trying to find out the licencing laws reguarding them.Some sites say you need a licence some say you don't.The ACMA site says you don't need one then on another page it says you do so this is confusing.

I dont think it matters if the radio is installed or hand held the licence is to operate using the VHF frequency.

[BWV]

Yes you definitely need a VHF licence

[Ian J]

Yes you definitely need a VHF licence

Good luck with that

Even the maritime in my location couldn't tell me where they where holding courses (unless I wanted to travel 3hours away) search the web with no luck

So if any body knows around the ACT please let me know, I'll be taking the route of fitting and waiting.

And since I'm the skipper and I,m responsible. I'll take the fine, if it comes down to it. better to be rescued than be floating around out there with no radio contact.

I know that there is going to be people upset with this, but I could guarantee that most people out there would not have a license for their radio, even if they are aware that they need one

[musty]

Good luck with that

Even the maritime in my location couldn't tell me where they where holding courses (unless I wanted to travel 3hours away) search the web with no luck

So if any body knows around the ACT please let me know, I'll be taking the route of fitting and waiting.

And since I'm the skipper and I,m responsible. I'll take the fine, if it comes down to it. better to be rescued than be floating around out there with no radio contact.

I know that there is going to be people upset with this, but I could guarantee that most people out there would not have a license for their radio, even if they are aware that they need one

Mate I wouldnt worry about it too much. Like you said better to be rescued floating than to not have a radio at all. Im yet to hear of someone copping a fine for using the radio for genuine reasons without the required lisence. Its basically so that people follow the correct procedure, understand the different working channels and what they are used for including various call signs etc. The whole reason there are restriction on it is the very fact they are working channels particularly VHF 16 and the harbour master on 13 for Sydney/Botany as an example. Its to stop clowns from playing silly buggers and clogging up the system. I'd highly reccomend doing the course at some stage but simply listening to it on scan function is very educational in itself.

Musty

[BalmainBob]

Gday;

Found this on the internet. This should clear it up

Small boat owners using VHF marine radios must hold at least a Marine Radio Operator's VHF Certificate of Proficiency. Holding a certificate is a condition of the class licence that authorises the operation of these types of marine radios.

ACA figures show that the number of people sitting for marine radio examinations to obtain a certificate of proficiency has fallen by more than 1,300 between 2001-02 and 2002-03.

Dr Horton said that misusing marine radio equipment was an offence under the Radiocommunications Act. In addition, penalties for operating a VHF radio without a certificate included fines of up to $165,000 and even imprisonment.

Here is the link to the original article

http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/1001/pc=PC_1003

Ive never heard of anyone being fined $165000 but I wouldn't wont to tbe the first

Bob