According to Royal Decree 1185/2006 and the current regulations on maritime radiocommunications, it is mandatory to have a ship station license for the use of radiocommunication transmitting equipment installed on board. This note aims to clarify the following issues: (i) which vessels are required to have this license, (ii) the application procedure, (iii) the applicable fees, and (iv) the requirements for radio bases in marinas.

Vessels required to have a radio license

According to Article 7 of Royal Decree 1185/2006, all Spanish vessels with maritime radiocommunication transmitting equipment must have a ship station license, whether mandatory or voluntary installation. However, recreational vessels sailing in zones 4 to 7 are not required to have a license, except if they voluntarily install a satellite EPIRB or a fixed device with digital selective calling.

The vessels required to have the license are those that:

• Have any maritime radiocommunication transmitting equipment, whether mandatory or voluntary.
• Sail outside zones 4 to 7 or have a fixed device with digital selective calling or an EPIRB installed, in which case they also need the MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) number.

Procedure for applying for a radio license

The license application must be submitted to the Directorate General of the Merchant Marine for vessels with a length equal to or greater than 24 meters, and to the Maritime Authorities for smaller vessels, using the designated form. It is necessary to provide proof of payment of the fee, which can be done online through the Ministry of Transport’s website, and the authorization from the owner if the applicant is the representative or the installing company.

Fees associated with the radio license

The cost of the fees for the inspection and certification of radioelectric equipment on board is detailed in the corresponding regulations and can be paid online. The license must be renewed when there are changes in the included data, such as the name of the vessel, the call sign, or the identification signal.

The fee amounts are as follows:

• Certificate for zone 1: €77.45
• Certificate for zone 2: €96.57
• Certificate for zone 3: €128.41
• Certificate for zone 4: €128.41
• License renewal: €44.57

Requirements for radio bases in Marinas

Radio bases in marinas must comply with the regulations for the installation and operation of radioelectric equipment, ensuring that all installations and modifications are approved by the Directorate General of the Merchant Marine or the Maritime Authorities. Marinas must apply for a radiocommunications license for the use of the installed equipment. The equipment must meet the technical specifications regulated by the ITU Radiocommunications Regulations and the applicable national regulations, and must be approved and have the corresponding conformity certificates.

The installation and maintenance of the equipment must be carried out by authorized and registered companies, and the installations must be periodically reviewed and certified to ensure their functionality and safety. Additionally, it is necessary to maintain an updated record of all communications made through the radio bases, which must be accessible for inspections and comply with the documentary requirements established by the current regulations. It is also crucial to ensure that the radios are operational for the coordination of maritime safety and emergencies. The personnel responsible for operating the radio bases must have the necessary training and certification in accordance with the provisions of the Radiocommunications Regulations.

The commitment of Club Nàutic Estartit

At Club Nàutic Estartit, we ensure compliance with all maritime radiocommunication regulations, guaranteeing that our installations and radio equipment are properly approved and certified. We are also committed to keeping our radio bases operational for the coordination of maritime safety and emergencies, thereby ensuring the protection and well-being of all our members and visitors.

For more information or clarifications on the radio license regulations, you can contact Júlia Moreiro or Eduard Solà at jmoreiro@baa.legal and esola@baa.legal.