So why have i just sent (yesterday) 20 quid to "ofcom" when this was dated 01/02/05 !! ????
http://www.rya.org.uk/regssafety/def...tentID=3804897
Ofcom plans to make ships` radio licences valid for the entire life of the vessel, and to make these licences available on a self-service basis and free of charge, when issued online via a new dedicated web-based service.
The proposals will ease administration and reduce costs for ships` radio users who are currently required to renew their licence annually at a cost of £20. Ofcom believes that this new approach will make it easier for users to comply with legal obligations and use radio equipment that is appropriately licensed.
Ofcom is proposing to:
* Remove the requirement for radio users to purchase a new licence each year. Instead, ship radio licences would remain valid for the life of the vessel.
* Provide a web-based licensing service as an alternative to the postal service;
* Issue electronic licences, free of charge, to users of the web-based licensing service; and,
* Continue to offer a postal service for applicants who do not have access to, or prefer not to use, the internet. This service would incur a fee to cover administrative costs.
Users will still be required to keep their licence details up to date. They will also require an amended licence if any important details change, such as the name or ownership of the vessel. Such amendments can be made online for free, or via a postal service which will incur a small charge to cover administrative costs.
The full consultation document can be found at
www.ofcom.org.uk . The closing date for responses is 3 May 2005 and the RYA Cruising Department would welcome your views. Contact us on
cruising@rya.org.uk
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