Christian Meese, a software developer and sailor from Düsseldorf, has launched a petition to facilitate the use of handheld radios. The current regulations of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) only allow the use of handheld radios in conjunction with a fixed marine radio station on board. Meese sees this as a safety risk for charterers and would also like to document the need with the petition. "My previous enquiries to the Federal Network Agency were deemed to be isolated cases and rejected," says Meese. The initiative aims to increase safety at sea and improve communication options for sailors.
Charterers of small boats particularly affected
Smaller charter boats are often not equipped with VHF radio. This makes communication with other ships, locks, bridges and harbours considerably more difficult. In an emergency, sailors can be cut off from important safety information. Without a fixed marine radio station and the corresponding ship-specific allocation certificate, no handheld radio may be used. The petition aims to change this situation. Meese argues that the possibility of using a personal handheld radio on charter boats would significantly increase safety at sea. The current regulation poses a particular challenge for charterers, as they often do not have the necessary equipment on board.
Great Britain offers a corresponding regulation
A solution to this problem already exists in the UK. In addition to the "Ship Radio Licence", a "Ship Portable Radio Licence" can be applied for there. This allows the registration and use of a portable radio independently of the ship. A special MMSI is even issued for DSC devices. However, the British licence is only valid in British territorial waters. A similar regulation for German and international waters could significantly improve the situation for charterers. The bureaucratic effort would be manageable, as the basic structure already exists. The British model shows that personalised registration of handheld radios can be practical and sensible.
Possible realisation
A change to the regulation would require the ITU and the BNetzA to adapt their regulations. This could take some time. In addition, clear guidelines for use on charter boats would have to be established. Charterers would still have to have a valid radio licence. The responsibility for the proper use and maintenance of the equipment would lie with the owner. Charter companies could regulate the use of private radios in their contracts. Such an adjustment would not only increase safety, but also improve flexibility for sailors who frequently travel on different boats.
