Short answer
To use a marine VHF radio you need a certificate of competence, usually the SRC (Short Range Certificate), and the radio must be licensed by PTS (the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority). Apply through the PTS e-service. Channel 16 is used for distress and calling, and channel 70 for Digital Selective Calling (DSC) with the distress button.
Papers and permits
| What | Issued by | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| SRC certificate | After an exam with an approved examiner | Personal to the user and goes with you from boat to boat |
| Radio licence | PTS | Apply via the PTS e-service for VHF in leisure boats |
| MMSI number | Assigned with the licence | Programmed into DSC radio and AIS |
Larger boats may also need to be registered with Transportstyrelsen, according to PTS.
Channels to know
- 16 – distress, urgent messages and calling. Monitor it whenever the radio is on.
- 70 – DSC only. A distress call with the red button sends your position and MMSI automatically.
- Working channels – switch from 16 to a working channel after the call. Harbours, bridges and locks have their own channels, listed in charts and harbour guides.
Distress calls – how to make one
- Press the DSC distress button if the radio has one, and hold it until the alert is sent.
- Call on channel 16: «MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY, this is …» followed by the boat's name three times.
- Give your position, what has happened, the number of people on board and what help you need.
- Listen for a reply and follow the instructions from the rescue services.
PTS also describes PAN PAN for urgent situations and SECURITE for safety messages.
DSC, AIS and handheld VHF
A modern fixed VHF has DSC, Digital Selective Calling. Connected to a GPS, it sends the boat's position in a distress call at the press of a button. The radio must be programmed with the MMSI number from your licence.
- Fixed VHF: better range thanks to the masthead antenna and higher output power.
- Handheld VHF: good as a backup and in the dinghy, but range is shorter because the antenna sits low.
- AIS receiver: shows vessels around you on the chartplotter. An AIS transponder lets others see you, which is valuable in fairways with large ships.
Test the radio before the season with a routine call or a radio check on a working channel, not on channel 16. Check the antenna cable and the connector at the mast. Corrosion there is a common cause of poor range.
Write down the boat's MMSI number and call sign next to the radio.
Course and exam
The SRC course usually takes one to two days and ends with an exam. It goes hand in hand with the International Certificate of Competence (förarintyg) and the Coastal Skipper certificate (kustskepparintyg), and the radio should be part of your safety equipment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a VHF without a certificate?
You may own one, but to transmit you need a certificate of competence and a licence from PTS (the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority). In an emergency, anyone may use the radio.
Is a foreign SRC valid in Sweden?
An SRC from another country that follows the same international rules is generally accepted. Check with PTS if you are unsure.
Does a handheld VHF need a license?
Yes, even a handheld marine VHF needs a licence from PTS (the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority) to be used.
What's the difference between channel 16 and channel 70?
16 is for voice, 70 is for digital DSC calls. Never transmit voice on 70.
Sources
- Båtradio – VHF i fritidsbåt, PTS pts.se
- Nödkommunikation till sjöss, PTS pts.se
- Tillstånd för VHF i fritidsbåt (e-tjänst), PTS vhf-sandare.pts.se