Can I use a handheld VHF DSC for ATIS?

Automatic Transmitter Identification System (ATIS) is equipment developed to identify vessels travelling on the inland waterways of several European countries. These countries together form the Regional Arrangement Concerning the Radiotelephone Service on Inland Waterways, or RAINWAT.

The UK’s inland waterways are largely restricted to leisure use, with comparatively few commercial journeys being made. Produce delivered to our ports in containers or in bulk generally continues its journey by road or rail. In Europe, however, there is a long history of using rivers and canals as transport arteries. The Rhine, Danube and Rhone rivers transport millions of tons of cargo each year. With large numbers of large vessels, many carrying hazardous cargoes, strict traffic management is needed. Communication is key to this, to ensure that vessels remain aware of those around them.

Can I use hand held VHF DSC for ATIS?

No. This is because:

• ATIS identification numbers relate to a ship, while the MMSI of hand held VHF DSC relates to the individual piece of equipment.
• The Ship Portable Radio Licence is the only authorisation available for hand held VHF DSC radio. It is not valid beyond UK territorial sea and we do not issue an international call sign with that licence. So, hand held VHF DSC cannot be used anywhere in continental Europe. Licensees travelling to RAINWAT countries must therefore hold a full Ship Radio Licence.
• Other countries may not authorise hand held VHF DSC (or may not do so in the same way that we do). So, they could regard a hand held VHF DSC as being illegal under their legislation, even if it is switched to ATIS working. This could result in enforcement action by the authorities overseas

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