If you have a vessel with a fitted VHF radio, you must have a VHF Radio License to operate it. In 2026, almost all vessels, recreational and commercial alike, come fitted with a VHF radio. So, do you need a VHF Radio License in South Africa? The answer is yes. Let’s see how to obtain one.
Who Needs a VHF Radio License in South Africa?
Almost all the seagoing vessels of Category E and above are required by law to have a VHF Radio with DSC capabilities onboard. Such VHF radios allow boats to broadcast automatic emergency distress signals and enable private calls to other specific boats.
So, if you are a skipper driving a Category C boat and above, you will likely be using a VHF radio for maritime communications. Thus, you will require a VHF Radio License in South Africa. The purpose of the vessel does not matter in this case.
With a VHF Radio license in South Africa, you can legally operate radio transmitters, handle ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communications, and place distress (Mayday or Pan-Pan) calls.
Must a Marine Radio have DSC capabilities?
The general answer to this question would be ‘yes’. However, there are a few exceptions.
For instance, a Category E or Category R vessel would not require a VHF radio with DSC Capabilities as per the National Small Vessel Safety Regulations of 2007. However, generally, they should carry a radio in case of emergencies. But it is not a safety requirement for such vessels, except an exception.
Category R passenger vessels also have to follow special arrangements as per the National Small Vessel Safety Regulations 2007, Annexure 2, Safety Item 18.
What is Digital Selective Calling (DSC)?
Since January 1, 2016, all the seagoing vessels of Category D and above are required to have a VHF marine radio with DSC-enabled capabilities in South Africa. This was done in tandem with the implementation of Sea Area A1 to comply with SOLAS regulations.
Related: Marine Notice No. 14 of 2019
Sea Area A1 is defined as an area within the radiotelephone coverage of at least one VHF coast station that provides continuous Digital Selective Calling (DSC) distress alerting.
Each DSC-enabled vessel gets an MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity), which is a unique number programmed into your radio system. This number appears on your vessel’s Frequency Spectrum License, issued by ICASA.
To understand and operate the radio system, you need the necessary knowledge to do so. Hence, a VHF Radio License is important if you are operating a boat in South Africa.
What does a VHF Radio Course Cover in South Africa?
The VHF Radio Courses in South Africa primarily focus on everyday operating techniques and emergency radio procedures. There are different modules catering to different types of radios. They are as follows.
The Short Range Certificate (SRC) is for VHF radios (with DSC capabilities) operating up to 40 miles from the shore. This is the course the majority of South African recreational boaters seek.
The Long Range Certificate (LRC) is for radios capable of DSC, Medium Wave, or Long Wave operations. Usually, such radios are found on vessels operating offshore.
The final one is the General Operator’s Certificate (ROC), which is reserved for commercial vessels only.
Here’s what a VHF course generally covers in South Africa.
- The basics of radio operation;
- The correct frequencies (channels) for communications;
- Distress, emergency, and medical assistance procedures;
- Making ship-to-shore telephone calls;
- Digital Selective Calling (DSC) using simulations;
- Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS);
- Emergency Position including Radio Beacons (EPIRB); and last but not least
- Search and Rescue (SART)
The basic level courses generally last for 3-5 days, except the ROC course, which lasts for 10 days.
At the end of the course, you will undergo exams prior to receiving your license.
For a full breakdown of the aforementioned courses, kindly check the link.
Final Words
So, do you need a VHF Radio License in South Africa? You absolutely do, with a few exceptions.
South Africa requires recreational and commercial seagoing vessels alike to have a VHF marine radio system with DSC capabilities to comply with national and international safety regulations.
If you are seeking a VHF radio course in South Africa, Sail and Power SA can help you in Cape Town. Please connect with us today for more information.