Use of a maritime mobile radio telephone

Operating certificate

In order to operate a maritime mobile radio telephone system, you need a maritime communication operator certificate (Basiscertificaat Marifonie), Maritime Communications A (MarCom A) or MarCom B (in Dutch). You need to take an exam for this.

If you have passed the exam you can apply for the operating certificate with the Radiocommunications Agency (in Dutch).

Foreign certificate

Did you get your certification abroad? For example the Short Range Cetificate (SRC)? Then you should apply for login details using the Dutch-language pdf-form ‘Formulier maritiem’ (question 3 is applicable).

Use of maritime transmission equipment on a vessel

If you intend to use maritime transmission equipment on your vessel, you have to notify the Radiocommunications Agency (Agentschap Telecom, in Dutch). Your data will then be entered in the National Frequency Register (in Dutch). You can only notify (register) if you have an operating certificate. Details on the certificate required for the various equipments can be found in the equipment summary on the (Dutch-language) website of the Radiocommunications Agency.

Connection to the Netherlands

Do you want to register in the National Frequency Register? Then the vessel or the owner of the vessel should a have a connection to the Netherlands (in Dutch). You can demonstrate your ties with the Netherlands

if your vessel is registered in the ships registry (in Dutch)
if you own a vessel and you are registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP)
or if the vessel is owned by a company that is registered with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce

Were you already registered in the National Frequency Register before 1 July 2019? You should have registered your connection to the Netherlands (partly in Dutch) by 1 July 2020 at the latest. After logging in you click ‘Registraties’ on the left, then click ‘Melding Frequentiegebruik Maritiem’ and choose ‘Wijzigen’. Choose which situation applies to you under ‘Binding met Nederland’ and click on ‘Verder’and subsequently ‘Afronden’.

If you did not demonstrate your ties with the Netherlands, from 1 July 2020 the Radiocommunications Agency will terminate your registration. You are not allowed to have maritime transmission equipment on board without this registration.

Use of maritime mobile radio telephones from the shore

You also need a permit to use a maritime mobile radio telephone system from the shore (in Dutch), just as you do for shore stations. In addition you need a permit to use special channels (e.g. those reserved for oil refineries or port services).