Recreational radio communications: radio licence and MMSI
In brief
- The marine radio licence is the official document that authorizes the use of a VHF transceiver on board; it is issued in the boat's name and lists its equipment.
- It is mandatory whenever radio communication equipment is on board, even if the skipper holds a boating licence or the CRR; beyond 6 miles from shelter, a fixed VHF is itself mandatory.
- The MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) number identifies the boat in digital communications; it depends on the equipment on board: VHF with digital selective calling, distress beacon, BLU.
- You can have a radio licence without an MMSI; the licence must be updated at every change of owner, name or equipment.
What is a marine radio licence?
The marine radio licence, or boat radio licence, is an official document that authorizes the use of a medium-wave radio transceiver. In recreational boating, it is therefore the document that gives the skipper authorization to use maritime frequencies to communicate by radio, whether to transmit or receive information.
In brief, the radio licence is the document that allows the recreational boater to sail safely, offering several possibilities. For example:
- Communicate with other boats, port authorities or maritime operators
- Stay informed about the weather and any risks in your navigation area, report if necessary a problem with maritime signalling or an Unidentified Floating Object by a safety message
- Transmit a message of urgency or distress to rescue services, request assistance, be accompanied in case of first aid to be carried out on board and above all be located more quickly in case of damage
At a time when almost all recreational boaters have a mobile phone, let us remind you that VHF-type equipment has, at sea, a significantly greater range that can really make the difference: they allow connection with the appropriate rescue service, which will intervene more quickly.
Get a radio licence for my boat
Is the radio licence mandatory?
Obtaining a radio licence is necessary for all recreational boaters wishing to use a radio station on board. Several devices are concerned: the VHF whether fixed or mobile, but also the AIS transponder, the EPIRB beacon or the radar, which can also be registered on the licence.
Holding a licence or diploma does not exempt the recreational boater from this obligation: even if they have the Boating Licence or the Restricted Radio Operator's Certificate (CRR), Maritime or Inland Waterways, they must possess a radio licence. Indeed, while the licence or certificate attests to a level of skills, the radio licence, on the other hand, justifies the registration of the equipment and the communication of all necessary information to the administrative authorities.
The only exception to the rule: if the maximum power of the device is less than 6 watts, and it is not equipped with the Digital Selective Calling (DSC) function. Then, the equipment can be used without a radio licence and no information is attached to the equipment.
How to obtain a radio licence?
To apply for a marine radio licence with the administration, there are several documents to gather.
The recreational boater will need to fill out an information form, where they will notably communicate their contact details, the brand and model of the device concerned. They will attach proof of identity, ownership and registration of the vessel, as well as proof of the legal entity if the boat belongs to a company or an association.
Once the formality is completed, the applicant will receive, every year and electronically, their updated radio licence.
What is an MMSI number?
The Maritime Mobile Service Identity, or MMSI, is a number assigned to the owner of a boat when they obtain a radio licence. Composed of 9 digits, it corresponds to the entirety of the file provided during the application: it includes the owner's identity, the details of the radio equipment, the details of the boat... as much information as can be transmitted to the rescue services during an emergency or distress call, to facilitate their intervention.
As an owner, it is therefore important to then ensure the updating of the different information related to their file, to guarantee their safety!
Not all recreational radio communication equipment is concerned by the MMSI number: it must be entered in the interface of the fixed MF/HF VHF or mobile equipped with DSC, distress beacons EPIRB, BLU etc.
Why get an MMSI number?
You have understood, as a recreational boater, it is therefore the MMSI number that determines the transmission of your information. Configured on board, on your radio station, the MMSI allows the sending of your data to the relevant services, in case of an emergency or distress call from your device. In case of need, rescuers will have access to all the information in your file and will be able to intervene quickly, in an appropriate manner.
Let us also note that the contact details of the people to contact in case of emergency are also entered: your loved ones can thus be warned in case of a serious problem.
Would you like to make a first application or a modification of the radio licence? Entrust us with your project! Bateau-immatriculation.com takes care of your paperwork so that you can go sailing without delay.
A question about radio licences?
Are you equipping your boat with a VHF or a beacon?
We obtain your radio licence and your MMSI number, in 10 to 20 days.
Article written by the team of Bateau-immatriculation.com, a service specialized in the administrative procedures of recreational boats. Last updated: November 2026.