Offshore fixed installations and UK registered mobile installations require a valid ANO approval and Wireless Telegraphy (WT) Act Radio Licence for Aeronautical VHF and Non-Directional Radio Beacons (NDB). Radio licensing is managed by Ofcom.
See our separate radio licensing guidance for details.
International operators
A WT Act radio licence and ANO approval are not required for foreign registered mobile installations operating in UK Territorial Waters or within the limits of the UKCS. Some operators choose to apply for them, but it is not a legal requirement. Foreign-registered mobile installation operators are encouraged to discuss radio licensing and approval requirements with the relevant authorities in their registered state. All radio operators are required to hold a UK CAA Offshore Communication Service (OCS) Radio Operator’s Certificate of Competence (ROCC).
For further information contact Approvals.RCS@caa.co.uk
Channel assignment
Typically, channels are assigned as ‘common’ or ‘dedicated’ for offshore operators. Most operators, including mobile installations utilise common channels. These channels are listed in the AIP under section ENR 1.6 and are illustrated in associated charts, ENR 6-29 through to ENR 6-31. Some fixed vessels utilise ‘dedicated’ channels which are specific to an installation or a collection of installations. These are not published in the AIP and operators are expected to ensure they are utilising the correct 8.33kHz channels.
8.33 kHz channels
All offshore ground stations should now be utilising 8.33kHz channels, which were converted in late 2018. A detailed conversion table is published in CAP1573 (see table 1).
It is also noted that due to the format of the WT Act Radio Licence issued by Ofcom the complete channel reference may not appear and could incorrectly be read as a 25kHz frequency. If you need assistance identifying the correct channel, contact the CAA spectrum team or refer to the AIP.
The Spectrum team can be contacted by email: spectrum@caa.co.uk
ANO Approvals
All ground stations (including those Offshore) require an ANO approval for any aeronautical radio equipment used. This includes handhelds units. It is the responsibility of the operator to ensure they have the relevant ANO approval which covers the equipment currently installed and to ensure that all details are correct. An ANO approval is required by law and is a condition of the WT Act Licence.
The CNS Approvals team can be contacted by email: Approvals.RCS@caa.co.uk.
Risk of interference
It is important all operators utilise 8.33kHz channels and that both ground stations and aircraft ensure their equipment is set correctly to utilise 8.33kHz channel spacing. Further information is provided in CAP 1573. Failure to ensure equipment is configured correctly, to the correct 8.33kHz channel could result in communication difficulties between ground stations and aircraft, and an increased risk of interference from adjacent channels.
NDB operations
Channelisation for Non-Directional Radio Beacons has not changed, but operators should still ensure they hold a correct ANO approval for their equipment. Note that Aeronautical NDBs may need to be able to tune over the frequency range of 435kHz to 949kHz depending on the area of operation.