Authorised marine radio installer
We install, check and certify VHF, AIS and EPIRBs on Spanish-flagged boats. We sign the installation certificate and prepare the paperwork for the Harbour Master (Capitanía Marítima).
Installer authorised by the Spanish Directorate General of the Merchant Navy (Reg. 5/2024) to install, repair and maintain marine radio equipment.
Do you need an authorised installer?
Yes. Spanish Royal Decree 1185/2006 requires any installation, maintenance or repair of marine radio equipment on board to be carried out by a company or person authorised by the maritime administration (article 9). After the installation, the installer gives the Harbour Master a certificate that it complies with the regulations (article 12).
What we do
- Fixed VHF with digital selective calling (DSC)
- AIS transponders
- Emergency beacons (EPIRB)
- Antennas, cabling and connection to the chartplotter
- Checks and repairs of radio equipment
- Installation certificate signed by the installer
- Installation request or notification for the Harbour Master
- Help with the ship station licence (LEB) and MMSI
Which procedure applies to your boat?
It depends on the type of boat, its length and the equipment. What the regulation says:
Leisure boat up to 12 m, no station licence
No need to notify the installation (art. 12.1).
Leisure boat with a station licence
The installation is notified to the Harbour Master on the official form, by the owner or the installer (art. 12.2).
Work, fishing, passenger or research vessels
They need prior authorisation from the Harbour Master and, once installed, the installer's certificate (art. 12.2 and 12.4).
Handhelds, receivers and non-mandatory equipment under 25 W
The purchase invoice is enough; no installer certificate is needed (art. 12.2).
Ship station licence (LEB)
Required if there is a transmitter on board. Leisure boats in zones 4 to 7 are exempt, unless they fit a fixed DSC VHF or an EPIRB: then they need an MMSI (art. 7.1).
Replacing a set
If it differs from the one on the licence, a new licence is needed. If it is identical, notifying the replacement is enough (art. 7.3).
Not sure which case applies? Send us the registration and the equipment and we will tell you.
How we work
- 1
Message us
On WhatsApp, with the boat's name, registration and the equipment you want to install or legalise.
- 2
We check the procedure
Based on the type of boat, its length and its navigation zone.
- 3
We work on board
At your berth: installation, checks or testing of the equipment.
- 4
Paperwork ready
We sign the certificate and leave the documents ready for the Harbour Master.
What to have at hand
- Boat name, registration and NIB
- Type of boat and navigation zone
- Owner: name and ID, or company name and tax number
- MMSI, if it already has one
- For each set: make, model, serial number and type approval (on the label)
- Registration sheet (hoja de asiento) or certificate of seaworthiness
Professional and research vessels too
Besides leisure boats, we prepare the paperwork for work and research vessels, which need prior authorisation from the Harbour Master and the installer's certificate of suitability.
Where we work
We are based in Port Garraf and come to your berth along the Barcelona coast: from the Maresme (Arenys de Mar, Mataró, El Masnou, Badalona) to Port Olímpic, Port Vell, Port Ginesta, Garraf, Aiguadolç, Vilanova i la Geltrú, Calafell and Tarragona.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install a fixed VHF myself?
No. The regulation requires installation, maintenance and repair of marine radio equipment to be done by an installer authorised by the maritime administration (RD 1185/2006, art. 9).
Does a handheld VHF need a licence?
If the boat only carries handheld VHFs for emergencies, it does not need a station licence (art. 7.1). For handhelds the purchase invoice is enough (art. 12.2).
My leisure boat is under 12 metres: do I have to notify the installation?
Only if the boat has a ship station licence (LEB). Otherwise it does not have to notify the installation (art. 12.1).
What is an MMSI and when do I need one?
It is the identification number of your radio station. You need it if you fit a fixed DSC VHF or an EPIRB, also on leisure boats in zones 4 to 7 (art. 7.1).
Do you handle the Harbour Master paperwork?
We sign the installation certificate and prepare the request or notification with all the details, ready to file with the Harbour Master.
Need to install or legalise a radio?
Send us the boat's name, registration and equipment on WhatsApp and we will tell you which procedure applies.