Marine Radio Requirements
As of 01/01/2016 all small marine vessels are required to have a VHF radio as safety equipment.
The recent Marine Notice No. 06 of 2015 has announced the cessation of the 29 MHz SOLAS Distress Watch Keeping by Telkom Maritime Services and the implementation of the new digital marine radio safety requirements (VHF DSC).
The use of voice only operated VHF radios with an RT licence is still legal as safety requirement and channel 16 monitored by the authority. The requirement of a VHF radio with DSC will be phased in over a period (see Marine Notice No. 32 of 2016).
Skippers are however encouraged to switch over to a VHF radio with DSC capability and to obtain a Short Range Certificate (SRC) at their earliest convenience.
Your safety and that of your crew is at stake.