Telecommunications

Radio communication on ships

Radio communication on ships

An authorizaton is required to carry or use specific radio communication equipment on board of a ship for the purpose of ensuring the safety of the crew and the general protection of vessels at sea. An authorization facilitates the use of the specific equipment on the ship and the communication between ships. The application for authorization must be submitted digitally using the online application form.

Radio License Application ONLINE ONLY as of 1 August 2025

Starting 1 August 2025, it will no longer be possible to submit radio license applications for vessels in person at RAC. All applications can be submitted online only via the online application form.

If you need support with the online application, or you have no access to a computer or the internet, you can contact us during office hours on +5999 463-1700 or vrv@rac.cw.

In exceptional cases, you can schedule an appointment for in-person assistance. Time slots for appointments are subject to availability.

Required documents for authorization request

In addition to the completed online application form for the authorization to carry and use radio communication equipment on board of ships, the following documents must be submitted in digital form:

  • Valid provisional or final sea certificate;
  • Valid measurement certificate;
  • An extract from the Chamber of Commerce not older than 6 months of the owner and representative;
  • A copy of the latest official Radio Surveyor’s Report from certified agencies:
    1. American Bureau of Shipping (ABS);
    2. Lloyd’s Register of Shipping (LR);
    3. Det Norske Veritas GL (DNV-GL);
    4. Nippon KaijiKyokai (NKK);
    5. Registro Italiano Navale (RINO);
    6. Bureau Veritas (BV);
    7. (this does not apply to newly built ships);
  • EPIRB Test Report;
  • A copy of the LRIT Conformance Test Report;
  • If the ship is covered by another arrangement, please provide underlying documents (e.g. SCV code, SSC code);
  • Letter of Power of Attorney (if the representative is not the same as the submitter);
  • Valid ID owner;
  • A copy of the certificate of operation of all personnel in charge of operating the radio communication devices.

Provisionary authorization radio communication on ships

For ships sailing under a foreign flag, there is the possibility to apply for a provisional authorization. In addition to the documents mentioned above, the following required documents also apply:

  • Radio license from where the vessel is registered;
  • If the owner is not a located locally, a letter from the local representative.

For specific questions about this application contact the department of Licenses, Registrations and Fees on +(599-9) 463-1700 of via e-mail to Aanvraag.Schepen@burtel.cw.

Application forms and fees

You can submit your license application for ships digitally using the online application form.

You can also download the latest applicable fees per type of transmitter and receiver equipment under Fees Telecommunications