Following the World Radio Conference agreeing changes to global rules on using AMRD equipment in 2019 and the European Conference on Postal and Telecommunications Administrations agreeing how this should be implements in 2022 (ECC Decision 22(02), the UK has now updated policy as of 18 December 2024. The UK is not legally required to implement the decision, but intends to do so to enhance maritime safety, provide certainty for mariners and support harmonisation across Europe.
Over time, UK spectrum rules will be updated in line with the approach set out in ECC Decision 22(02) on AMRDs so that:
- only Group A AMRDs may use the frequencies 156.525 MHz (channel 70), 161.975 MHz (AIS 1), and 162.025 MHz (AIS 2).
- Group B AMRDs and Non-Class M MOB Devices on channels AIS1 and AIS2 may no longer use these channels.
- Group B AMRDs must use the frequency 160.900 MHz (Channel 2006); further they are limited to a transmitter E.I.R.P of 100 mW and an antenna height not exceeding 1m above the sea surface.
Further information on this, including a link to register for updates, can be found by reading this update from Ofcom.