Licenses and Certificates for Marine Radios: 2025 Guide

Using a VHF radio on board is not just a matter of safety; it's a regulatory obligation. In this guide, updated for 2025, we'll explain in a simple and comprehensive way what licenses and certificates are required to legally operate a marine radio in Italy, with a special focus on recreational boating.

Regulatory Obligations: What You Need to Use a Marine Radio

To use a marine radio (both fixed and portable), the following are required:

1. Government RTF Operating License – Certifies the radio equipment installed on board the vessel.

2. RTF Radiotelephone Operator Certificate – Also known as a "VHF license," it authorizes the operator to use the equipment.

These authorizations are also required for recreational vessels sailing more than 6 miles from the coast. Within 6 miles, a VHF is optional, but it remains mandatory to possess the documentation if one chooses to install it on board.

At BPG Radiocomunicazioni, we offer all the necessary forms and complete consulting services for free to obtain these documents.

Radiotelegraphy Operating License (RTF)

The operating license certifies that the VHF equipment installed on the vessel is compliant and registered. It is valid for 10 years and must be renewed in case of:

• Change of vessel name or port of registration

• Replacement or addition of equipment

• Change of serial number

The request is submitted through the official platform nautica.mimit.gov.it.

Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Certificate (RTF)

This certificate allows the vessel's operator to legally operate the VHF equipment. It is issued without examination for vessels under 150 tons and with radio power not exceeding 60 W.

It has no expiration date and is requested only once, through the Territorial Inspectorate of the MIMIT (formerly MISE).

From BPG Radiocomunicazioni, every radio is supplied with:

• Forms for RTF License and RTF Certificate

• Declaration of Conformity (DoC)

• Free consultation on form completion and submission

Other Certificates: For Fishing Vessels and EPIRBs

Those operating on fishing vessels or in A1 and A2 areas (up to 40 miles from the coast) can request:

• Restricted VHF-RTF/DSC EPIRB certificate (A1 area)

• Restricted MF-RTF/DSC EPIRB certificate (A1 and A2 areas)

These are issued after an examination and include the use of DSC equipment and EPIRB radio beacon, essential devices for rescue at sea.

The Importance of VHF and Secure Communications

VHF is the primary means for maritime communications. Some of the main channels are:

• Channel 16: emergencies

• Channel 9: communication with the Coast Guard

• Channels 6 and 8: inter-ship communications

• Channel 68: weather forecast

Improper use of VHF (e.g., false alarms) incurs severe penalties, up to 10,000 euros or six months imprisonment.

The Best Marine Radios of 2025

If you are looking for a compliant, reliable, and ready-to-use marine radio with the necessary documentation to be in order, these three Icom models are among the most popular and up-to-date for 2025. All products are supplied by BPG Radiocomunicazioni with 48-hour shipping, extended 3-year warranty, and free consultation to obtain RTF License and RTF Certificate.

Icom IC-M25E – The practical choice for small boats

Compact, lightweight, and buoyant, the IC-M25E is the perfect portable VHF for tenders, inflatable boats, and recreational vessels. Its use is intuitive, even for beginners, and it is designed to offer maximum practicality and safety at sea.

• Battery life up to 11 hours with integrated battery
• USB charging, even from a power bank
• Powerful 550 mW audio for always clear communications

With its buoyant design and backlit keypad, it is a reliable ally even in nighttime or bad weather conditions.

Buy now on shop.bpg.it – 48-hour shipping and extended 3-year warranty.

Icom IC-M94DE – The most complete portable VHF on the market

The IC-M94DE represents the state-of-the-art among portable VHFs: it is the first in the world to integrate AIS, DSC, and GNSS in a single compact device. Ideal for boat owners and skippers who want the maximum on-board technology even on a portable radio.

• Integrated AIS to see nearby vessels directly on the display
• Class H DSC with Distress button for emergencies and immediate GPS position
• Buoyant with Float’n Flash, AquaQuake function, and noise cancellation

Its powerful 1500 mW speaker ensures clear communications even in difficult marine conditions. A professional radio designed for maximum safety.

Buy now on shop.bpg.it – 48-hour shipping and extended 3-year warranty.

Icom IC-M330GE – Fixed VHF with integrated GPS

For those seeking a robust and compact fixed unit, the IC-M330GE is one of the most reliable solutions on the market. Ideal for permanent installations on sailboats or motorboats, it comes complete with everything needed to be operational immediately.

• Integrated GPS and DSC for emergencies
• Backlit display and keypad for excellent visibility
• AquaQuake function to keep the audio always clean

It comes with a microphone, bracket, cables, and external GPS antenna. Everything needed for a quick, compliant, and secure installation.

All models are compliant with current regulations and include:

• Forms for RTF License and RTF Certificate
• Declaration of Conformity
• Free consultation for bureaucratic procedures

For assistance or more information: shop@bpg.it
Buy now on shop.bpg.it – 48-hour shipping and extended 3-year warranty.

Conclusions:

Using a marine radio without licenses can be costly. BPG Radiocomunicazioni provides you with certified radios, documentation ready for submission, and free assistance to obtain your RTF License and RTF Certificate.

Visit our shop to discover the complete range of Icom radios with 48-hour shipping and extended 3-year warranty. For any information or assistance with procedures: shop@bpg.it