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Published on 10 September 2025

Inland waterways communications examinations

Anyone using radio equipment on a ship on the Rhine and inland waterways in Europe requires a ship station licence and a licence to operate the equipment in accordance with the Regional Arrangement on the Radiocommunication service for Inland Waterways (Basel, April 2000). OFCOM administers the required examinations.

Information on the examinations, registration forms, list of course providers.

Examination regulations

Use of marine and Rhine radio equipment

Information and extracts from the international Radio Regulations.

Inland waterways communications course providers

This list contains all known providers offering preparation courses for the VHF inland waterways communications licence examination. It shows the latest information submitted by the providers.

Inland waterways communications course providers (de)

Dates and registration for inland waterways communications examinations (UBI)

Examination dates are published on the DETEC eGovernment portal managed by the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications.

New customers must first register on the portal. This can be done free of charge via the CH-LOGIN provided by the Confederation. Instructions are available in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

Existing OFCOM customers who never had an account on the previous portal (OFCOM Online) are requested to email us at kf-fk@bakom.admin.ch before registering on the DETEC eGovernment portal. You can register and submit your application as soon as you receive our approval.

Dates and registration for inland waterways communications radio exam (UBI)

You can also contact OFCOM directly if you have questions regarding the portal (kf-fk@bakom.admin.ch).