Is VHF Radio Included in the Croatian Coastal Licence?
One of the most frequently asked questions from prospective skippers – particularly from Germany, Austria and Switzerland – is: “Do I need a separate radio licence for Croatia?” The answer is a clear NO. And in this post, we explain exactly why.
Short Answer: Yes, VHF Radio Is Included
The Croatian Coastal Licence (Boat Skipper Category B) includes Radiotelephony (RTF) – the VHF maritime radio certificate – as an integral part of the examination.
Anyone who passes the Boat Skipper B examination automatically receives authorisation to operate a VHF marine radio installation in Croatian territorial waters. No separate examination and no additional fee are required.
Legal Basis: Pravilnik o brodicama i jahtama
The legal foundation is the Pravilnik o brodicama i jahtama (Ordinance on Boats and Yachts of the Republic of Croatia). This regulation stipulates that the examination programme for Boat Skipper Categories A and B covers the following subject areas:
- 1. Maritime Navigation (Navigacija)
- 2. Marine Engineering and Safety Measures (Motoristika i zaštitne mjere)
- 3. Seamanship, Regulations and Meteorology
- 4. Manoeuvring and Navigation Safety
- 5. Maritime Radiotelephony Service (Pomorska radiotelefonska služba) ← Radio!
Chapter 5 – the radiotelephony module – has always been a fixed component of the Croatian boat skipper examination. This is unique in Europe.
What Exactly Is Examined in the Radio Module?
Chapter 5 of the examination programme covers the following content:
- Construction and operation of the VHF radiotelephony installation
- GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System)
- Channel allocation: Channel 16 (distress/watch), Channel 13, Channel 9 etc.
- DSC – Digital Selective Calling
- MMSI – Maritime Mobile Service Identity
- Distress call MAYDAY: procedure, format, acknowledgement
- Urgency call PAN-PAN and safety call SÉCURITÉ
- ICAO/NATO phonetic alphabet: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie …
- EPIRB and SART – emergency position-indicating devices
- NAVTEX – navigational warnings and weather forecasts
- Exam-relevant radio conversations in English
Why Is Radio Equipment So Important on a Charter Boat?
Every charter vessel in Croatia is required by law to be equipped with a VHF marine radio installation. The use of this equipment is not an optional extra – it is mandatory and life-saving in emergency situations:
- Channel 16: Continuous watch obligation while underway
- Entering harbour: Contact harbour master via Channel 17 or local working channel
- Weather: Reception of meteorological warnings
- Emergency: Transmission of MAYDAY distress call with DSC and voice
What About the SRC – the International Radio Certificate?
The SRC (Short Range Certificate) is the internationally recognised radio licence for short-range coastal sailing. It is taken separately in Germany and Austria. The key difference from the Croatian radio authorisation:
| Feature | Croatian Radio Cert. | SRC (DE/AT) |
| Included in licence? | ✅ Yes – automatic | No – separate |
| Validity | Croatian waters | International |
| Exam language | HR / EN / DE | DE / EN |
| Cost | Included in exam fee | €80–150 extra |
Recommendation: Who Is the Croatian Coastal Licence Right For?
The Croatian Coastal Licence with integrated radio authorisation is the ideal choice for:
- Charter holidaymakers who sail exclusively in Croatian waters
- Beginners with no prior experience who want a valid licence quickly and cost-effectively
- Those who already hold a German SBF See and want to add knowledge of Croatian maritime law
Our E-Manual for the Boat Skipper B includes a complete chapter on radiotelephony – with exam questions, model radio conversations and the GMDSS phonetic alphabet. Everything you need for the radio section of the exam is included in the study material.
👉 Start preparing now: boatskippercourse.com
