The RNLI will spend significantly less money on radio licensing fees, following Ofcom’s announcement on new pricing for the maritime sector.

Our lifeboat stations and lifeguards rely on maritime VHF radio channels to communicate quickly and effectively with other lifeboats, maritime rescue organisations and emergency services.

For 2 years, Ofcom has worked closely with stakeholders and users of the radio spectrum to introduce a new charging system for shore-based maritime VHF radio channels. At first, the RNLI was concerned that this might result in increased licence fees; this gave significant concern to our supporters.

However, after a collaborative consultation and negotiation process, the RNLI and Ofcom have come to a satisfactory solution, reducing licensing fees for all the radios used ashore in our boathouses and by shore launch crews and lifeguards. Licences for afloat use of radios are already free of charge for all sea users.

RNLI Staff Officer Peter Bradley says: ‘Achieving this overall reduction in licensing fees would not have been possible without the tremendous support the RNLI has received from its supporter base, interested members of the public and members of parliament. We would like to thank everyone who contributed with letters, petitions and emails of support.

‘The RNLI would also like to place on record its sincere thanks to Ofcom for producing a satisfactory solution for charities.’