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Bring your hand-held VHF between multiple boats

A hand-held VHF radio allows you to take your communication with you from boat to boat – for example between a kayak, personal watercraft, RIB or windsurfer. It is entirely possible to own a VHF radio without owning a boat, as long as the licence is in place and the emergency information is correctly registered.

You do not need to own a boat to use a VHF radio. Many people prefer to use the radio personally, independent of fixed equipment or a specific vessel. This includes divers, sailors or others who take part in organised trips and use different boats.

VHF radios must be linked to a vessel, but there are flexible solutions:

  • You can link the radio to a craft you use frequently – such as a personal watercraft, windsurfer or kayak.
  • You may choose any name to serve as the vessel name – for example “Yamaha”, “Bic” or your own name.
  • If you do not have a boat, you may enter a fictitious vessel length when applying for the licence. 

Remember your emergency information

The mort important thing is to enter the emergency contact information through the Norwegian Maritime Authority's digital service. (Link will be available here from 2026)

Here, you can also explain that you use the radio in multiple craft, and you may include a brief description of how you use it.