What is ATIS?

ATIS stands for Automatic Transmitter Identification System. This system is used on inland waterways in a number of countries in mainland Europe. A unique FFSK data signal is sent out at the end of each voice transmission, containing the vessel’s unique callsign, identifying you to marine coast stations and inland stations.

Can Entel supply me with an ATIS radio?

Yes. The Entel range of marine radios includes the HT644 VHF ATIS radio, together with intrinsically safe variants, HT844 and HT944. You must tell your dealer that you require the ATIS feature. The ATIS information is dealer programmable, or can be programmed by Entel, prior to supply, if you send your dealer the required information. This includes:

• Vessel MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) number
• Vessel name
• Vessel callsign

What do I need to do?

Before taking delivery of your Entel ATIS VHF marine radio, you will need to contact the licensing authority in your own country. In the UK, this is OFCOM: licensingcentre@ofcom.org.uk. You will need to provide your name, your vessel’s name, its callsign and MMSI number.
Only vessels with an MMSI number can apply for an ATIS number.
This information will be sent to the coordinating body, the Belgian Institute of Postal Services and Telecommunications (BIPT). OFCOM – or the appropriate licensing body outside the UK – will then check their records and issue you with a Notice of Variation (NOV) to your licence, which may be sent to you electronically. Your newly issued ATIS number can then be supplied to your Entel dealer who will programme it into your ATIS radio before supply.

How do I use the ATIS feature?

Your Entel ATIS radio contains the usual sets of marine channels, including those used in European coastal waters, the USA and Canada, but in addition, includes an additional channel set for ATIS. The ATIS feature is enabled on your handheld radio whilst the ATIS group is selected (see operator’s manual supplied with the radio, or download from the Downloads section of this website). No additional programming will be required upon entering or leaving mainland European waters – the ATIS feature is either selected on your radio, or not selected. For a list of ATIS participating countries, see the list at the end of the next section.

Additional Notes:

• As part of this process, your data will be given to the BIPT.
• You must print a copy of the Basel Agreement from www.rainwat.bipt.be/rainboat.h… – and keep it with the NOV and your vessel’s radio licence.
• You must familiarise yourself with the Basel Agreement
• The UK is NOT acceded to the Basel Agreement
• Whilst overseas you will be under the jurisdiction of the authority in that country
• RAINWAT is the Regional Arrangement Concerning the Radiotelephone Service on Inland Waterways, which, through the Basel Agreement, has introduced ATIS for vessels making VHF transmissions whilst on the inland waterways of the signatory countries
• Signatory countries are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, Moldova, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Switzerland, Serbia and Montenegro

Related Pages:

• HT644 ATIS
• HT844 ATIS
• HT944 ATIS