In a UBI radio course experienced instructors teach you all the knowledge you need for radio operation on inland waterways. Typically, the training is divided into a theory section and practical exercises on the radio set – often compactly over a weekend or in evening sessions. You learn both the technical and and legal background knowledge as well as the practical handling of the radio equipment.

• Theory: Here you acquire the fundamentals of inland waterway radio communication. This includes, for example, the various traffic circles and and types of radio traffic (who may transmit when), the priority of distress, urgency and routine radio messages as well as the radio channels/frequencies and their use on inland waters. The ATIS system (Automatic Transmitter Identification System) as a special feature of inland waterway radio communication is also covered. Last but not least, you learn about the technology of a VHF radio installation – from equipment standards to ranges and the correct aerial – so that you understand how radio sets work.

• Practice: In the practical part of the UBI course you practise operating the radio set and typical radio communication procedures. Under guidance you carry out realistic radio messages, e.g. a distress call, safety or urgency call (Mayday, Pan Pan, Sécurité) as well as a routine call to a lock or a harbour. You learn to execute all steps of radio communication in German correctly: from the correct call to a specific station or to all stations (general call) through giving and receiving messages to the test transmission. In addition you familiarise yourself with the equipment functions – channel selection, selection of transmitter power (high/low) and squelch are practised hands-on. These practical exercises optimally prepare you for the examination simulation at the end of the course, so that you can transmit calmly and correctly in an emergency and during the examination.

Practical examination

In the In the practical exam you must demonstrate on a real or simulated radio set that you masterthe typical radio procedures in inland navigation radio. The examiner will give you several tasks. For example, you will have to transmit a distress call with all required details and then correctly respond to an incoming distress call. An urgency message (e.g. medical emergency) or a safety message (e.g. weather warning) may also be required – always in German and according to the prescribed wording. Furthermore, you will be tested on normal routine radio communication, for example calling a lock or bridgeto coordinate a passage. The examiners pay attention to the correct form of address, reporting structure and conclusion of the conversation. In addition, the operation of the device is tested: you must select the desired channel on the device, switch the transmitting power and the squelch and be able to adjust it. Overall, the practical examination dialogue only lasts a few minutes; if you have practised in the course, it runs smoothly. You will pass if you present the required tasks without errors and handle the device confidently – the examiner will compensate for minor hesitations with follow-up questions if necessary. If you fail one part (theory or practice), this part can be repeated after at least 14 days (within 6 months).

Note: Holders of an SRC/LRC must also take the practical UBI examination, though usually in abbreviated form. Since you are already familiar with many procedures through maritime radio, the UBI practical examination is then often limited to inland-specific elements only (e.g. ATIS, German calling procedures). Enquire with the examining board about this option if you already hold a maritime radio certificate.

Even though the UBI radio certificate may at first glance appear to be just 'another certificate' for leisure skippers, there are compelling reasons why you should take the UBI:

• Legal requirement & legal certainty: On inland waters applies: as soon as a radio is on board, someone with UBI must be sailing. Without UBI you would not be allowed to switch on or use the device. With the radio certificate you fulfil all legal requirements and avoid fines – but above all you ensure that in an emergency a qualified person can use the radio.

• Safety and emergency communication: VHF radio is the most important safety network on the water. In an emergency you can, with UBI, make distress calls (Mayday) and urgency messages or receive them. Even on inland waters, weather warnings or water levels are communicated by radio. With UBI training you know exactly what to do in an emergency – a reassuring feeling for you and your crew.

• Efficient navigation & communication: On rivers and canals, coordination with locks, bridges and commercial shipping is crucial. With the UBI radio certificate you can speak directly via VHF with lock keepers or oncoming vesselsto coordinate manoeuvres. This enormously increases the efficiency and safety of your trips. Many bridge openings or lock operations can be arranged more quickly by radio than by telephone. In addition, you hear important announcements (e.g. closures, warnings).

• Complementing your qualification: For experienced skippers, the UBI is a worthwhile additional qualification. You expand your nautical knowledge specifically for inland waters – from radio regulations to emergency management. This makes you an even more confident skipper. And for beginners, the UBI course is a good introduction to the world of marine radio technology, which often inspires further learning (many go on to add the SRC for sea areas afterwards).

• Internationally recognised: The UBI radio licence is recognised in many European countries. If you're planning trips in the Netherlands, France or on the Danube towards the Black Sea, for example, you can participate in inland radio communications almost everywhere with the German UBI.

What does 'UBI' mean and what kind of certificate is it?

UBI stands for UKW-Sprechfunkzeugnis für den Binnenschifffahrtsfunk. This is an official radio certificate that authorises you to operate a VHF radio installation on inland waterways. Put simply: with the UBI you are permitted to use VHF radio on rivers, canals and inland lakes. The UBI radio licence is mandatory as soon as a permanently installed radio is present on a boat. It is valid for life and recognised in large parts of Europe.

Who must hold the UBI radio certificate on board?

Always at least the skipper or an authorised person on board needs the UBI if there is a VHF radio on board. In leisure boating, that is usually you yourself as skipper. However, you may also take someone with UBI who operates the radio for you – the important thing is only that someone with a valid UBI certificate is on board as soon as radio communication could take place. Without UBI, the radio should be left switched off. In commercial shipping, skippers must likewise hold UBI. By the way: for sea areas, the SRC/LRC requirement applies analogously.

Is the UBI valid abroad as well?

Yes, the UBI radio certificate from Germany is recognised in many European countries, for example in our neighbouring countries and on international rivers. So you can, for instance, take part in inland radio communication with the German UBI in the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland or on the Danube. However, note: In some countries (e.g. France) an additional language test may be required, since inland waterway radio communication there is conducted in the national language. It is best to inform yourself about the respective regulations before trips abroad. Within Germany and on the Rhine/Moselle/Main etc., however, your UBI covers everything.

What is the difference between UBI and SRC?

The UBI certificate authorises radio operation on inland waters in German, whilst the SRC (Short Range Certificate) is intended for maritime radio in coastal waters and includes English-language radio procedures (GMDSS/DSC). UBI = inland radio, SRC = maritime radio. In concrete terms: with UBI you may, for example, use the radio on the Elbe in the inland area or on the Rhine; with SRC, on the other hand, on the North or Baltic Sea up to approx. 30 nm from the coast. Many topics overlap (e.g. general radio regulations, distress calls), but there are differences: UBI focuses on national inland waterway channels and ATIS, whilst SRC focuses on international distress and calling frequencies. If you want to navigate both inland and coastal waters, you cannot avoid both certificates – which is why many schools offer combination courses. If you already hold the SRC, you can take the UBI examination in shortened form as a supplement. Conversely: with only UBI you may not use the radio at sea, as different regulations and English radio language apply there.

Can I do UBI and SRC together?

Yes. It is very popular to complete UBI and SRC in a to complete a combined course, as many topics overlap and you thus obtain both radio certificates in a short time. Combined courses usually last about 2–3 days (e.g. an intensive weekend), at the end of which you take both examinations one after the other. In the SRC+UBI examination you benefit from the fact that the UBI theory comprises only 10 additional questions if you have just passed the SRC exam beforehand. Many examiners examine SRC first (including practical in English) at one appointment and then UBI (German inland radio practical) afterwards. This way you have both certificates in one day in the bag. Find out from course providers – on toernfinder.de you can filter specifically for combined SRC+UBI courses Naturally you can also do UBI and SRC separately; the order doesn't matter, although many people do SRC first and then add UBI.

How long does a UBI radio course and the exam take?

Course duration varies by provider. Many sailing schools offer weekend courses – for example one day of theory and half a day of practical training, followed by the exam on Sunday. Alternatively there are evening courses over 2–4 evenings or online courses for self-study (with a practical training session before the exam). Since the syllabus is relatively compact, you usually manage with a total of 10–15 hours of study time (including practical exercises). The exam itself is quick: you have a maximum of 60 minutes for the written test (often experienced candidates finish in 20–30 minutes). The practical exam per candidate lasts about 10 minutes, as only a few radio messages are tested. Often 2–3 candidates are examined together (each makes a different radio call). Nevertheless, allow plenty of time on exam day – depending on organisation, everything together can take several hours (including preparation, waiting times, issuing of the certificate). Overall: from course start to receiving your UBI certificate usually takes only a few weeks.

Is the UBI radio licence difficult to pass?

For well-prepared candidates the UBI exam is quite manageable. The failure rate is low, because the question bank is limited and the practical procedures can be thoroughly practised in the course. If you've learnt the official exam questions and practised Mayday calls & Co. on the radio a few times, you should be able to to pass at the first attempt. What matters most is to radio phraseology by heart (Mayday, Pan Pan, routine calls etc. in the correct form) – then hardly anything can go wrong. The examiners are generally friendly and will also help with a prompt if you should falter. If it doesn't work out after all, you can resit the failed part within 2–6 months as mentioned. Overall the UBI radio licence is considered beginner-friendly – compared to other licences the study workload is moderate.

Do I have to attend a course for the UBI, or can I do it without one?

Strictly speaking you don't have to attend a courseto register for the UBI exam. You can prepare self-study on your own – there are textbooks, online learning programmes and apps for the question catalogue. Many people pass the theory on their own. However, we recommend at least for the practical a course or practice session: the correct operation of the radio and making the radio calls is best learnt practically with guidance. In a course you also receive valuable tips and can ask questions immediately. Last but not least, practising together is often more fun and motivating. As UBI courses are not very expensive and often last only a weekend, the investment is worthwhile in our opinion. Moreover, some schools offer online courses where you can learn flexibly and just drop in briefly for the practical part. In short: The exam is possible without a course, but a good course will get you fit and confident for the UBI in less time.