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

• Theory: Here you acquire the fundamentals of inland navigation radio. These include, for example, the different traffic circles and types of radio communication (who may transmit when), the priority order 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 navigation radio is also covered. Last but not least, you learn about the technology of a VHF radio installation – from equipment standards and ranges to 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 and typical voice radio procedures. Under guidance, you make realistic radio calls, such as a distress call, safety or urgency call (Mayday, Pan Pan, Sécurité) as well as a routine call to a lock or harbour. You learn to carry out all steps of radio procedure correctly in German: from the correct call to a specific station or to all stations (general call), through giving and receiving messages, to test transmissions. You also familiarise yourself with the equipment functions – channel selection, choice of transmitter power (high/low) and squelch are practised hands-on. These practical exercises prepare you ideally 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 practical examination, you must demonstrate on a real or simulated radio that you have mastered typical radio procedure in inland navigation radio. The examiner will set you several tasks. For example, you will have to transmit a distress call with all the required information 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 following the prescribed wording. You will also be tested on normal routine radio communication, such as calling a lock or bridge to arrange passage. Here, the examiners pay attention to the correct form of address, message structure and conclusion of the conversation. In addition, equipment operation is tested: you should be able to set the desired channel on the radio, switch transmitter power and adjust the squelch. Overall, the practical examination dialogue only lasts a few minutes; if you have practised in the course, it runs routinely. You will pass if you deliver the prescribed tasks without error and handle the equipment confidently – the examiner may compensate for minor hesitations with follow-up questions if necessary. If you fail one part (theory or practice), that part can be retaken 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 seem like "just another certificate" for leisure skippers, there are compelling reasons why you should obtain the UBI:

• Legal requirement & legal certainty: On inland waters, the rule is: as soon as a radio is on board, someone with a UBI must be aboard. Without a UBI, you would not be permitted to use the equipment 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 use UBI to send or receive distress calls (Mayday) and urgency messages. Weather warnings and water level information are also broadcast by radio on inland waters. UBI training means you know exactly what to do in an emergency – reassuring 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 licence you can speak directly via VHF to lock keepers or oncoming vessels to coordinate manoeuvres. This greatly increases the efficiency and safety of your trips. Many bridge openings or lock operations can be arranged more quickly by radio than by phone. You also hear important announcements (e.g. closures, warnings).

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

• 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. It is an official radio certificate that authorises you to operate a VHF radio installation on inland waterways. Put simply: with UBI you may 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?

At least the helmsman or an authorised person on board always needs UBI if there is a VHF radio on board. In leisure boating this is usually you yourself as skipper. However, you may also take someone with UBI who operates the radio for you – the important thing is 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 necessary, as inland waterway radio there is conducted in the national language. It is best to find out 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 SRC (Short Range Certificate) is intended for maritime radio on coastal waters and includes English-language radio procedures (GMDSS/DSC). UBI = inland radio, SRC = maritime radio. Specifically: with UBI you may radio on the Elbe in the inland section or on the Rhine, for example; with SRC on the North Sea or Baltic Sea up to approximately 30 nm off the coast. Much of the content overlaps (e.g. general radio regulations, distress calls), but there are differences: UBI focuses on national inland shipping channels and ATIS, SRC 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 have SRC, you can take the UBI exam in shortened form as a supplement. Conversely: with only UBI you may not 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 take the UBI and SRC in a combined course, as many topics overlap and you thus obtain both radio certificates in a short time. Combined courses usually last around 2–3 days (e.g. an intensive weekend), at the end you sit both exams one after the other. In the SRC+UBI exam you benefit from the fact that the UBI theory comprises only 10 additional questions if you have just passed the SRC exam. Many examiners examine SRC first (including practical in English) and then UBI (German inland radio practical) on the same date. This way you have both certificates in your pocket in one day. Find out more from course providers – on toernfinder.de you can search 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?

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

Is the UBI radio licence difficult to pass?

For well-prepared candidates the UBI exam is manageable. The failure rate is low, because the question catalogue is straightforward and the practical procedures can be thoroughly practised in the course. If you have learnt the official exam questions and rehearsed distress calls and so on at the radio a few times, you should be able to pass on your first attempt. The most important thing is to know the radio texts by heart (Mayday, Pan Pan, routine call etc. in the correct form) – then hardly anything can go wrong. The examiners are generally friendly and will sometimes help with a prompt if you get stuck. If it still does not work out, you can retake the failed part within 2–6 months as mentioned. Overall, the UBI radio certificate is considered beginner-friendly – compared with other licences, the learning effort is moderate.

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

Formally you do not have to attend a course to register for the UBI exam. You can also prepare by self-study – there are textbooks, online learning programmes and apps for the question catalogue. Many people manage the theory on their own. However, we recommend at least a course or practice session for the practical: the correct operation of the radio and making the radio calls is best learnt practically with instruction. 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. Since UBI courses are not very expensive and often last only one weekend, the investment is worthwhile in our opinion. In addition, some schools offer online courses where you can learn flexibly and only drop by briefly for the practical. In short: the exam is possible without a course, but a good course gets you fit and confident for the UBI in less time.