VDES applicability

The VDES implementation has mixed applicability, depending on the region in which your Radio operator license applies:

Region

VDES Applicability

Frequency band to use

European CEPT countries

Anyone using a VHF radio in these European seaways MUST adhere to the channel usage regulations described below, by 1 January 2024.

EUR (Europe CEPT)

USA & Canada

NOT adopting VDES at this time. Anyone using a VHF radio exclusively in these regions only does not need to comply with the VDES, IRR 2020, or BIPT regulations, at this time.

  • USA

  • CAN (Canada)

Other countries (incl. UK)

Not yet formally adopted VDES. VHF radio users in these regions should follow developments published on the respective Government websites.

INT (International)

Note

To ensure your VHF radio is compliant to these requirements, new channel configurations are required, available via a software update:

  • Ray53/63/73: v2.06 (app) / v2.27 (boot)

  • Ray90/91: v1.59 (app) / v1.09 (boot)

To obtain the new software, visit the Raymarine® website: www.raymarine.com/software

Important

If your VHF Radio is currently configured in MARCOM-C mode, the software in your Radio MUST be updated by a Raymarine Service Dealer.

This is because any Radio in MARCOM-C mode, once updated to the latest software, will use channels in the INT (International) Channel set, in a non-compliant configuration.