In 2023, ANACOM carried out a wide range of inspections in ports on the Mainland and in the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira. A total of 90 vessels were inspected, including fishing boats, tourist cruise ships, ship hotels and amphibious boats.
These operations, carried out in collaboration with the Maritime Police, were aimed at checking the status, operating conditions and correct use of the radio equipment installed on board these vessels, since violations or malfunctions could interfere with other services and/or make it impossible for emergency communications to function properly.
During these operations, a number of infringements or anomalies were identified, including the use of frequencies not authorised for the maritime mobile service; equipment not certified or suitable for use on board vessels; and analogue radio encryption devices, commonly known as scramblers, which are not authorised for use. Other irregularities found included equipment installed on board without an operating licence, which was confiscated, and situations where licences had expired. Situations were also found where frequencies other than those specified in the station’s licence were being used.
In this type of operation, ANACOM is responsible for analysing the equipment. In most cases, radio stations were installed and operated in accordance with the legislation in force. However, irregular situations were detected in 15 cases.
The operations were carried out in the ports of Povoa de Varzim, Aveiro, Figueira da Foz, Leixoes, Viana do Castelo and the quays of the river Douro, Vila Nova de Gaia, Lamego and Peso da Regua, in the fishing ports of Quarteira, Peniche, Nazare, the port of Sines and Vilamoura Marina; in Madeira and on the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores.
