Ship Station Licence
The Ship Station Licence is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for the operation of radio-communication equipment on ships registered in Singapore. The licence is valid for 5 years, with processing typically completed within 7 working days upon complete submission of information.
- Validity
- 5 years
- Processing time
- Within 7 working days upon complete submission of information
- Issuing authority
- INFOCOMM MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (IMDA)
Need help applying for this licence?
We handle the full application — document prep, agency liaison, follow-up — alongside your incorporation.
Who needs the Ship Station Licence
This licence applies to Singapore businesses registered under the following SSIC industry codes:
What's involved in getting the Ship Station Licence
The scope of the application — what must be in place, how the agency reviews, and where applications typically stall.
What this licence allows the business to do
The Ship Station Licence permits the operation of radio-communication equipment on board ships that are registered in Singapore. This is essential for ensuring safe and effective communication while at sea, which is crucial for navigation and emergency situations.
What must be in place before the licence can be granted
Before the licence can be issued, certain prerequisites must be met. These include having a valid Certificate of Registry, Harbour Craft Licence, or Pleasure Craft Licence issued by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. Additionally, a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number assignment letter from IMDA is required. These documents confirm that the vessel is legally registered and compliant with maritime regulations.
How the agency reviews and decides
The IMDA reviews the submitted documentation to ensure that all requirements are met. This includes verifying the legitimacy of the vessel's registration and the MMSI number assignment. The agency conducts a thorough assessment to ensure that the radio-communication equipment complies with safety and operational standards.
Common reasons applications stall
Applications for the Ship Station Licence can face delays for several reasons. Common issues include incomplete documentation, such as missing the required MMSI number assignment letter or failing to provide the correct type of vessel registration. Additionally, discrepancies between the submitted documents and the actual status of the vessel can lead to complications. Ensuring that all prerequisites are accurately fulfilled before submission can help mitigate these risks.
Required documents and prerequisites
Items the applicant typically needs ready before submitting:
- Certificate of Registry, Harbour Craft Licence or Pleasure Craft Licence
- Certificate of Registry, Harbour Craft Licence or Pleasure Craft Licence issued by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
- Maritime Mobile Service identity (MMSI) number assignment letter from IMDA
- Maritime Mobile Service identity (MMSI) number assignment letter from IMDA
Ship Station Licence FAQ
Do I need this licence to start operating my ship?
Yes, the Ship Station Licence is necessary for operating radio-communication equipment on ships registered in Singapore. Without this licence, the operation of such equipment would be illegal and could lead to penalties.
What can my business do once licensed?
Once the Ship Station Licence is obtained, your business can legally operate radio-communication equipment on board your registered ship. This enables effective communication for navigation, safety, and compliance with maritime regulations.
What happens if I operate without it?
Operating without a Ship Station Licence can result in legal penalties, including fines or sanctions from maritime authorities. It may also jeopardize the safety of your vessel and crew, as communication is critical in maritime operations.
How does this fit relative to incorporating my company?
Obtaining the Ship Station Licence is a separate process from incorporating your company. It is advisable to secure the necessary licences, including the Ship Station Licence, after your company is incorporated and the vessel is registered.
What's the most common reason applications get rejected?
The most common reason for rejection is incomplete documentation. Ensuring that all required documents, such as the MMSI number assignment letter and the appropriate vessel registration, are submitted correctly is crucial for a successful application.
Can a foreign-owned company hold this licence?
Yes, a foreign-owned company can hold the Ship Station Licence, provided that the ship is registered in Singapore and meets all the necessary regulatory requirements set by the IMDA.
Get a quote — incorporation + this licence
We package this with your company setup so you launch with the licence already approved.
Other IMDA licences
Aircraft Station Licence
The Aircraft Station Licence is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for the installation and operation of radio communication equipment on board Singapore registered aircraft. The licence is valid for 5 years, with processing typically completed immediately upon payment.
Arts Entertainment Licence
The Arts Entertainment Licence is issued by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for conducting various forms of arts entertainment in Singapore, including plays, concerts, and exhibitions. The licence is valid for specified dates and processing typically takes 20 working days from receipt of complete information.
Computer Online Service Licence
The Computer Online Service Licence is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for online news websites in Singapore that report on local news and current affairs and meet specific traffic criteria. Validity is agency-confirmed, with processing times available on the agency's website.
Enhanced Simplified Equipment Registration (ESER)
The Enhanced Simplified Equipment Registration (ESER) is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for specific short range and low power devices in Singapore, including wireless microphones and telecommand systems. The licence is valid for 5 years, with processing typically completed immediately.
Exhibition of Telecommunication Equipment (with Frequency)
The Exhibition of Telecommunication Equipment (with Frequency) licence is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for temporary exhibitions of telecommunication equipment using radio frequency in Singapore. The licence is valid for a maximum of 90 days, with processing typically completed within 10 working days upon submission of all required information.
Exhibition of Telecommunication Equipment (without Frequency)
The Exhibition of Telecommunication Equipment (without Frequency) licence is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for temporary exhibitions of telecommunication equipment in Singapore. The licence is valid for a maximum of 6 months, with processing typically completed within 10 working days upon complete submission of all required information.