Radio Communication needs, wants and fairy tale dreams

[CharlesHarris]

In UK are noncommercial boats permitted to use VHF marine band radio without a licence?

While use of marine radio on land is not permitted, limited ship to shore comunication between your boat and home would be permissible. A 25watt radio on the boat with half-wave dipole up high on the mast and a similar base radio at home with roof mounted antenna would have good range. Even portable VHF would do well with a base or mobile whip antenna, performing similarly to 2-meter ham.