Amateur radio is not the same as marine radio!
The frequencies allocated for amateur radio are different to those allocated for marine radio.
Marine radio as a safety and distress element where amateur radio should be considered as a hobby.
However, having amateur radio onboard along side marine radio does allow for more communications freedom.

Having an amateur radio licence allows you to operate two-way radio from your home, car or yacht.
You can communicate by voice or computers (email) with other amateur radio stations all over the world. You can send emails via HF and VHF amateur radio, through the global amateur radio network, visit www.winlink.org for details. You can also send your position and have it displayed on the Internet so that anyone with access to the Internet can see where you are, click here to see position reports.

Using amateur radio you are not permitted to transmit any business type information. In the UK amateurs are allowed to transmit third party greeting messages.

It has never been easier to obtain an amateur radio licence, here in the U.K. there are 3 classes of licence, fundamental licence, Intermediate licence and full licence.

A Fundamental licence is the allows you to operate on most amateurs frequencies, but with restrictions. Unfortunately with a fundamental licence you are not permitted to operate from a vessel at sea. To obtain a fundamental licence you need to pass a short fundamental licence paper. Many amateur radio clubs run foundation licence cources and exams over a weekend.

Intermediate licence allows you to operate of all amateur bands.

The full licence offer all privileges, you can operate on all ham bands, even from your yacht. To obtain a full licence you need to pass the City and Guilds Amateur Exam which is held twice a year .
Click here for more information on obtaining a UK amateur radio licence.