ATIS ( Automatic Transmitter Identification System) mode is a signalling protocol used on the inland waterways of Europe that enables the authorities to identify each transmission by a short data burst send when the PTT key is released. The ATIS number is used for example when you call the local lock requesting permission to transit through their lock, when you release the PTT the ATIS data burst is decoded at the lock keepers office and used to look up details of your boat like name, length and draft.

Until January 2009 the RAINWAT countries ignored visiting pleasure craft and did not insist on the use of ATIS when travelling through the waters of the RAINWAT countries. After January 2009 they have insisted on all vessels having ATIS Mode enabled on their radios.

The RAINWAT website states:
The Regional Arrangement concerning the Radiotelephone Service on Inland Waterways,(see pdf link below), is also valid for ships which are coming from states that are not members of the Regional Arrangement and sailing on inland waterways of the RAINWAT area. The usage of ATIS is mandatory for all such ships. Ship owners are responsible for equipping their ships with ATIS-capable equipment and a valid ATIS code. For the above mentioned ships the ATIS code shall be originated by taking the MMSI and adding the figure '9' as the very first digit (for example, if the MMSI is 220278025, the ATIS code would be 9220278025).

It is important to have this number issued by your local Radio Administrator (OFCOM in the UK) as the ATIS number has to be registered on the RAINWAT database. 

ATIS Mode restrictions
ATIS Mode has some restrictions on the use of channels that are different from the normal marine channel usage.

- Scanning not permitted.
- Dual Watch not permitted
- DSC not permitted.
- User cannot change ATIS specific parameters.
- Handhelds General requirements as above with Channel 15 and 17 only allowed.
- Fixed mobile: General requirement as above and only low power allowed on the following channels. CH6,8,10,11,12,13,14,15,17,71,72,74,75,76,77

Getting ATIS on Your VHF
ATIS numbers are issued by Ofcom who pass your details to the RAINWAT database. Since an ATIS number is your MMSI number prefixed with 9, it follows that you must have an MMSI number. Ofcom recognise that it is possible for a VHF set to be ATIS capable without being a DSC set, and so are prepared to issue an ATIS/MMSI number even if you have an old set.

Unless you have a very new (and new model) VHF set you cannot program it for ATIS yourself; it has to be altered by the manufacturer.

New VHF sets have Group or Mode settings that can be switched between. This allows you to switch to ATIS mode on inland waterways and switch back to International mode when at sea. Note that it is illegal to use ATIS mode within 14 miles of UK shores. This means that if you have an old set that cannot switch between modes, then the manufacturer will have to enable it before and disable it after your trip.

Manufacturer Details
Two manufacturers have detailed ATIS information on their websites. Others may well be ATIS capable as well, but their websites do not provide the same detail.

Standard Horizon
Standard Horizon VHF radios have 3 channel plans built into them. These are the International, USA and Canada plans. They can modify the USA or CAN plan to reflect the requirements for RAINWAT and enable the ATIS Code for this channel plan. The default plan changed is the Canada one, but they can also use the USA one if required. The International channel plan is the one that is used in UK waters.

Users can then simply enable ATIS mode by changing the active channel plan to CAN ( or USA) and disable it by reverting to their normal INT channel plan. They hope to integrate ATIS mode automatically into their products in the future. This is a chargeable service for which they charge £32 inc VAT and return carriage within the UK. The models that the re-programming service is available for are HX270E, HX280E, HX370E, HX500E, HX750E, HX760E, GX1100E, GX1500E, GX3000E and VM3500E

ICOM
Your Icom VHF Marine radio has two channel banks (or Groups) 'USA' and 'INT'. UK sets have two additional channels preenabled in the 'INT' group, which are known as channels M1 & M2. The USA group is to be used in American waters and has many of the same channels as the UK's ('INT') group but some channels (although they have the same channel numbers) have different operating frequencies, hence the need for two groups. Once your VHF has been programmed with your newly issued ATIS number, your radio will have three channel groups, 'INT', 'USA' & ATIS.

The ATIS feature (which is a completely separate system to AIS) will be enabled on the radio while the ATIS group is selected, when travelling into European waters. To make sure ATIS is enabled, you simply need to toggle the radio into the ATIS group. When you travel back to UK waters you just need to toggle back to the 'INT' group and the ATIS features will be disabled.

Icom’s current range of VHF Handheld and VHF/DSC fixed marine radios are ATIS capable. For older sets contact your dealer.

REGIONAL ARANGEMENT_english2007sept.pdf