mid-May 1983

 Ronan O'Rahilly's group regained legal possession of the Ross Revenge - the claims and counter claims to the ownership of the vessel had taken many months to be heard in the Spanish courts during 1982 and early 1983. New financial backers were found, mainly in Canada, and work recommenced on fitting out the Ross Revenge.  The planned on air date was 14th August - the 16th anniversary of the  British Marine etc. Broadcasting (Offences) Act coming into effect.  

28th July 1983

The first press reports appear in the Dublin Evening Herald hinting at the imminent return of Radio Caroline  and within a few days the British national press were reporting the story. Fearing official action to detain the ship as the result of this unwelcome publicity plans were rapidly advanced for the ship to sail from Spain .

8th August 1983

Four days after leaving Spain the Ross Revenge was sighted off Britain's south coast  and later the vessel arrived at a position in the Kentish Knock, where she stayed overnight, moving the next day to an anchorage in the Knock Deep near where the Mi Amigo had sunk three years previously.

9th August 1983  

At half past midnight on the transmitter was switched on with a carrier signal and further carrier signals were transmitted during the following few days.

19th August 1983

Test transmissions take place for Radio Caroline

20th August 1983

After a day and a half of test transmissions official broadcasts for Radio Caroline started at 12 noon.

end of October 1983

A Gallup Poll survey showed that in the UK an average of 7% of the adult population (around 4 million people) had listened to the station in its first few weeks on the air. Another survey  in Holland showed that half a million people listened regularly to the station while another half a million claimed to tune in occasionally.

12th November 1983

Broadcasting hours extended to 24 hours a day.

19th November 1983

Seven people were arrested following a chase of the station's tender by a police launch and subsequently charged  with offences under the Marine etc. Broadcasting (Offences) Act 1967

8th December 1983  

British Telecom Maritime Services withdrew the ship-to-shore telephone facility to the Ross Revenge.