Some more google work turned up the document that I think Gunni was referencing. It looks to me like they are thinking about letting people on shore, but near the water use hand-held VHFs, but I did not find anything saying that the proposal has been accepted. Personally, I think that hand-helds should be OK to use from the shoreline for things like calling a shuttle boat to notify they that you are ready to be picked up, or notifying a boat of a potential hazard.
An Excerpt from page 11 of the FCC 16-119A PDF that I found -
"G. Portable Marine VHF Radios on Shore
25. Section 80.115(a)(2) of the Commission’s Rules prohibits the use on shore of a portable
marine VHF radio associated with a vessel.79 The GMDSS Task Force proposed that the rule be amended
to allow persons on shore within three miles of the water to use portable marine VHF radios to
communicate with the vessel that is subject to the ship station authorization.80 The Commission,
however, noted that limitations on the use of maritime frequencies are intended to minimize interference
to maritime communications (particularly distress and safety messages), and tentatively concluded that
permitting the use of portable marine VHF radio transmitters on shore would not further the public
interest.81 We questioned the practical enforceability of a three-mile rule, and asked whether shore
parties’ communications needs could be met by commercial mobile radio service (CMRS) or PRS
options.82 The Commission also asked commenters supporting the proposal to discuss what limitations
would be appropriate to minimize the impact on maritime communications.83
26. The GMDSS Task Force acknowledges that CMRS options likely will be preferred in
areas with reliable coverage, and asserts that this makes it unlikely that use of low-powered portable
marine VHF radio radios on land will interfere with maritime communications.84 It also argues that
permitting such use will further the public interest by encouraging more boaters to a carry a VHF radio,
which has safety benefits not available from CMRS or PRS options because marine VHF channels can be..."
Again, if someone has information that a change has been made, I am listening with open ears.
Edit:
I was typing while Gunni was posting his last bit of information. I need to do some more reading.