Do I need a FCC license for VHF radio?

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J

Jack

After some reading at the FCC website, I am confused. Do I need a FCC license to have and operate my VHF radio on my boat? Thanks, Jack
 
B

Bayard Gross

No, but

For the moment, that is on a tempoary basis, any vessel that is not reguired to have a radio on board, is not required to hold an FCC license. However, were you to travel to Canada, you would then need such a license. As there are now plenty of VHF radios out there that were purchaed without the license requirement, it is a pretty good bet that the license requirement will not be reactivated. However, if the license requirement were reactivated, it might only be for units with more than a specified amount of power, say more than twenty-five watts, which is about the limit on console based models.
 
A

Andy

Bayard-oh Canada

I'll take your word with a lump of salt, but it sounds confusing. Why would you have to have an FCC (rules of USA) to operate in Canadian waters?? Did we take over Canada last weekend?(just kidding). But it does sound strange ay?
 
W

Why Us

FCC got you confused?

Jack You wrote: "After some reading at the FCC website, I am confused" Geez, try the TSA, FBI or DOD. Better yet, the White House, and their Information Minister. We're all in it, deep.
 
G

Gord May

US Licvence in Canada?

You need both a Marine "Radio station Licence" (which designates your call sign), and a "Restricted Operator's Certificate" in Canada. Canada will accept you're US licence, while in transit for up to 45 days. See "RIC23". Gord
 
K

Ken Palmer

Here is the correct FCC web page

I had to wade thru several different searches, but here is a link to the official FCC web page that defines licensing for us sailors. Just a note that sometimes you have to use the "advanced search" category on some search tools, otherwise you end up with zillions of possible hits. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty
 
A

Augie Byllott

FCC Licensure

In the US, pleasure craft are not required by law to carry a radio. Should pleasure boat owners choose to carry a VHF radio, licensing is not now required. Prior to 10/26/96, licenses were required. (I had one issued in 1984 covering vhf radio and radar) What follows is a cut & paste from the FCC website. Do I Need a Ship Radio Station License? On October 26, 1996, the FCC released a Report and Order in WT Docket No. 96-82, FCC 96-421 (text, WordPerfect), eliminating the individual licensing requirement for voluntary ships operating domestically which are not required by law to carry a radio. The paragraphs below describe how the rules affect the maritime public. WHO NEEDS A SHIP STATION LICENSE? You do not need a license to operate a marine VHF radio, radar, or EPIRBs aboard voluntary ships operating domestically. The terms "voluntary" and "domestic" are defined below. Although a license is no longer required for these ships, you may still obtain a license (and call sign) by following the procedures outlined in Section IV. WHICH SHIPS ARE VOLUNTARY? The term "voluntary ships" refers to ships that are not required by law to carry a radio. Generally, this term applies to recreation or pleasure craft.
 
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