FCC: I Must Be Really Slow...

[Rick D]

I just spent an hour and forty five minutes on the FCC site(s) just renewing my ships radio license (I use the radio out of the USA). Phil, it's a lesson in website complication!

 

[dlochner]

The FCC site is not the most user friendly site. Maybe by the time I need to renew my license it will be better.

 

[Brian D]

Interesting, I only use it every 10 years to renew my Amateur Radio License. Piece of cake. Yet I have also heard other say they had no issues with ships' radio licenses. Wonder why the disparity? (rhetorical question)

 

[sailnoproblem]

Let us not forget, it is a government agency.

 

[dlochner]

Let us not forget, it is a government agency.

The striking part of dealing with the FCC is how much more difficult it is than dealing with the USCG Documentation, DTOPS program for renewing our decals, and accessing Social Security information. Perhaps the FCC folks have been excessively exposed to electromagnetic radiation without wearing their tinfoil hats. Just sayin'.

 

[Brian D]

Nah, they are all former DMV employees.

 

[justsomeguy]

Maybe by the time I need to renew my license it will be better.

 

[Rick D]

I know, huh. USCG is SO easy comparatively. They probably use different consultants and designers. Or worse, do it internally.

 

[scuba201]

Interesting, I only use it every 10 years to renew my Amateur Radio License. Piece of cake. Yet I have also heard other say they had no issues with ships' radio licenses. Wonder why the disparity? (rhetorical question)

Can hams just use their call sign while sailing in a different country, or do you have to have a separate license?

 

[Brian D]

Depends on the reciprocity between the US and the other country. It also depends on your class of license. The US Extra class license is recognized by many countries, but the Advanced Class and below are not. Of course, while in international waters anything goes.

But to answer, no, we do not have carte blanche.

 

[Rick D]

Yes, I don't use my ham radio in Mexico. It's a mess to get Mexican permit.

 

[capta]

Can hams just use their call sign while sailing in a different country, or do you have to have a separate license?

When I circumnavigated in the '70s I usually got a no hassle reciprocal license from each country I visited. Whereas most hams collect comms with as many hams in other countries as they can, we collected reciprocal licenses.