Running Lights

THE MARINE RADIO SERVICE
The marine radio service has been established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which regulates:

~ the type of marine radio equipment that may be used

~ the licenses required to operate marine radio equipment,

~ the content of messages aired over marine radio, and

~ other aspects of proper radio operation.

MARINE RADIO LICENSES
A valid FCC ship station license for the radio transceiver on your boat is required before you use your radio. All marine radio equipmentÑincluding hand-held unitsÑmust be licensed.

A ship station license is issued for a 5-year period. It is your responsibility to remember to renew it before expiration. If a boat is sold, the radio license does not transfer to the new owner. The new owner must apply for a new ship station license.

When you receive you license, note the radio call sign assigned to you; must use this call sign to identify your communications. Post the license or a copy of it on the boat near the radio, and have it available for inspection by FCC agents or the U.S. Coast Guard.

Your marine radio license is specifically named "SHIP station license" because the radio may only be used on your boat, when the boat is in the water. It is not possible for an individual recreational boater to obtain a license authorizing the use of marine radio on land.

An operator's license is NOT required, except if:

~ the boat will be docking in a foreign port

or

~ radio frequencies other than VHF will be used.

If so, each individual who operates a marine radio must hold a restricted radiotelephone operator's permit. The ship station license is for the radio equipment, whereas the operator's permit is for the person. The restricted radio telephone operator's permit is valid for the lifetime of the licensee.

You may order FCC license application forms by calling (202) 418-0190, and giving the correct form number:

~ Ship station licenseForm 506

~ Restricted radiotelephone operator's permitForm 753

Fees are currently $35 for each license, subject to change.

*Information provided by
Federal Communications Commision

CONTENT OF MESSAGES
When using marine radio, you may ONLY talk about:

~ the navigational or operational needs of the boat, or

~ the safety of life and property on the water.

Because marine radio is a safety-of life communications service, personal messages are prohibited. For personal communications, use citizen's band (CB) radio instead, or place a telephone call through the marine operator.

CHANNEL USAGE
Be careful to use the correct marine radio channel for the type of communication you wish to make. Just because your radio transceiver is capable of operating on various channels does not mean that you are authorized to used whatever channel you wish. A channel usage chart is provided at the end of this section.

Channel 16 is used for distress and safety communications, and for "calling". "Calling" means making initial contact with another vessel or marine coast station. Once contact has been made, you must switch to another channel, called a "working frequency", to complete your message.

Excessive radio checks tie up marine channels needlessly; keep them to a minimum. DON'T call the Coast Guard or use Channel 16 for radio checks. Instead, call another boat on a working frequency.

PENALTIES
Violations of the Communications Act or of FCC Rules are punishable by fines of up to $10,000 per day per violation, up to a total of $75,000 in any one notice; and/or by revocation of license or criminal prosecution. [47 U.S.C. 505, 503(b)]

CHANNEL USAGE CHART
When using marine radio, you may ONLY talk about:

1. Channel 70 is ONLY authorized for DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING, an automated digital distress system mandated by international maritime treaty. Voice communications are no longer permitted on Channel 70.

2. The FCC has PROPOSED setting aside Channel 14 in the San Francisco area for the U.S. Coast Guard's mandatory Vessel Traffic Service (VTS).