FCC license - The Hull Truth

rkoechert46 · 11-03-2003, 02:54 PM

New guy on block assistance requested. Do I need to get an FCC license to use the VHF/FM marine transceiver and Raytheon radar systems on the boat I just purchased? Or have they gone the way of the CB licenses? The guy I bought the boat off of had his original license in the manual pack he gave me but they were supposed to be good for 5 yrs and he didn't renew them. So do I need them? I went to the FCC website and it is VERY confusing would I be better off calling? Thanks in advance for your help. Ralph.

Ralph

Birdman · 11-03-2003, 02:56 PM

No. You do not need a lic for either. Marine VHF licenses disapeared many moons ago.

Assuming your talkin about NON_commercial, right?

Birdman, Capt of

Scout Abaco 280 Click here!

gerg · 11-03-2003, 06:14 PM

I'm pretty sure you do need one for ssb though. Is your radio just vhf?

You also need one for vhf if you get to canadian waters.

** yeahah **

Birdman · 11-03-2003, 07:51 PM

quote:Originally posted by gerg:
I'm pretty sure you do need one for ssb though. Is your radio just vhf?

SSB is AM, not FM.

Birdman, Capt of

Scout Abaco 280 Click here!

Recovery Room · 11-04-2003, 09:40 AM

Birdman is correct assuming that you are using it for recreational purposes ... and while in US waters. Many other countries, which I believe includes Canada do require a license.

Recovery Room

First Light · 11-04-2003, 10:49 AM

No license needed for the radar.

You need a license to operate a VHF/FM radio if (1)you leave US waters, or (2)your boat is used for commercial purposes.

If you have a SSB you need a license to operate it.

rkoechert46 · 11-05-2003, 07:48 AM

Thanks folks. I will defintely be staying in the U.S. and totally recreational. Someone told me they went the way of CB licenses they thought. Always like to double check. I have to check bu8t if my radio can be used as a radio telephone does that change the license requirements? Ralph.

Ralph

captadamnj · 11-05-2003, 01:45 PM

the statement that you need a license if you are using the vessel commercially is not exactly accurate. you MAY need a license if you are using your vessel commercially.

check out this page -
http://wireless.fcc.gov/commoperators/mp.html

which states in short -
MPs are required to operate radiotelephone stations aboard certain vessels that sail the Great Lakes. They are also required to operate radiotelephone stations aboard vessels of more than 300 gross tons and vessels which carry more than six passengers for hire in the open sea or any tidewater area of the United States. They are also required to operate certain aviation radiotelephone stations and certain coast radiotelephone stations.

so in the arena of "commercial", most 6-pak charter boats aren't required to have one (if you are more than 300 gross tons, you are probably carrying more than 6 passengers!), nor are many commercial fishing vessels.

------------
Capt. Adam
Karen Ann II

Keyskid · 11-06-2003, 01:02 PM

Recreational boaters in US water no longer need a VHF license. If you go international, it's a different story. I know a lot of guys that go to the Bahamas and don't have them. I used to have one, but gave it up when they raised the fees.

"Everyone should believe in something. I believe I will go fishing" --- Henry David Thoreau
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Grady228 · 11-12-2003, 07:13 PM

Capt Adam,
Did you just get your boat a year ago? Did you buy your electronics in Marmora? Thanks Brent

gbutler · 11-12-2003, 07:20 PM

I looked into this about a year ago and was planning on possibly taking my boat to bimini.

What I was told is recreational in the us it was not required only once you leave us waters but i seem to recall there was a stipulation on the size of your boat if it exceeded a cartain size displacement it was required in all cases.

Greg