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As
a result of the 1996 Telecommunications
Act, the FCC no longer requires operators
of recreational vessels to have an individual
license to operate VHF Marine Radios (with
or without digital selective calling capability),
EPIRBs, or any type of radar.
Recreational vessel operators are asked
to follow the procedures and courtesies
that are required of licensed operators
specified in FCC Rules. You may use your
current FCC issued call sign to identify
your ship station, or the name or registration
number of your vessel.
New FCC regulations are expected that will
affect Recreational Boaters.
Users of VHF marine radio equipped with
digital selective calling will need to obtain
a recognized number from the FCC. It is
unlawful to use digital selective calling
without obtaining a recognized number.
Vessels
Still Required to Be Licensed:
- Vessels
that use MF/HF single side-band radio,
satellite communications, or telegraphy.
- Power
Driven vessels over 20 meters in length.
- Vessels
used for commercial purposes including:
- Vessels
documented for commercial use, including
commercial fishing vessels.
- CG
inspected vessels carrying more than
six passengers.
- Towboats
more than 7.8 meters in length.
- Vessels
of more than 100 tons certified to
carry at least one passenger.
- Cargo
ships over 300 tons.
- Any
vessel, include a recreational vessel,
on an international voyage.
Coast
Guard Boardings:
The FCC has asked the U.S. Coast Guard to
suspend enforcement activities related to
recreational ship licensing while the FCC
considers the elimination of the licensing
requirements.
For further information: Call for the
FCC recorded message at 1-800-322-1117, then
press 2, then press 1. You can also visit
the FCC homepage: http://www.fcc.gov/wtb/.
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