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11. Operating Rules
49
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PRIORITIES
•Read all rules and regulations pertaining to priorities and
keep an up-to-date copy handy. Safety and distress calls
take priority over all others.
•You must monitor Channel 16 when you are not operating
on another channel.
•False or fraudulent distress signals are prohibited and pun-
ishable by law.
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PRIVACY
•Information overheard but not intended for you cannot law-
fully be used in any way.
•Indecent or profane language is prohibited.
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RADIO LICENSES
(1) SHIP STATION LICENSE
You must have a current radio station license before using the
transceiver. It is unlawful to operate a ship station which is not
licensed.
Inquire through your dealer or the appropriate government
agency for a Ship-Radiotelephone license application. This
government-issued license states the call sign which is your
craft’s identification for radio purposes.
(2) OPERATOR’S LICENSE
A Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit is the license
most often held by small vessel radio operators when a radio
is not required for safety purposes.
The Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit must be
posted or kept with the operator. Only a licensed radio opera-
tor may operate a transceiver.
However, non-licensed individuals may talk over a transceiver
if a licensed operator starts, supervises, ends the call and
makes the necessary log entries.
Keep a copy of the current government rules and regulations
handy.
Radio license for boaters (U.S.A. only)
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 permits recreational
boaters to have and use a VHF marine radio, EPIRB, and
marine radar without having an FCC ship station license.
Boaters traveling on international voyages, having an HF
single sideband radiotelephone or marine satellite terminal,
or required to carry a marine radio under any other regula-
tion must still carry an FCC ship station license. For further
information, see the FCC Ship Radio Stations Fact Sheet.