Marine radio?

[explodingvarmints]

I was told that I could get a ticket for having a marine (cb type) radio on board if it is not registered with the Coast Guard. Any truth to this? Sure didn't say anything on the box, or instructions.

Thanks

[Sixshooter]

no.

not for a small recreational vessel.

A bunch of years ago they had some things where you had to pay to register and get a VHF liscence but that has sence gone away.

There may be some restrictions if you are using the VHF marine radio from a location on Land however.

http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/fctsht14.html

[spiritofthewild_06]

Just make sure that it is in working order if your going out on the big lakes! I've boarded alot of vessels who think there equipment is working and come to find out its not! If your on an inland lake, dont even turn it on!

[Ferg]

I was told that I could get a ticket for having a marine (cb type) radio on board if it is not registered with the Coast Guard. Any truth to this? Sure didn't say anything on the box, or instructions.

Thanks

First let's get something stright - there are many different types of radios -
a 'CB' Radio is NOT a marine radio - it broadcasts up in the 29-30mhz band (HF), where 'Marine Radio' VHF-fm is in the 156/7....mhz band - two entirely different things - with two completly different uses.

Second - the Coast Guard does NOT register radios - your obligation to register your particular type of radio rests with the FCC and obtaining the proper Lic. for the type being used.

You can get a 'ticket' for not haveing the proper safety equipment (including radio) on board your vessel based on it's size, design and purpose.

HTH

ferg....

[sullyxlh]

You can get a 'ticket' for not haveing the proper safety equipment (including radio) on board your vessel based on it's size, design and purpose.
Correct me if I'm wrong Ferg,but doesn't having a cell phone exempt one from needing a radio?

[Ferg]

Correct me if I'm wrong Ferg,but doesn't having a cell phone exempt one from needing a radio?

I'll check on that - not sure -

But, while I'm doing that I would ask that you read this article -

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQK/is_2_5/ai_61555398

ferg....

[spiritofthewild_06]

I'm not Ferg but i'm sure he will agree with me on this one. It does not make you exempt from getting a ticket for two main reasons: One, sometimes if you are out far enough on the water you may not get cell phone service, and two as of january 1st the *CG program that would let you dial directly into the nearest coast guard station is not operating anymore, so lets say you dialed 911 the dispatcher would then have to call the local coast guard station and then you might get some help...takes to long. Some people however are smart and have the number for the local CG station programmed on there phone, most do not think of that though. So my best advice is to make sure you have your marine radio onboard and working! I say this because when I was in the coast guard we did stop someone who just had a cell phone and no radio, needless to say they were cited for the violation.

[Ferg]

I'm unable to locate that info just now - I'll defer to our active duty friend in Detroit - he'll know for sure - for the reasons cited in the article - I would never leave the dock without an operating VHF-FM radio - broadcasting your situation to potentially hundreds of people that may be able to assist and save your life as to making a single phone call to the CG and waiting for them to arrive, just doesn't seem like it's worth betting my life on.

The closest boat maybe just over the horizon moments away - and the CG station maybe miles and maybe hours away -

It's your life:yikes:


On edit: I was thinking about this some more - ya know - if you think about - attempting to 'skirt' the 'law' is one thing, but if I'm going out on the big lake(s) I want to make sure I have EVERY opportunity to save my family if there is a problem, takeing a cell phone to save a couple of hundred bucks on a good VHF radio just doesn't seem like good math to me -

In any event - try to explain to your wife while she's bobbing up and down in the lake waiting for someone just why you didn't want to go the extra 200 bucks on that little piece of safety equipement -

I have a wife - good luck winning that one !!!!


ferg....

[Falco]

I hope someone can tell me if this is correct or not. I have owned a boat for years and this is what I was told by the marina I purchased it from and seem to get the same answer from other boaters.

The FCC has a license for a Marine Radio, because it's over the 2 watt limit for citizen use. Due to the amount of recreational boaters, they do not require the license for use within waters of the U.S. You will not get a ticket from U.S. authorities for not having the license.

You do need the license to transmit on the radio when in international waters and you do need the license to transmit on the radio in Canadian waters. You could get a ticket for using the radio in Canada without the proper U.S. FCC license.

Probably safer to just get the license.

ETA: If you purchased the boat from a Marina and it came w/ the Marine Radio on board, then I think they have to license the radio before sale of the boat, so it's probably done for you the first time (at least mine was). It will be up to you to renew it from there on out. Check through your paperwork, it's a Marine Radiotelephone, license to operate a radio station, there are call letter that go w/ it, like KNCY-982. If you just purchased the radio off the shelf, then it does not come licensed.

[Ferg]

I hope someone can tell me if this is correct or not. I have owned a boat for years and this is what I was told by the marina I purchased it from and seem to get the same answer from other boaters.

The FCC has a license for a Marine Radio, because it's over the 2 watt limit for citizen use. Due to the amount of recreational boaters, they do not require the license for use within waters of the U.S. You will not get a ticket from U.S. authorities for not having the license.

You do need the license to transmit on the radio when in international waters and you do need the license to transmit on the radio in Canadian waters. You could get a ticket for using the radio in Canada without the proper U.S. FCC license.

Probably safer to just get the license.

Here is the link:

You are correct, in addition this answers the other question, there is no current law that requires you to have a marine radio on pleasure craft operating domestically. Which means you will NOT be cited for not having one, but this still doesn't mean your bobbing in the water wife is not going to kick your butt :)



http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/fctsht14.html


hth

ferg....

[Ferg]

By way of self education, I found out the CG suspended enforement activities concerning FCC Radio Station Licenses carried aboard 'voluntary' ships on April 17th 1996.

So, you shouldn't have gotten any citations after that date.

ferg....