VHF License

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by CaptJimFrei

Not in the USA, and in 30 years sailing in the Caribbean, never been asked for one.



And you need nothing to obtain an MMSI number contrary to another post.

For a FCC call sign and mmsi that’s internationally recognised you needs a ships radio license. In the US that doesn’t need a restricted operator license. In most other countries it does.

[wholybee]

Originally Posted by CaptJimFrei

Not in the USA, and in 30 years sailing in the Caribbean, never been asked for one.

And you need nothing to obtain an MMSI number contrary to another post.

I don't know why this keeps getting so miss interpreted, because it is quite clear on the web pages of the FCC, BoatUS, and Power Squadron, etc.

For the US, *ONLY* the FCC can issue an MMSI number and have it entered into the ITU MARS database. The MMSI number is issued with and printed on the Ships License.

You can get an MMSI number from other sources like BoatUS, but those numbers are not entered into the MARS database. They *can* *not* be used outside of US waters. For that, you must get an FCC license, and and use the MMSI number printed on it.

If you use an MMSI number from BoatUS, etc. in the Caribbean, your AIS unit is broadcasting to the whole world that you don't have a valid FCC license as required by law. (because if you did have a valid license you would have an MMSI in the MARS database) Perhaps that isn't enforced, but it seems pretty careless to broadcast that fact to every USCG vessel in the area.