VHF License

[Liming II]

Hello,

Quick question, do I need to get any type of license from the FCC to operate a VHF radio? If so, can you please direct me where to go to get one?

Thank you

[bensolomon]

You don't need a licence to operate a vhf radio. You DO need an MMSI number if you have a vhf with DSC and want to use the DSC function or if you want an AIS. To get am MMSI, you need a vhf operators permit because that's how the MMSI is obtained. Some charter companies want you to have a marine radio operators permit (MROP).

For all of this, search the FCC.gov website.

Ben

[rbk]

Depends on your country of origin and current country of cruising location. Operating any radio device in certain counties without proper licensing could land you in jail, some devices are even prohibited.

[ranger58sb]

You DO need licensing if you intend to use the VHF radio outside of the U.S. One would be a Restricted Radio Operator license (for you), the other would be the Ship's Station license (for the boat, and that's what includes an MMSI).

FCC.gov

Or, if you don't intend international travel you can just get an MMSI from BoatUS.

-Chris

[laika]

As a practical matter, does any country actually require the Radio Operators license or the Ships license? I have the latter, but at least in the caribbean, I've never been asked for it, and some of the western caribe countries are known for perhaps an undue love of paperwork.

Or is this an FCC requirement for Americans cruising abroad?

[rslifkin]

Originally Posted by laika

As a practical matter, does any country actually require the Radio Operators license or the Ships license? I have the latter, but at least in the caribbean, I've never been asked for it, and some of the western caribe countries are known for perhaps an undue love of paperwork.

Or is this an FCC requirement for Americans cruising abroad?

The FCC requires you to have it if you want to use a VHF outside the country. But even if they don't actually ask for proof, many countries (including Canada) expect you to be licensed to operate a VHF.

[sv_pelagia]

Originally Posted by rslifkin

The FCC requires you to have it if you want to use a VHF outside the country. But even if they don't actually ask for proof, many countries (including Canada) expect you to be licensed to operate a VHF.

Canada requires a Restricted Radio Operator's Certificate - Marine ROC(M). Individuals from other countries must also have their equivalent "licence" to operate VHF in Canada.

Canadians operating VHF outside of Canada also require a "station license". Similarly, individual on boats from other countries (including the USA) require a station license from their country if they are using their VHF in Canada.

Listening only (or transmit for emergency use) doesn't require a ROC(M) in Canada

[slipaway]

To go back the original question here is the reference for the US (and since the post mentions the FCC I assume that is where you are):

https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-...radio-stations

If you are not required to carry a radio (and most recreational boats are not) then no license is required when you are within the US. There is also a discussion of the MMSI.

[Kelkara]

Originally Posted by sv_pelagia

Listening only (or transmit for emergency use) doesn't require a ROC(M) in Canada

This is not the CCG's opinion on this, as far as they are concerned (except in an emergency) even turning the radio on requires an ROC(M). This came up on another thread, so I emailed Industry Canada for clarification and got a call back from the Coastguard lawyers who outlined their position.

Of course, unless you are being a nuisance on air, enforcement seems to be absolutely zero.

[sv_pelagia]

Originally Posted by Kelkara

This is not the CCG's opinion on this, as far as they are concerned (except in an emergency) even turning the radio on requires an ROC(M). This came up on another thread, so I emailed Industry Canada for clarification and got a call back from the Coastguard lawyers who outlined their position.

Of course, unless you are being a nuisance on air, enforcement seems to be absolutely zero.

Legal vs actual practice?

I've only heard that, for safety reasons, CCG would prefer all boaters to have a VHF, whether with ROC(M) or not. Not exactly evidence-based info though.

As you say, there seems no enforcement.

[wholybee]

Originally Posted by laika

As a practical matter, does any country actually require the Radio Operators license or the Ships license? I have the latter, but at least in the caribbean, I've never been asked for it, and some of the western caribe countries are known for perhaps an undue love of paperwork.

Or is this an FCC requirement for Americans cruising abroad?

Many countries do ask for your FCC callsign, but I have never been asked for the paper that goes with it.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by wholybee

Many countries do ask for your FCC callsign, but I have never been asked for the paper that goes with it.

In 30 years of pleasure boating, I’ve actually never been asked for a radio cert of any type , neither operator certs or ships radio licence. The use of call signs is unusual these days

Despite all that of course I have all the required certification. But just saying

[KompetentKrew]

Originally Posted by laika

As a practical matter, does any country actually require the Radio Operators license or the Ships license? I have the latter, but at least in the caribbean, I've never been asked for it, and some of the western caribe countries are known for perhaps an undue love of paperwork.

A VHF operator's license is a legal requirement in the UK, in practice I suspect it is very widely flouted by people who grew up in coastal areas. I can't imagine a visiting yachtsman being asked to present a certificate.

[mottseng]

Originally Posted by rbk

Depends on your country of origin and current country of cruising location. Operating any radio device in certain counties without proper licensing could land you in jail, some devices are even prohibited.

JAIL....really? Where did you hear that??

[SailRN]

Originally Posted by mottseng

JAIL....really? Where did you hear that??

North Korea's Welcome to North Korea Yankee Dog, page 6042.