Ham Radio Reciprocal Licenses in the Bahamas ?

[Sailingbeagles]

Hi,

We cruised the Bahamas 12 years ago and had reciprocal licenses then (we are both Extra class Hams). I am trying to find out how to get set for a possible cruise late 2009.

Does anyone know if we need to pay all back years since we had a license? Or can we just get a new license and go from there. I know the new fees are $25 a year, which is fine - but if we need to essentially pay all the back stuff from 1996 the cost is (obviously) much higher!

Thanks,

Nica

[GoingWalkabout]

Since you are a Gam operator I have a question that gas come to mind. What is the law controlling the operation of a Ham radio in international waters?


Thanks

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by GoingWalkabout

Since you are a Gam operator I have a question that gas come to mind. What is the law controlling the operation of a Ham radio in international waters?


Thanks

The laws of your own license country

[GoingWalkabout]

Thanks. Is that the laws of the operators country or laws of the boats flag? And if it's the laws of the operators country than what happens if the operator has dual citizenship and resides in a third country or in fact resides in international waters? If it's the laws of the boats flag country then I suppose you could pick and choose the most convenient flag per licensing

[svlamorocha]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

The laws of your own license country

That is not accurate on US-flagged boats. According to US law, US rules apply to any amateur radio station/operator onboard a US-flagged boat in US or international waters. I read this today when preparing for the US amateur Extra exam!

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[svlamorocha]

Argentina and Brazil also make their rules apply to any ham station onboard boats with their flag. I do not know if there is an ITU agreement that calls for all countries to do the same.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[GoingWalkabout]

Originally Posted by svlamorocha

That is not accurate on US-flagged boats. According to US law, US rules apply to any amateur radio station/operator onboard a US-flagged boat in US or international waters. I read this today when preparing for the US amateur Extra exam!

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

OK. Thanks for your contribution. So it looks like if I choose a country flag that is tax effective and is easy to get a ham license in then I can turn my boat into a shack with my own rig.