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OPERATING RULES
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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 termi-
nal, or required to carry a marine radio under any other
regulation must still carry an FCC ship station license. For
further information, see the FCC Ship Radio Stations Fact
Sheet.
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