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Just before I quit boating 10 or more years ago, the FCC raise license fees to the point they were prohibitive. Seems the CG noticed that the number of "Volunteer Stations" began to drop causing a saftey lapse in their veiw. So they have modified the rules to affect this positively. Apparently no FCC call sign is required except your boat name.
Note that operators are still required to follow the rules at some peril to their personal wealth. (eg no chit chat on channel 16.)
This is very good news, but may require some precruise work by the club leadership.
Here is a summary for your information:
Note that operators are still required to follow the rules at some peril to their personal wealth. (eg no chit chat on channel 16.)
This is very good news, but may require some precruise work by the club leadership.
Here is a summary for your information:
You do not need a license to operate a marine VHF radio, radar, or EPIRBs aboard voluntary ships operating domestically. The term "voluntary ships" refers to ships that are not required by law to carry a radio. Generally, this term applies to recreation or pleasure craft. The term "voluntary ships" does not apply to the following:
Cargo ships over 300 gross tons navigating in the open sea;
Ships certified by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry more than 6 passengers for hire in the open sea or tidewaters of the U.S.;
Power driven ships over 20 meters in length on navigable waterways;
Ships of more than 100 gross tons certified by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry at least one passenger on navigable waterways;
Tow boats of more than 7.8 meters in length on navigable waterways; and,
Uninspected commercial fishing industry vessels required to carry a VHF radio.
Ships required to carry an Automatic Identification System (AIS) transceiver by the U.S. Coast Guard regulations enacted pursuant to the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2000.
Ships are considered as operating domestically when they do not travel to foreign ports or do not transmit radio communications to foreign stations.
Sailing in international waters is permitted, so long as the previous conditions are met.
If you travel to a foreign port (e.g., Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands), a license is required.
Additionally, if you travel to a foreign port, you are required to have an operator permit.
Cargo ships over 300 gross tons navigating in the open sea;
Ships certified by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry more than 6 passengers for hire in the open sea or tidewaters of the U.S.;
Power driven ships over 20 meters in length on navigable waterways;
Ships of more than 100 gross tons certified by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry at least one passenger on navigable waterways;
Tow boats of more than 7.8 meters in length on navigable waterways; and,
Uninspected commercial fishing industry vessels required to carry a VHF radio.
Ships required to carry an Automatic Identification System (AIS) transceiver by the U.S. Coast Guard regulations enacted pursuant to the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2000.
Ships are considered as operating domestically when they do not travel to foreign ports or do not transmit radio communications to foreign stations.
Sailing in international waters is permitted, so long as the previous conditions are met.
If you travel to a foreign port (e.g., Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands), a license is required.
Additionally, if you travel to a foreign port, you are required to have an operator permit.
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