Wondering if you need a Radio Permit or License?

Wednesday, November 25, 2009
posted by Happy Boater 11:11 AM

25368The answer to this dates back to the Telecommunications Act of 1996. This act simply states that recreational boaters are permitted to have and to use a VHF Marine Radio, EPIRB, and marine radar without having an FCC ship station license.

An FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit is required for boaters having an HF radiotelephone, a VHF transceiver and traveling in foreign waters, or where fitting of a marine radio is required by law (in the case where your boat is 20m or longer). Yes, there’s a fee for this permit, but it’s a lifetime permit and no tests are required in applying for this license.

If in doubt, you can always contact the FCC and ask. FCC forms are available by writing to the FCC, P.O. Box 1050, Gettysburg, PA 17326 or by calling the FCC Forms Distribution center at (202) 418-3676 (toll free number is 1-800-418-FORM).



6 Responses to “Wondering if you need a Radio Permit or License?”

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    Great blog!

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    Hmmm, that was weird, my comment got eaten. Anyway I wanted to say that it’s nice to know that somebody else also mentioned this as I had trouble finding the same info elsewhere.

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