Most recreational vessels under 65.6ft/20m in length do not have to carry a marine radio. Any vessel that carries a marine radio must follow the rules of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Radio Licenses
The FCC does not require operators of recreational vessels to carry a radio or to have an individual license to operate VHF marine radios (with or without digital selective calling capability), EPIRBs, or any type of radar. Operators must however follow the procedures and courtesies that are required of licensed operators specified in FCC Rules. You may use the name or registration number of your vessel to identify your ship station.
Users of VHF marine radio equipped with digital selective calling will need to obtain a maritime mobile service identity (MMSI) number from the FCC. It is unlawful to use digital selective calling without obtaining this identity.
Vessels Still Required to Be Licensed:
Power Driven vessels over 65.6 feet/20 meters in length.
Vessels used for commercial purposes including:
Vessels documented for commercial use, including commercial fishing vessels.
CG inspected vessels carrying more than 6 passengers.
Towboats more than 7.8 meters in length.
Vessels of more than 100 tons certified to carry at least 1 passenger.
Cargo ships over 300 tons.
Any vessel, include a recreational vessel, on an international voyage.
Radio Listening Watch
Vessels not required to carry a marine radio (e.g. recreational vessels less than 20m length), but which voluntarily carry a radio, must maintain a watch on channel 16 (156.800 MHz) whenever the radio is operating and not being used to communicate. Such vessels may alternatively maintain a watch on VHF channel 9 (156.450 MHz), the boater calling channel.
False Distress Alerts It is unlawful to intentionally transmit a false distress alert, or to unintentionally transmit a false distress alert without taking steps to cancel that alert.
Distress Calls
The radiotelephone distress call consists of: the distress signal MAYDAY spoken three times, the words THIS IS,
the call sign (or vessel registration number or name if no call sign is assigned) of the mobile station in distress, spoken three times.
Q & A
Q, What Type Of Radio Should I Buy ?
A, Investing in a good Very High Frequency FM (VHF FM) radio is the smartest purchase. A VHF radio has certain advantages such as: Good quality transmission. Strong signal. Channels reserved for distress calls. Continuously monitored frequencies. Citizen Band (CB) radios are not recommended due to weak signals and overcrowded frequencies. In addition, the Coast Guard does not routinely monitor CB Channels.
Q, Can I Use the Radio as a Telephone ?
A, There is a marine operator in many areas, located on a specified channel, that will "patch" you into the local telephone system. A radio is not to be used for gossip or idle conversation. The use of profanity and obscene language is illegal. One difference between a telephone and a radio is that anything said over the radio will be heard by hundreds of other people. Another difference is that there are only a limited number of channels so conversation, should be kept to passing only required information. Conversation is not permitted to extend past three minutes.
Q, What Are the Different Channels Used For ?
A, There are 104 VHF channels designated for marine service. Of this number, 54 are designated exclusively for use in the waters of the United States. The most common channels and their purpose are listed below:
Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) This is the most important channel on the VHF band. THIS IS THE DISTRESS, SAFETY, AND CALLING FREQUENCY WHICH THE COAST GUARD MONITORS CONTINUOUSLY. All vessels equipped with VHF radios must keep their radios tuned to channel 16 so they can assist if an emergency is near. Vessels may initiate contact with each other but must shift to a working frequency to carry on a conversation (e.g., Motor vessel Albatross, this is sailing vessel Mother Goose, AB-1234, on Channel 16, switch and answer Channel 68). Use Channel 16 for only bona fide emergencies.
Channel 22A (157.1 MHz) This channel is the primary working channel of the Coast Guard. It is used for communications between the Coast Guard and the maritime public, both recreational and commercial. Severe weather warnings, hazards to navigation, and other maritime safety warnings are broadcast on Channel 22A.
Channel 13 (156.65 MHz) This channel is the bridge to bridge or "piloting" channel, used for communicating navigation information between ships. Strictly used for navigational purposes by commercial, military, and recreational vessels at locks, bridges and harbors.
Channel 6 (156.3 MHz) This channel is the ship to ship frequency used for safety related communications. This channel is not used for ordinary operational navigation or personal communications.
Q, What Do Certain Words I Hear on the Radio Mean ?
A, MAYDAY is a request for immediate assistance. LISTEN! DO NOT TRANSMIT!! Determine if you're in a position to help. If not, maintain radio silence. "MAYDAY" identifies an imminent, life-threatening emergency.
PAN-PAN (pronounced pahn-pahn) is used when the safety of a boat or person is in jeopardy. Man-overboard messages are sent with the PAN-PAN signal.
SECURITE (pronounced say-cure-e-tay) is used to pass navigation information or weather warnings.
Q, What if I Hear Someone Saying MAYDAY on Channel 16 ?
A, If you have a radio and you are under way, you are required to monitor Channel 16. MAYDAY takes precedence over all other transmissions. If you hear a MAYDAY, remain silent and listen. Take down the information being passed. If the Coast Guard or other rescue authority responds, maintain silence and listen, but do not respond.
However, if there is no response, take action. Try raising the distressed vessel over the radio. Gather more information, especially the position. Attempt to raise the Coast Guard while traveling toward the vessel. Sometimes the Coast Guard may not hear the distressed vessels transmissions, but can hear another vessel near the scene; therefore, call the Coast Guard again, just in case. If you raise them, give them the information you have and follow their instructions. If you cannot contact the Coast Guard, attempt to assist the other vessel to the best of your ability without placing yourself in danger.
Q, What If I Need Help ?
A, If you have an imminent life threatening emergency, transmit on Channel 16:
MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY!
This is (name of boat three times, call letters once).
Repeat once more, "MAYDAY", (your boat's name).
Now report your position (give as accurate a position as possible).
Report nature of emergency.
Report the kind of assistance desired.
Report number of people on board and condition of any injured.
Description of the boat and seaworthiness.
Then wait for a response. If there is none, repeat the message.
Q, Do I Need A Radio License or Operator's Permit ?
A, You must have a SHIP STATION LICENSE for your radio before operation. An OPERATOR'S PERMIT is only required if you dock in a foreign port. To obtain forms and additional information contact the FCC at (202) 418-3676(FORM).
FCC Toll free telephone: 1-888 CALL FCC
