1
1
OPERATING RULES
1
D Priorities
•Readallrulesandregulationspertainingtoprioritiesand
keep an up-to-date copy handy. Safety and distress calls
take priority over all others.
•YoumustmonitorChannel16whenyouarenotoperating
on another channel.
•Falseorfraudulentdistresscallsareprohibitedunderlaw.
D Privacy
•Informationoverheardbutnotintendedforyoucannotlaw-
fully be used in any way.
•Indecentorprofanelanguageisprohibited.
D Radio licenses
(1) SHIP STATION LICENSE
When your craft is equipped with a VHF FM transceiver, 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. This license
includes 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 near the transceiver or be kept with the operator.
Only a licensed radio operator may operate a transceiver.
However, non-licensed individuals may talk over a trans-
ceiver if a licensed operator starts, supervises, ends the call
and makes the necessary log entries.
A current copy of the applicable government rules and regu-
lations is only required to be on hand for vessels in which a
radio telephone is compulsory. However, even if you are not
required to have these on hand it is your responsibility to be
thoroughly acquainted with all pertinent rules and regula-
tions.