SECTION 7
APPENDIX
7.1 VHF MARINE CHANNEL USAGE GUIDE AND LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
Most of the information found in this section is reprinted in whole or in part from FCC information Bul-
letin No. 2 REVISED EDITION February 1991 and FCC Fact Sheet PR-5000 March 1990.
REMEMBER:
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Maintain a radio watch on Channel 16. Channel 16 is used for distress and safety purposes
&
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Use VHF Channel 70 only for Digital Selective Calling (DSC). It may be used for general-pur-
pose calling using DSC. Your cooperation in not using Channel 70 for general intership com-
munications is necessary to prevent interference.
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Your VHF transceiver has a high-low power switch. Use low power whenever feasible.
Unnecessary high-power operations can interfere with other important communications.
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Always use your radio call sign at the beginning and end of each transmission.
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Be sure only qualified persons operate your radio. You are responsible for control of your radio.
Know the rules.
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Limit calls to other vessels to 30 seconds. If you receive no reply, wait 2 minutes; then try
again. Keep communications brief and avoid chit-chat.
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Never transmit false distress messages, and never use profanity on the air.
OTHER REMINDERS:
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Do not install or operate your radio until it is licensed. You can obtain a station license and call
sign by completing FCC Form 506 and mailing it with the required fee to the FCC, Marine Ship
Service, PO. Box 358275, Pittsburgh, PA 15251-5275. Form 506-A provides you with immedi-
ate operating authority, valid for 90 days after you mail your license application.
You need a radio operator license to operate a VHF Marine Radio only if you plan to dock in a foreign
port or leave a foreign port to dock in a U.S. port.
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Your radio license is not transferable. If you sell your boat, request the FCC to cancel your sta-
tion license.
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