Marine Radio Suggestions?

[majoco]

So the ship station needs to be licensed, the operator needs to be licensed, the shore station needs to be licensed and the operator of that station needs to be licensed too. That puts a totally different complexion on the whole thing. Anyone can buy a radio to listen, but beyond that, it gets a whole lot more difficult - and if you do decide to chat to your family... you never know who's listening....

 

[ecps92]

And in the USA, ships are licensed by rule, upon being legally registered [Locally aka State or USCG]

Ship Radio Stations

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www.fcc.gov

So the ship station needs to be licensed, the operator needs to be licensed, the shore station needs to be licensed and the operator of that station needs to be licensed too. That puts a totally different complexion on the whole thing. Anyone can buy a radio to listen, but beyond that, it gets a whole lot more difficult - and if you do decide to chat to your family... you never know who's listening....

 

[hill]

In the USA only recreational vessels are licensed by rule. Commercial vessels require FCC license.

 

[dsw317]

Looking to get a portable marine radio for occasional use on finger lakes. Not too familiar with the good, better and best brands with marine radio. Looking at the HX890 Standard Horzion. Anyone who can provide opinions on this or other makes/models, would be appreciated. I know where Motorola, Kenwood, Et

I have and use the Standard Horizon HX890. This radio is very dependable and will allow you to add a MMSI number as well. We operate our boat on the coast of South Carolina within a couple of miles of the beach. Waterproof and floats.

 

[majoco]

Ship stations may communicate with other ship stations or coast stations primarily for safety, and secondarily for navigation and operational efficiency.

Yes, ship-to-ship or to coast stations, your family down at the beach doesn't count as a coast station.

 

[AA4TX]

Yes, ship-to-ship or to coast stations, your family down at the beach doesn't count as a coast station.

The FCC has, with the Report and Order adopted on August 30, 2016, and released on September 1, 2016, expanded the use of Marine radios on shore. In addition to allowing those with a Coast License to use marine radios on shore, the FCC has added the following:

§ 80.115 Operational conditions for use of associated ship units.
(a) Associated ship units may be operated under a ship station authorization. Use of an associated ship unit is restricted as follows;

1) It must only be operated on the safety and calling frequency 156.800 MHz or 156.525 MHz or on commercial or noncommercial VHF intership frequencies appropriate to the class of ship station with which it is associated.

(2) Except for safety purposes, it must only be used to communicate with the ship station with which it is associated or with associated ship units of the same ship station. Such associated ship units may be used from shore only adjacent to the waterway (such as on a dock or beach) where the ship is located. Communications from shore must relate to the operational and business needs of the ship including the transmission of safety information, and must be limited to the minimum practicable transmission time.

(3) It must be equipped to transmit on the frequency 156.800 MHz or 156.525 MHz and at least one appropriate intership frequency.

(4) Calling must occur on the frequency 156.800 MHz or 156.525 MHz unless calling and working on an intership frequency has been prearranged.

(5) Power is limited to one watt.

(6) The station must be identified by the call sign of the ship station with which it is associated and an appropriate unit designator.