It is always best to do a little research...
Maritime Mobile Service
How long has it been since you tested, a few days? You should get you call soon depending upon how your VE submitted it.
Yes, you need to talk with someone in your club before you do something that could put your Amateur License in danger. By the way, does your wife have her "ticket" too? If not she doesn't need to be talking on a HAM radio.
If you're looking for a way to communicate with the family (with some distance), without everyone having their own Amateur License, then you might wish to look into MURS (license-free) or GMRS (license covers entire family for $85 for 5 year period).
Good luck and welcome to the world of HAM. Let us all know when you get that call!!!