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OPERATING RULES AND GUIDELINES
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Quick Reference
Before transmitting, monitor the channel you wish to
use so as to avoid interrupting transmissions al-
ready in progress.
• CALL PROCEDURE
Calls must be properly identified and the time limit
must be respected.
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Give your call sign each time you call another ship
or coast guard station. If you have no call sign,
identify the station by giving your ship name and the
name of the licensee.
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Give your call sign at the end of each transmission
that lasts more than 3 min.
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You must break and give your call sign at least once
every 15 min. during long ship-to-shore calls.
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Keep your unanswered calls short, less than
30 sec. Do not repeat a call for 2 min.
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Unnecessary transmissions are not allowed.
• PRIORITIES
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Read all rules and regulations pertaining to priori-
ties and keep an up-to-date copy handy. Safety and
distress calls take priority over all others.
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False or fraudulent distress signals are prohibited
and punishable by law.
• PRIVACY
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Information overheard but not intended for you, can-
not lawfully be used in any way.
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Indecent or profane language is prohibited.
• LOGS
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All distress, emergency and safety calls must be
recorded in complete details. Log data activity is
usually recorded in 24 hour time. Universal Time
Coordinated (UTC) is frequently used.
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Adjustments, repairs, channel frequency changes
and authorized modifications affecting electrical op-
eration of the equipment must be kept in the main-
tenance log; entries must be signed by the autho-
rized licensed technician performing or supervising
the work.
• RADIO LICENSES
(1) SHIP STATION LICENSE
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 govern-
ment agency for a Ship-Radiotelephone license appli-
cation. This government-issued license states the call
sign which is your craft’s identification for radio pur-
poses.
(2) OPERATOR’S LICENSE
A Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit is the li-
cense most often held by small ship radio operators
when a radio is not required for safety purposes.
The Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit must
be posted or kept with the operator. Only a licensed
radio operator may operate the transceiver.
However, non-licensed individuals may talk over a
transceiver if a licensed operator starts, supervises,
and ends the call and makes the necessary log en-
tries.
Keep a copy of the current government rules and reg-
ulation handy.
