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OPERATING RULES AND GUIDELINES
❑
CALL PROCEDURES
Calls must be properly identified and time limits must
be respected.
q
Give your call sign each time you call another ves-
sel or coast station. If you have no call sign, identify
your vessel 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 minutes.
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You must break and give your call sign at least once
every 15 minutes. during long ship-to-shore calls.
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Keep your unanswered calls short, less than 30
seconds.
Do not repeat a call for 2 minutes.
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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 calls are prohibited and
punishable by law.
❑
PRIVACY
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Information overheard but not intended for you can-
not be lawfully 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 re-
corded in complete detail. Log data activity is usu-
ally recorded in 24 hour time. Universal Time (UTC)
is frequently used.
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Adjustments, repairs, channel frequency changes
and authorized modifications affecting electrical
operation of the equipment must be kept in the
maintenance log; entries must be signed by the au-
thorized licensed technician performing or supervis-
ing 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 vessel radio operators
when a radio is not required for safety purposes.
The Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit must
be posted or be kept with the operator. Only a licensed
radio operator may operate a 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-
ulations handy.
