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OPERATING RULES AND GUIDELINES
❑
CALL PROCEDURES
Calls must be properly identified and time limits must
be respected.
➀
Give your call sign each time you call another vessel
or coast station. If you have no call sign, identify
your vessel name and the name of the licensee.
➁
Give your call sign at the end of each transmission
that lasts more than 3 min.
➂
You must break and give your call sign at least once
every 15 min. during long ship-to-shore calls.
➃
Keep your unanswered calls short, less than 30 sec.
Do not repeat a call for 2 min.
➄
Unnecessary transmissions are not allowed.
❑
PRIORITIES
➀
Read all rules and regulations pertaining to priorities
and keep an up-to-date copy handy. Safety and dis-
tress calls take priority over all others.
➁
False or fraudulent distress calls are prohibited and
punishable by law.
❑
PRIVACY
➀
Information overheard but not intended for you can-
not be lawfully used in any way.
➁
Indecent or profane language is prohibited.
❑
LOGS
➀
All distress, emergency and safety calls must be
recorded in complete detail. Log data activity is usu-
ally recorded in 24 hour time. Universal Time (UTC)
is frequently used.
➁
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
authorized licensed technician performing or super-
vising 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.
