User's Manual

6
2.4 Leisure vessels in the United States
In the United States, leisure vessels are sometimes required to have a radio station license.
Leisure vessels that are required to have a radio station license are required to modify that
license when an EPIRB is added to the vessel. For information on whether you need a radio
station license, see section 2.6 (below).
2.5 Commercial vessels in the United States
In the United States, commercial vessels that are required to have a radio station license
are required to modify that license when an EPIRB is added to the vessel. For information
on whether you need a radio station license, see section 2.6 (below).
2.6 Do I need a radio station license?
The information in this section is provided for informational purposes only. Always check the
FCC’s website at http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=licensing&id=ship_stations
or call toll-free 1-888-CALLFCC (225-5322) for the latest information.
You do not need a license to operate a marine VHF radio, radar, or EPIRBs aboard voluntary
ships operating domestically. The term “voluntary ships” refers to ships that are not required
by law to carry a radio. Generally, this term applies to recreation or pleasure craft. The term
“voluntary ships” does not apply to the following:
1. Cargo ships over 300 gross tons navigating in the open sea;
2. Ships certied by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry more than 6 passengers for hire in the
open sea or tidewaters of the U.S.;
3. Power driven ships over 20 meters in length on navigable waterways;
4. Ships of more than 100 gross tons certied by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry at least
one passenger on navigable waterways;
5. Tow boats of more than 7.8 meters in length on navigable waterways; and,
6. Uninspected commercial shing industry vessels required to carry a VHF radio.
7. Ships required to carry an Automatic Identication System (AIS) transceiver by the
U.S. Coast Guard regulations enacted pursuant to the Maritime Transportation Secu-
rity Act of 2000.
Ships are considered as operating domestically when they do not travel to foreign ports or
do not transmit radio communications to foreign stations. Sailing in international waters is
permitted, so long as the previous conditions are met. If you travel to a foreign port (e.g.,
Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands), a license is required. Additionally, if you
travel to a foreign port, you are required to have an operator permit.
2.7 Commercial vessels world wide
406 MHz beacons that are carried on commercial vessels world wide should be registered
with the country where the vessel is agged regardless of where the vessel operates. When
a commercial vessel acquires a 406 MHz beacon from outside of its home country, the bea-
con should be reprogrammed for the home country and registered there.
2.8 Registration outside the United States
In countries other than the United States, 406 MHz beacons are registered with that coun-
try’s national authority at the time of purchase. The sales agent should assist in lling out
the forms and sending to that country’s national authority. To verify that the unit is properly
programmed for that country, view the UIN label on the side of the unit. In the event that
the beacon is not programmed for the country it has been purchased in, the sales agent, (if
properly equipped) can reprogram the unit for that country.
2.9 Change of ownership or contact information
It is the owner’s responsibility to advise the national authority of any change in the informa-
tion on the registration form. If the current owner of the beacon is transferring the beacon
to a new owner, the current owner is required to inform the national authority by using
their online database or by letter, fax or telephone, of the name and address of the new