In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and United State Coast Guard (USCG) set the rules for the use of radios aboard vessels of any description. The USCG primarily being responsible for determining which class of vessels will be required, in the interests of safety, to carry radio communications equipment onboard and what types of equipment must be carried.
The correct and formal term for a shipboard radio station is - " Ship Station ."
Ship Station requirements fall into (2) broad classes: "Compulsory Equipped" and "Voluntary Equipped" vessels.
So what are Compulsory Equipped and Voluntary Equipped vessels? Actually, this is one of the easiest of the FCC rules to figure out: In Short, if you are required by law, or statute to carry a radio onboard your vessel, you are "Compulsory Equipped." There are (7) instances that would require you by law to carry a marine radio onboard and requiring you to have a licensed ship station.
If none of these (7) items are pertinent to your vessel, you are not required by law to carry a radio onboard.
If you are not required to carry a radio, but choose to do so anyway you are a "Voluntary Equipped" vessel. Most recreational boaters in the U.S. have voluntary equipped vessels. This simply means they are not required by law to carry a radio onboard, but carry one nonetheless.
Below is a simple table to illustrate who is required by law have a Licensed Ship Station onboard:
Alright, by now you have checked the table above and have determined what class (Compulsory or Voluntary) your vessel falls into. For Voluntary Equipped vessels, you will also know whether you must have a licensed ship station. The last decision you now need to make is what does the future hold? Will someday you decide to sail beyond the horizon? If so, maybe you should consider licensing your ship station ahead of time.
Acquiring a ship station license is easy and involves nothing other than filling out a few forms and either filing them on line or mailing them to the FCC.
To get you on the right track to get your "Ship Station License," you can visit our FCC Licensing Page.
Are you required to have a radio operator’s license to operate the radios aboard your vessel?