FCC Regulations
As a result of the 1996 Telecommunications act, the FCC no longer requires operators of
recreational vessels to have an individual license to operate VHF Marine Radios (with or
without digital selective calling capability), EPIRBs, or any type of radar.
Recreational vessel operators are asked to follow the procedures and courtesies that are
required of licensed operators specified in FCC Rules. You may use your current FCC issued
call sign to identify your ship station, or the name or registration number of your
vessel.
New FCC regulations are expected that will affect Recreational Boaters.
Users of VHF marine radio equipped with digital selective calling will need to obtain a
recognized number from the FCC. It is unlawful to use digital selective calling without
obtaining a recognized number.
Vessels still required to be licensed:
- Vessels that use MF/HF single side-band radio, satellite communications, or telegraphy,
- Power Driven vessels over 20 meters in length.
- Vessels used for commercial purposes including:
- Vessels documented for commercial use, including commercial fishing vessels.
- CG inspected vessels carrying more than 6 passengers.
- Towboats more than 7.8 meters in length.
- Vessels of more than 100 tons certified to carry at least 1 passenger.
- Cargo ships over 300 tons or...
- Any vessel, including a recreational vessel, on an international voyage.
Coast Guard boardings: The FCC has asked the US Coast Guard to suspend
enforcement activities related to recreational ship licensing while the FCC considers the
elimination of the licensing requirements.
For further information: FCC recorded message: 1-800-322-1117, press 2 then
press 1. The FCC homepage: http://www.fcc.gov/wtb/avmarsrv.html.
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