FAQ of Marine VHF Radio License
One of the most questions customers ask us is “Is marine VHF radio free license? Do I need to apply for a certificate when I buy a marine VHF radio? So here we talk you about those questions.
Please remember one thing, anyone who uses a marine VHF radio needs operator’s license and any ship which installs a marine VHF radio requires ship’s radio license. It is one of the most important safety tool to keep you safe at sea and allow you to contact other boat user and marinas. So what is the difference between those licenses?
The Operator’s License:
This license has two types, the short range certificate and the long range certificate. You can check with the local maritime department to find out which on you need to apply. However, either license is free.
The Short range certificate is the license required to operate VHF equipment, including all VHF DSC equipment on commercial or pleasure craft. This license is obtained by passing an exam and signing a confidentiality agreement with your application document. If you have an old restricted licence taken on non-DSC equipment you need to apply again to take the Short Range Certificate in order to use DSC equipment and you can still use your old cerfication to use a non-DSC radio.
The Long range certificate is the license required to operate the MH/HF/VHF equipment on any vessel that fits GMDSS equipment, especially international ships.
The Ship’s Radio License:
The purpose of this license is to show the identity and other information of vessels. Most vessels need to apply for a license. The FCC stipulates that the following vessels must apply for a license.
- Cargo ships over 300 gross tons navigating in the open sea;
- Ships certified by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry more than 6 passengers for hire in the open sea or tidewaters of the U.S.;
- Power driven ships over 20 meters in length on navigable waterways;
- Ships of more than 100 gross tons certified by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry at least one passenger on navigable waterways;
- Tow boats of more than 7.8 meters in length on navigable waterways; and,
- Uninspected commercial fishing industry vessels required to carry a VHF radio.
So in summary, if you have bought a new boat or radio, register your ship’s radio with local marine department and get your operator’s license or ship’s radio license.
