VHF Radio

  • ptrson_lund
    Upper Midwest
    Posts: 36
    May 10, 2006 at 3:00 pm #1250122

    Please help me out….
    I just ordered a VHF radio (hand-held model) and I am needing to know if there is an operator’s license I need to apply for? I remember 25 years ago my Dad had a marine radio for our boat (trolled Lake Michigan around Chicago)and he had a license number that had to be stated and the beginning and ending of transmissions.
    Also, I know about channel 16 but what do most of you Ponder’s use for a communications channel?

    Thank you for the assistance!

    derek_johnston
    On the water- Minnesota
    Posts: 5022
    May 10, 2006 at 3:03 pm #444997

    No you do not. You only need a license if your going to use your boat out of the country or if your setting up a ship station.

    gary_wellman
    South Metro
    Posts: 6057
    May 10, 2006 at 3:04 pm #444999

    Quote:

    No you do not. You only need a license if your going to use your boat out of the country or if your setting up a ship station.

    So Derek;
    Does a person need a license then, if they are on LOTW, in Candian waters?

    derek_johnston
    On the water- Minnesota
    Posts: 5022
    May 10, 2006 at 3:06 pm #445001

    yes, then you would need a license. Refer to your owners manual that will come with the radio. It will explain all you need to know.

    robstenger
    Northern Twin Cities, MN
    Posts: 11374
    May 10, 2006 at 3:14 pm #445006

    Derek, do you need a license in Garys scenario even if you do not transmit anything???

    derek_johnston
    On the water- Minnesota
    Posts: 5022
    May 10, 2006 at 3:15 pm #445008

    Thats were the language is vauge. I would assume so. The Feds would probably ticket a guy.

    Brian Klawitter
    Keymaster
    Minnesota/Wisconsin Mississippi River
    Posts: 59992
    May 10, 2006 at 3:20 pm #445009

    In most areas channel 16 is the call or “hail” channel. Once contacted, then the conversation is moved to another channel. In some areas with high traffic, 9 is used as a call channel also. There are channels that are set aside for:

    Ship to ship
    Base to ship
    and
    Emergency channels

    Refer to your owners manual for these.

    In the metro area not many folks pay attention to these with the exception of the call channel.

    The US Coast Guard monitors 16 and uses 22 for announcments. Generally they announce the announcement on 16..and move to 22 for the actual message.

    Channel 14 is used by lock and dams along with lift bridges. Many times they monitor 16 too…but not always.

    The directions that come with your unit will be very helpful in this reguard.

    There are a bunch of us buddies that monitor channel 69 on the St Croix and on the ‘sippi the other buddies use 82. It’s helpful to know how and to use the scan feature on your radio as I can monitor 16/14/69/83 plus have the weather alert on.

    Good Luck!

    JAE
    Posts: 38
    May 10, 2006 at 3:55 pm #445024

    My radio is older and I can only monitor one channel at a time. If you are on the north end Fishers uses channel 10 and I sometimes get useful info from the launches.

    ptrson_lund
    Upper Midwest
    Posts: 36
    May 10, 2006 at 4:00 pm #445027

    Thank you for all of the responses!!

    Brian Klawitter
    Keymaster
    Minnesota/Wisconsin Mississippi River
    Posts: 59992
    May 12, 2006 at 5:17 am #445683

    Just found a ton of info on licensing and operating marine band radios.

    Check out the FAQ link on the left of this page for more radio info…

    Marine band…what channel to use.

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