FCC and Radios

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates radio use in the United States to ensure efficient and safe communication. Here's a summary of some key rules.

Who's Required to Carry A Radio?

The requirement for boats to have radios on board typically depends on several factors, including the type of boat, its size, the area in which it operates, and the activities it engages in. Here are some general guidelines:

VHF Radios: In the United States, vessels operating in coastal waters, Great Lakes, and certain designated high traffic areas are generally required to have a VHF marine radio. This requirement often applies to vessels over a certain length, such as 20 meters (65.6 feet) or 12 meters (39.4 feet), depending on the specific regulations of the area. VHF radios are essential for communication with other vessels, harbormasters, and emergency responders.
MF/HF Radios: Larger vessels operating in offshore waters or on international voyages may be required to carry MF/HF radios in addition to VHF radios. MF/HF radios provide long-range communication capabilities and are used for contacting shore stations and vessels over greater distances.
AIS Transceivers: Some vessels, especially those engaged in commercial shipping or operating in busy waterways, are required to have Automatic Identification System (AIS) transceivers. AIS transceivers broadcast the vessel's identity, position, course, and speed, enhancing safety and collision avoidance.
Personal Watercraft and Small Boats: While not always required by law, it's recommended for personal watercraft (such as jet skis) and small boats to carry handheld VHF radios or other means of communication, especially when operating in remote or offshore areas.
Special Use Boats: Certain specialized vessels, such as fishing boats, passenger vessels, and commercial vessels, may have additional radio requirements mandated by regulations specific to their industry.

It's essential for boat owners and operators to familiarize themselves with the radio equipment requirements applicable to their vessel based on its size, location, and intended use. Additionally, maintaining and regularly testing radio equipment is crucial for ensuring safe and effective communication on the water.

FCC Rules and Regulations

The FCC requires licensing for certain types of radio operations, such as amateur radio (HAM), commercial radio, and marine radio. License requirements vary depending on the type of radio service and the frequency band used.

The FCC allocates specific frequency bands for various radio services, including amateur, commercial, marine, aviation, and public safety. These allocations help prevent interference and ensure efficient use of the radio spectrum.

The FCC imposes limits on the transmit power of radio equipment to prevent interference and ensure fair use of the spectrum. Power limits vary depending on the frequency band and radio service.

The FCC requires radio stations to identify themselves at regular intervals during transmissions. This helps identify the source of transmissions and allows others to respond if necessary.

The FCC prohibits harmful interference to radio communications. Users must take measures to avoid causing interference to other radio services and must promptly resolve any interference issues.

The FCC encourages and prioritizes emergency communication services, such as distress calls on marine radio channels and emergency frequencies for public safety agencies.

The FCC prohibits the use of encryption on certain radio bands, such as those allocated for amateur radio. However, encryption is allowed for specific purposes, such as public safety and government communications.

These rules help ensure that radio communications are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory requirements. Violating FCC rules can result in fines, license revocation, or other penalties.