Call Sign

[TOM]

I have a feeling this is a dumb question for someone who is about to sail around the world but I went to sign up with Sail Mail so as we can get wheather and grib files but they want us to have a "Call Sign" before we can apply. How do i get a "Call Sign"?I have tried google but ans are a bit vague . We bought the boat with H.F radio and pactor so just need to sign up for Sailmail.

[aboutgone]

The call sign your referring to . is the number given to you by the FCC when you pass the HF operators test. http://www.fcctests.com/pg.asp

[speciald@ocens.]

Sailmail unlike Airmail does not require a ham license. Do you have a station license for Your SSB? It is required and may provide a call sign (not sure).

[btrayfors]

Originally Posted by aboutgone

The call sign your referring to . is the number given to you by the FCC when you pass the HF operators test. (PG) General Radio Operators License practice FCC exam

No, not quite. There is no callsign associated with a marine operator's license.

The callsign is that assigned to the BOAT, when you get a marine station license.

And, to use your marine SSB...either in the US or anywhere else, you need both an operator's license AND a station license. If you're a new owner, you need to get the licenses yourself...the old ones are no good.

BTW, you can't even use your VHF outside the U.S. unless you have a station license. The one you get for SSB will work also for the VHF, radar, EPIRB, satellite, or other transmitting equipment aboard. Just check all the boxes when you apply.

Everyone who uses the marine SSB marine radio must have an operator's license.

Ham radio licenses are different. When you get a ham license, you are assigned a callsign. That callsign is related to the ham license, and may be used anywhere in the world. By the way, if you have a ham license, you don't need anything else to use your SSB on the ham bands (only)....not SailMail, but WinLink is OK because that's on the ham bands.

While the ham license is good worldwide for maritime mobile operation, when you're in the territorial waters of a foreign country you may need a "reciprocal" license (like in the Bahamas). This is NOT true for marine SSB...you can use that worldwide once you have the proper licenses.

Bill, WA6CCA (ham operator's license and callsign)
S/V Born Free, WBB9960 (marine station license and callsign)

[mesquaukee]

You might find what you need at
FCC Form 605
and
https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do
for an FRN number to complete the application.
Good luck!

[fairbank56]

And don't forget your $220 in fee's.

Eric

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by btrayfors

BTW, you can't even use your VHF outside the U.S. unless you have a station license. The one you get for SSB will work also for the VHF, radar, EPIRB, satellite, or other transmitting equipment aboard. Just check all the boxes when you apply.

Everyone who uses the marine SSB marine radio must have an operator's license.

With exception to US vessels going into Canada. But there is a time limit for that, I think 6 weeks but don't remember.

[fairbank56]

Originally Posted by delmarrey

With exception to US vessels going into Canada. But there is a time limit for that, I think 6 weeks but don't remember.

Iv'e never heard of that exception. Do you have any official reference on this? FCC rules clearly state that a station license is required, without exception, for ships that travel to foreign ports or make international communications.

Eric

[mesquaukee]

In Canada a foreign vessel is required to have a ship station license and the operator needs an operators license to operate any radio equipment (VHF & SSB) except in an emergency.
A reciprocal agreement that did not require a license for a VHF was abandoned due to security concerns due to 911.

If you plan to operate a motorized vessel for longer than 45 days in Canada you will need a Pleasure Boat Operators License.

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by mesquaukee

In Canada a foreign vessel is required to have a ship station license and the operator needs an operators license to operate any radio equipment (VHF & SSB) except in an emergency.
A reciprocal agreement that did not require a license for a VHF was abandoned due to security concerns due to 911.

If you plan to operate a motorized vessel for longer than 45 days in Canada you will need a Pleasure Boat Operators License.

After April 1999, VHF Radios on pleasure boats are no longer 'required' to have a ship station licence within Canadian waters due to changes to the Industry Canada Radiocommunications Regulations (Section 15.2 Exemption of Radio Apparatus on Board a Ship). (1-watt radios never required a station licence.)

Pat's Boating in Canada: VHF Marine Radio Although, this link seems to contradict itself.

This one is more clear.... Canada De-Licenses Marine Radios | Boat/US Magazine | Find Articles at BNET

[Boracay]

Marine VHF and 27MHz radios in Australia operate under a class licence.

If you scroll down the above link to the heading "Ships traveling overseas" you should find that Australia uses a class licence system, same as the USA and Canada.

I would surprised if a class licence was not recognized, however it may be a good idea to carry a copy of your class licence (and operators certificate if applicable) with you.

[mesquaukee]

Originally Posted by delmarrey

Pat's Boating in Canada: VHF Marine Radio Although, this link seems to contradict itself.

This one is more clear.... Canada De-Licenses Marine Radios | Boat/US Magazine | Find Articles at BNET

The info I have from Transport Canada and related links Quote "
Radio Station Licences Still Required Statement from Jim Laursen at Industry Canada.
“In 1999 we de-licensed marine and aeronautical and entered into negotiations with the United States for a reciprocal agreement for aircraft and boaters crossing the border into the USA, the idea being that we would not require a license in either country. Recently, in post 9/11 USA, other issues have taken the forefront and this issue was relegated to the back burner for the time being and an agreement was not reached."
as found at
Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons

more info at
Frequently Asked Questions - Radiocommunications - Navigation Safety and Radiocommunications - Operations & Environment - Marine Safety - <b style="color:black;background-color:#99ff99">Marine</b> Transportation - Transport <b style="color:black;back
and at
Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons

They do make it difficult.