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hellosailor · 07-06-2008, 21:29

"I have a friend who says that he can operate with no license on his yacht."
And indeed he can, that is true. As I recall, it is also a $5000 minimum penalty for intentional unlicensed operation and the FCC sends out "Notice of Violation" letters every month to earn their keep.

So, yes, he CAN operate without a license. And in a true emergency, that would even be legal. But day to day? He's risking a $5-10,000 fine and seizure of his equipment--and that's on a good day--versus the $170 or so for proper licensing in the US.

The FCC's licensing division answers a toll-free phone, as do their main offices, and they are quite willing to explain license requirements and mail out applications for them. Or, you can do it over the web,although their web site can sometimes be a bit much to explore.

07-06-2008, 21:29	#108
hellosailor Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 3,993	"I have a friend who says that he can operate with no license on his yacht." And indeed he can, that is true. As I recall, it is also a $5000 minimum penalty for intentional unlicensed operation and the FCC sends out "Notice of Violation" letters every month to earn their keep. So, yes, he CAN operate without a license. And in a true emergency, that would even be legal. But day to day? He's risking a $5-10,000 fine and seizure of his equipment--and that's on a good day--versus the $170 or so for proper licensing in the US. The FCC's licensing division answers a toll-free phone, as do their main offices, and they are quite willing to explain license requirements and mail out applications for them. Or, you can do it over the web,although their web site can sometimes be a bit much to explore.