SSB and HAM

[zydecotoad]

<de-lurk>

Reed's or Eldridge's almanac or other similar sources will list valid MARINE (not ham) frequencies and the purpose for that frequency. It will be simpler to know what frequencies are marine than try to figure out the ham band plan.

You can listen to any frequency you want, just don't transmit.

Todd Smith

[RapidRoy]

The ICOM 802 can operate either in "open" mode, which includes the ham frequencies; or it can operate only in the "marine" mode so it can transmit only on the FCC allocated marine frequencies.

If you don't have a ham license, the safest thing to do is to place the radio in the marine mode. This will protect you from accidently transmitting on the wrong frequency.

It's easy to do, and completely reversible if you later get your ham license. See ICOM's instructions at: Icom America - Knowledge Base Article 57DG1541A3

In the marine mode, you should still be able to listen (but not transmit) on the ham bands.

....Rapid Roy KJ4FTG

P. S. I encourage you to get your ham license. It's fun !

[Josh H]

Do you need a Restricted radio operators permit if you have a valid ham radio operator license?

Josh (KD8DOK)

[Sunspot Baby]

Yes, they are independent of each other.

George

[Gashmore]

Now that the code requirement has gone away you can get an Amatuer General licence with a couple of weeks study and if you are out cruising it is well worth the effort.

[RapidRoy]

Josh... I believe that yes, you need the Restricted Radiotelephone Operators license regardless of whether you have a ham license. The issue is authorized frequencies. The marine frequencies are not within the authorized ham bands. They are, however, authorized for the Restricted Radiotelephone license.

Some nets are on ham bands, others are on marine SSB frequencies. Check out this list of marine nets:
Net / SSB Frequencies The ham frequencies are green, the marine SSB are in blue. As you can see, about half are on ham bands, and half are on marine SSB bands. You need both licenses to legally cover them all.

....Roy ( KJ4FTG )