ssb radios

[steinmoon]

At the risk of being obviously uninformed, must I register a SSB radio with the FCC that came with a used sailboat purchase when I do not intend to become a ham operator. Was the radio previously registered and if so how do I go about re-registering? Does the registration remain with the SSB or with the registrant? Help?

[Jon D]

Yes you must register the SSB. Registration is tied to both the owner and the ship. A ships radio license can cover lots of items including, SSB, VHF, EPIRB, Radar etc.

Go to the FCC site all is explained there if complicated to find what you need.

[steinmoon]

It really never is simple. We are moving onto the boat ( in April)that is now on the hard in N. Carolina from Detroit and are missing a few key pieces of info...... serial #'s and such that are of course attached to the instruments on the boat. This too we will overcome ! Thanks for your input and best wishes to me and the FCC.

[markpj23]

I too have the pleasure of filling out FCC / OMB Form 605 "Quick-Form Application in the Ship, Aircraft, Amateur, Restricted and Commercial Operator, and General Mobile Radio Services."

Somehow a form with a 17 word title and 9 full pages of instructions should NEVER be called a "Quick-Form."

And then there's the required Schedule B info...

Isi it any wonder why FEMA couldn't communicate during the Katrina fiasco...

[GordMay]

One of my favourite “Communications SNAFU” anecdotes occurred on the Chesapeake in 1992.
A US Army barge was transiting upbound, and trying to make VHF contact with the US Navy. No answer to repeated hails on Ch 16.
Finally, in frustration, the Army barge asked: “Does anyone know where the Navy is?”
Now if you’ve ever sailed the Chesapeake, you know there’s always radio “chatter”. After a very long, unheard of, silence, some wag commented: “The Army can’t find the Navy, God, I hope were’ not under attack!"

[NoTies]

Ever answered a VHF call on the SSB or vice versa? Most embarrassing, especially when you use your callsign.

[BC Mike]

My favourites over the VHF are: " Is that you calling me " and "Where are you " answer " I am right up your tail pipe "
These on channell 16 with out any introduction or otherwise.
Michael

[Talbot]

There are a couple of books by John Winton, called IIRC Make a signal, & make another signal, which are primarily a listing of radio snafus

[CaptainK]

Hey Gord.

Your posting of “Communications SNAFU” is a classic. I'm going to remember that one. LMAO!!

[phorvati]

While we are on a subject of SSB, does anyone know of a good place to by RF grounding equipment. Liek chokes, 3" copper strap.... A place asside from west marine, boaters world or defender?
Petar