VHF Marine Band

[IMD262]

Does anyone know if a license is still required for the VHF marine band?


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[ButtFuzz]

In short, YES, a license is required for marine VHF.



Not so easy to get, either, as you pretty much MUST have a vessel (that's a ship, boat or dingy, NOT a truck car or house) that is either voluntarily equipped or your vessel may be required to have a marine VHF in some instances.



Generally, you cannot get a VHF marine license for ANY land-based house/business/fancy, etc. unless you have something directly to do with the Marine Trades, Safety or Industry such as Sea Tow (TM), AT&T VHF Radiotelephone services, Joe-Bob's Boat Repair, Cucaracha Marina, etc.



'Fuzz


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Buttfuzz in the Mobile</p>

 

[Jay in the Mojave]

Hello IMD262:



Just like BF says there, you need to have a boat or marine business to get a Lic for the VHF Marine Band.



The news is often filled with guys who have used VHF marine band radios for other than the intended marine use. Its not a good idea to use these radios as its pretty well monitored, and used for saftey and emergency traffic.



The FCC has set aside 5 VHF FM frequencies for a Citizen Bands use, and no lic required. This new radio service is called the MURs radio service. Your allowed low power use, I think something like 2 watts.



The frequenciers are:

151.82

151.88

151.94

154.570

154.600



I have dialed these frequencies into my scanner and I hear a few locals on hand held radios, and such. A few of the locals have external antennas and constantly make 25 mile contacts.



Jay in the Mojave


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