FRS radios work very well for ship/shore use. Cheap and reliable.

Doug
s/v Callista

"JAD" wrote in message
news
Richard, yes, technically speaking, it is indeed ILLEGAL to use marine VHF
frequencies on shore in ANY other circumstances except an emergency. It
IS
legal to use the handheld VHF from the dinghy or tender back to the
"mother
ship" or any other station. Climb in the dinghy, push off from shore, and
ouala!.....you are legal!

You would need a "coast station license." You won't get one issued
without
a valid reason, such as providing a service to other boaters such as a
marina or repair service. FCC will not issue a coast station license for
recreational purposes. At least they haven't in the recent
past....someone
may wish to comment further here.

LOOK UP the MURS radio service or the family radio service (FRS) for legal
alternatives to what you want to do.

Joe

"Richard and Michelle" wrote in message
hlink.net...
Hello,

In the US, will I need some special license to use a handheld Marine
radio
on shore to talk to the family in the boat? House is on Dauphin Island,
boat in Mobile Bay (Alabama).
Thanks,
Richard