"Lonny" wrote in message
Hey Min,

I have a ham licence. I remember just fine, thank you very much. I
had mine before I used the SSB, and was trying to remember if it was
required in order to operate it.

An amateur license isn't required to operate on the marine single side
bands, but a restricted radiotelephone operator's permit is. That's a
no-brainer--just an application to the FCC.

Some marine SSB rigs have provisions for modification to allow operation in
the ham bands. And some ham rigs can be modified to operate in the marine
bands. Almost all have broadband receivers which receive both band spectra.

A good argument for having a ham license and a ham rig is that third-party
traffic is generally not allowed on the marine bands. If one wishes to stay
in contact with his landbound relatives and friends, ham is the way to go.
But the marine SSB nets are worthwhile, too. The ideal rig has access to
both band spectra.

Max