In addition, with the license, there could be a radio etiquette
handbook that would explain a few things. That would take care of the
simply ignorant.

Not a perfect solution, but like drivers licenses, requiring a license
improves things.

Requiring a license will not cure the problem. Look at CB when they dropped the
license requirement and the same thing happened on VHF. Going back to obtaining
a license will only make a lot of illegal stations out there that cannot, and
with the budget the FCC gets, will not be tracked down and brought to court.

On another thought, How many times have you heard an open mike with a
conversation or music in the background and a hundred people shouting back,
"Turn off the Mic" on a simplex channel where the offender can't hear them
because his mic is keyed.

Leanne
s/v Fundy

On Thu, 21 Aug 2003 16:11:54 -0700, "Steve" wrote:

I wonder what people do who go sailing without a cell phone?? Maybe, pull
over and use a payphone??

If needed, we use the commercial coastal radio service on VHF
available in many countries. They will patch You to any number in the
world. Even works abroad with "roaming" as long as You know your
accounting code.

But yes, I do have a couple of cell phones as well.....


/Marcus

--
Marcus AAkesson
Gothenburg Callsigns: SM6XFN & SB4779
Sweden
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