Michael Porter wrote in
:

Don't know about the licensing, but it's
just another VHF radio.


DSC on GMDSS is "just another VHF radio", too. But, according to the
rules not hearsay on the docks, the licensed ship must have TWO trained,
LICENSED GMDSS operators, one of which must not be encumbered to another
job in an emergency, to operate it. I suspect AIS to come under the
same sort of digital rules, once they get it sorted out. Your license-
free radio is only for use on certain channels and ONLY for voice
transmissions, not GMDSS/DSC and I suspect especially Class "A" AIS
which is a radio aid to navigation.

I still don't understand how an unlicensed pleasure boat with no GMDSS
operator or skill is allowed to use DSC, except in an emergency
situation, to call his buddies over DSC. DSC is part of GMDSS. And the
rules say:

http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/ind...b=operations_2
&id=ship_stations

"What are the requirements regarding communications personnel aboard
GMDSS ships?
The FCC requires two licensed radio operators to be aboard all GMDSS
certified ships, one of whom must be available to act as a dedicated
radio operator during a distress situation. The radio operators must be
holders of a GMDSS Radio Operator's License. The GMDSS radio operator is
an individual licensed to handle radio communications aboard ships in
compliance with the GMDSS regulations, including basic equipment and
antenna adjustments. The GMDSS radio operator need not be a radio
officer.
Another IMO Convention requires all masters and mates to hold the GMDSS
Radio Operator's License and attend a two week training course and
demonstrate competency with operation of the GMDSS equipment. These
requirements would also carry to any person employed specifically to act
as a dedicated radio operator if the ship elected to carry such a
position. "

Of course, true to form, it has to be a hodge podge of nonsense only an
advanced law firm specializing in FCC law can understand:

"Where are the GMDSS regulations contained?
The GMDSS regulations are contained in 47 C.F.R. Part 80. Most of the
GMDSS regulations are in Subpart W of Part 80, but Subpart W also cross-
references certain other FCC rules, as follows (the cross-referencing
Subpart W is listed parenthetically after the cross-referenced rule):
13.2 (80.1073(a)), 13.21 (80.1073(a)), 80.334 (80.1114), 80.335
(80.1114), 80.836 (80.1065(b)(5)(iii)), 80.933 (80.1065(b)(5)(iii))."

But, for those of you with licenses that go offshore, notice it's a SHIP
LICENSE, not a pleasure boat radio license, and the rules of part 80 are
for SHIP LICENSEES to follow. I agree it's crazy
47CFR part 80.1065(b)(5)(iii)))))))))))))) not withstanding.
Who the hell writes this ****?



--
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Larry

If a man goes way out into the woods all alone and says something,
is it still wrong, even though no woman hears him?