"Rick" wrote

If you want reliable information that applies to you and your particular
circumstances just Google "gmdss voluntary station operator license"
http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/cvib-2.doc

Thanks. I used the search-engine inside the FCC pages, and it had the same
info, except the part about voluntary equipped stations, which we now know
is open to any owner/operator etc.

Jack