On Mon, 16 Aug 2004 12:21:30 GMT, "NetWorkin"
wrote:

I'm sure if I made ten improper transmissions on marine VHF radio let's
say on ch.16 I could guarantee I would get the $10,000 fine, and
imprisonment for two years!" this I can count on.
BUT big Telemarketers can break the FCC laws 2000 times a day and nothing
comes of it for them.
Who is big brother watching out for? I'd go for a simple multiple guess quiz
you must pass before Marine VHF Radio purchase. Self education just doesn't
seem to work.

Actually two-way radio enforcement is not nearly as strict as you've
implied. If you transmit a deliberate false "mayday" you could get
into serious trouble (Assuming they were able to track you down). On
the other hand, simple protocol infractions are not treated with the
same earnest.

Being a ham radio operator, I see all sorts of rule infractions go by
on a daily basis. The basic fact of the matter is that the FCC is up
to their ears in issues to deal with, and they tend to prioritize
them. A few goofs on VHF marine are not enough to get the attention of
the FCC in most cases.

Dave

"Gary Warner" wrote in message
...

Was in BoatUS the other day and picked up a free copy
of "Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recrecational
Boaters". Nearest I can tell the publishing date was 7/2001.

Anyway, two notes:


It says all vessels (even recreational vessels) that
have "propulsion machinery" (en engine) must have "a capacity
to retain oily mixtures on board and be equipped with a fixed
or portable means to discharge these. On recreational vessels,
a bucket, oil absorbant pads and heavy duty plastic bag, bailer
or portable pump are some suitable means that meet the
resuirement..." ~ I'd never known of this regulation before.
Guess I'll throw a large "contractor" bag with some oil
absorbant pads into some unused corner.

It says impropper use of the (VHF) radio "is punishable by
a $10,000 fine, imprisonment for two years or both." It says
about negligent operation such as having "bowriding" that
you "mayb be fined up to $5,000, imprisioned for one year
or both." But about Boating Under the Influence it says,
"...violators are subject to a civil penalty of $1,000, or a
criminal penalty not to exced $5,000, one year
inprisonment or both. ~ Hmmmm.....so swearing
over the radio is worse than being negligent or drunk ???

Anyway.



Improper use may be more likely a false Mayday. We had one of those
locally last year, but he kept up the transmission long enough to be found.
Bill

"Calif Bill" wrote in message
news

"Gary Warner" wrote in message
...

Was in BoatUS the other day and picked up a free copy
of "Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recrecational
Boaters". Nearest I can tell the publishing date was 7/2001.

Anyway, two notes:


It says all vessels (even recreational vessels) that
have "propulsion machinery" (en engine) must have "a capacity
to retain oily mixtures on board and be equipped with a fixed
or portable means to discharge these. On recreational vessels,
a bucket, oil absorbant pads and heavy duty plastic bag, bailer
or portable pump are some suitable means that meet the
resuirement..." ~ I'd never known of this regulation before.
Guess I'll throw a large "contractor" bag with some oil
absorbant pads into some unused corner.

It says impropper use of the (VHF) radio "is punishable by
a $10,000 fine, imprisonment for two years or both." It says
about negligent operation such as having "bowriding" that
you "mayb be fined up to $5,000, imprisioned for one year
or both." But about Boating Under the Influence it says,
"...violators are subject to a civil penalty of $1,000, or a
criminal penalty not to exced $5,000, one year
inprisonment or both. ~ Hmmmm.....so swearing
over the radio is worse than being negligent or drunk ???

Anyway.



Improper use may be more likely a false Mayday. We had one of those
locally last year, but he kept up the transmission long enough to be
found.
Bill



Around here, we get groups of idiots who get into long discussions of "where
the fish am at", on channel 16. But, I understand how hard it can be to
change channels without poking one's eye out.