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From: John MacKechnie <bigmac1_at_enter.net>
subject: [Paddlewise] Just received my Icom m32.
Date: Fri, 15 Apr 2005 11:01:02 -0400
I haven't tried it yet, but it looks very sturdy. Certainly not a toy.

Question. I read the instruction book, but I wasn't clear on whether I 
needed to get a license or not.

I'd appreciate you thoughts.

John MacKechnie 
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From: Steve Holtzman <sh_at_actglobal.net>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Just received my Icom m32.
Date: Fri, 15 Apr 2005 08:22:18 -0700
If you are using it in the US, you do not need a license. If you take it to
any other country including Canada, you will need one.

Steve Holtzman
Southern Calif 
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From: Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Just received my Icom m32.
Date: Fri, 15 Apr 2005 08:34:44 -0700
"John MacKechnie" <bigmac1_at_enter.net> wrote:

> Just received my Icom m32.
>I haven't tried it yet, but it looks very sturdy. Certainly not a toy.
> Question. I read the instruction book, but I wasn't clear on whether I 
> needed to get a license or not.

John,

Are you in the US?  If so, no license needed.

If you travel to Canada, the rules say you need a license, but usage 
indicates this is not enforced for sea kayakers.  I have a license because I 
got my VHF 10 years ago, but I no longer carry it to Canada.  CCG is happy to 
respond to your emergency calls without asking first if you have a license. 
And, at launches and on the water, nobody is checking.  If you abused Channel 
16, then I bet they would ticket you and confiscate the radio.

Learn VHF protocol and practice making calls before you need to use the radio 
in an emergency.

Let us know how you like the M32.  It seems like a really good unit.

--
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR 
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From: Michael Daly <mikedaly_at_magma.ca>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Just received my Icom m32.
Date: Mon, 18 Apr 2005 15:06:37 -0400
On 15 Apr 2005 at 8:34, Dave Kruger wrote:

> I have a license because I 
> got my VHF 10 years ago, but I no longer carry it to Canada.  CCG is
> happy to respond to your emergency calls without asking first if you
> have a license. And, at launches and on the water, nobody is checking.
>  If you abused Channel 16, then I bet they would ticket you and
> confiscate the radio.

I was thinking about this over the weekend and thought I'd just add 
that in Canada, penalties do go up to $5000 fine and/or up to 12 
months imprisonment for operation of a radio in the marine bands 
without an operator's certificate.  

You can use one without a cwertificate, but it's not a good idea to 
counsel or appear to counsel someone to not get one.  You can drive a 
car without a license in Canada - but don't get caught.  

Given the potential penalties and the low cost and minimal difficulty 
of getting a certificate, it's worthwhile getting one.  The course I 
took covered a lot of useful information that I haven't seen on the 
web in one concise document.  The instructors were able to answer 
questions that I haven't seen answered on the web as well.  That 
alone makes the cost of the course worthwhile.

Mike
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From: John Kirk-Anderson <jka_at_netaccess.co.nz>
subject: [Paddlewise] Correct Radio Procedure
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2005 08:16:23 +1200
on 19/4/05 07:06, Michael Daly at mikedaly_at_magma.ca wrote:

> ... it's worthwhile getting one.  The course I
> took covered a lot of useful information...
>

This is a good point, learn proper VHF radio procedure. During a sea kayak
forum over Easter, a Mayday message was overheard that involved a person
having a heart attack while on a yacht. The person making the call had
little idea of radio procedure, emergency management, first aid, or even
their location. Other boaties, also with little knowledge, were still using
the channel for routine calls, despite a "Silence Mayday" being in place.

Eventually, emergency personal arrived on scene, but the person was dead.
While the delay may not have affected the outcome, it was a lesson in the
value of applying the correct procedures.

Cheers

JKA

-- 
John Kirk-Anderson
Banks Peninsula
NEW ZEALAND
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From: Michael Jackson <mhj_at_smus.ca>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Correct Radio Procedure
Date: Mon, 18 Apr 2005 17:15:27 -0700
Is anyone aware of an on line reference for this? It would be good to have 
a refresher, since I got my license almost 20 years ago...

At 01:16 PM 4/18/2005, you wrote:
>on 19/4/05 07:06, Michael Daly at mikedaly_at_magma.ca wrote:
>
> > ... it's worthwhile getting one.  The course I
> > took covered a lot of useful information...
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From: WhiteRabbit <whiterabbit_0117_at_charter.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Just received my Icom m32.
Date: Mon, 18 Apr 2005 18:45:49 -0500
Are the licenses international?  Is a US license good in Mexico and Canada?
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From: Tord Eriksson <tord_at_tord.nu>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Just received my Icom m32.
Date: Fri, 15 Apr 2005 20:59:19 +0200
On Friday 15 April 2005 17.01, you wrote:
> I haven't tried it yet, but it looks very sturdy. Certainly not a toy.
>
> Question. I read the instruction book, but I wasn't clear on whether I
> needed to get a license or not.
>
> I'd appreciate you thoughts.

Seems to be like this in most countries: If you want to use 
it everyday you get a licence wherever you are.

If you just want to transmit the day you're
in danger, nobody will care, one way or other.

If you're planning to go abroad with it,
I would stress that it is imperative to
register it, both home and away (at least
get a time-resticted permit of use)!

Or you'd be a suspect terrorist, at least!

A Tired Tord
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From: Michael Lampman <mlampman_at_solitaireboats.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Just received my Icom m32.
Date: Fri, 15 Apr 2005 15:24:12 -0400
On Apr 15, 2005, at 2:59 PM, Tord Eriksson wrote:
>  it is imperative to
> register it, both home and away (at least
> get a time-resticted permit of use)!
>
> Or you'd be a suspect terrorist, at least!

Didn't you know - -  the good ole US under the patriot act, EVERYONE IS 
A SUSPECT TERRORIST!

Michael 
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From: Carey Parks <cparks_at_fuse.net>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Just received my Icom m32.
Date: Fri, 15 Apr 2005 15:54:19 -0400
Do I Need a Ship Radio Station License?
On October 26, 1996, the FCC released a Report and Order in WT Docket No.
96-82, FCC 96-421 (text, WordPerfect), eliminating the individual licensing
requirement for voluntary ships operating domestically which are not
required by law to carry a radio. The paragraphs below describe how the
rules affect the maritime public.

WHO NEEDS A SHIP STATION LICENSE?

You do not need a license to operate a marine VHF radio, radar, or EPIRBs
aboard voluntary ships operating domestically. The terms "voluntary" and
"domestic" are defined below. Although a license is no longer required for
these ships, you may still obtain a license (and call sign) by following the
procedures outlined in Section
From: http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/fctsht14.html
IV.

WHICH SHIPS ARE VOLUNTARY?

The term "voluntary ships" refers to ships that are not required by law to
carry a radio. Generally, this term applies to recreation or pleasure craft.
In any event, the term "voluntary ships" does not apply to the following:


Cargo ships over 300 gross tons navigating in the open sea;
Ships certified by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry more than 6 passengers for
hire in the open sea or tidewaters of the U.S.;
Power driven ships over 20 meters in length on navigable waterways;
Ships of more than 100 gross tons certified by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry
at least one passenger on navigable waterways;
Tow boats of more than 7.8 meters in length on navigable waterways; and,
Uninspected commercial fishing industry vessels required to carry a VHF
radio.
WHAT IS DOMESTIC OPERATION?

Ships are considered as operating domestically when they do not travel to
foreign ports or do not transmit radio communications to foreign stations.
Sailing in international waters is permitted, so long as the previous
conditions are met. If you travel to a foreign port (e.g., Canada, Mexico,
Bahamas, British Virgin Islands) a license is required. Additionally, if you
travel to a foreign port, you are required to have an operator permit as
described in Section III.

WHAT RADIO EQUIPMENT MAY I USE?

You do not need a license to use marine VHF radios, any type of EPIRB, any
type of radar, GPS or LORAN receivers, depth finders, CB radio, or amateur
radio (an amateur license is required). Ships that use MF/HF single
side-band radio, satellite communications, or telegraphy must continue to be
licensed by the FCC. On April 17, 1996, the U.S. Coast Guard suspended
enforcement activities concerning FCC Radio Station Licenses carried aboard
voluntary ships.
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From: Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Just received my Icom m32.
Date: Mon, 18 Apr 2005 17:53:19 -0700
WhiteRabbit" <whiterabbit_0117_at_charter.net> wrote:


> Are the licenses international?  Is a US license good in Mexico and Canada?

IIRC, if you have the two licenses from the US, there is reciprocity while 
operating your own private vessel in Canadian waters.  Don't know about 
Mexico.

Very good idea to get some decent training on use of VHF.  The marine bands 
here are pretty clean and free of garbage, but I understand in urban areas of 
too many boaters, even 16 is severely abused.  The required training in 
Canada is pretty good, I understand.  The alternative in the US is to 
carefully listen and learn from professional mariners.  And, there were VHF 
usage protocols, to at least lay out the rules, with all the VHF's I have 
bought the last couple years.  I agree mandatory training before use would be 
good.  The FCC bogarted on that when they relaxed licensure rules for US 
pleasure boaters, some 8 years ago.

Michael Daly's comments about large fines for operating a marine VHF in 
Canadian waters without proper licensure describe what might happen.  That 
hammer is there over the heads of folks who abuse the VHF channels.   The 
message from here is:  licensed or not, do not abuse them.

--
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR 
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From: Carey Parks <cparks_at_fuse.net>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Just received my Icom m32.
Date: Mon, 18 Apr 2005 23:21:46 -0400
>Dave Kruger wrote:
>
>The FCC bogarted on that when they relaxed licensure rules for US
>pleasure boaters, some 8 years ago.

I'm not saying I agree or not, but the rationale for dropping the license 8
years ago went like this:

Laws at the time did not require a radio on rec. vessels, but if there was a
radio, you needed a license. Joe Boater would logic thus: "If I don't buy a
radio I won't have to pay for a license for it. Ergo, I'll not buy a radio."

So a lot of boats were running around without radios for want of an
inexpensive license. So the government thinks, if we drop the license
requirement more people will have radios and thus more people will be saved
because they will be able to call for help in an emergency.

I guess that worked, but in my mind the better solution would have been to
require a radio on anything where one was appropriate. The license didn't
require any knowledge, it was just a registration tax, so maybe dropping it
was the right thing to do if they were not going to require training.

C
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