Re: [Paddlewise] Re : Ch 16 and DSC - Illegal made Legal

Elias Ross wrote:
> By the way, has anybody out there been caught and fined for operating a VHF
> radio without a license in Canada or the U.S.?  I'd just as soon be fined
> than support some inane bureaucracy which was designed for a different class
> of watercraft.

Elias, I'm legal in both Canada and the US, because I got my first VHF unit 
back in early 1996, just before the FCC removed the licensing requirement 
for _pleasure_ boaters.  An FCC license is required by law for a US boater, 
in his/her own craft, to broadcast on the marine VHF band in Canada.  You 
do not need a license to use your VHF in the US, any more.

However, enforcement and monitoring of licensing requirements is nil or 
minimal in remote areas of the BC coast.  In ten seasons of active paddling 
there (west coast of Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands, Queen Charlottes), I 
have never been checked or asked if I had a VHF by anyone.  I have chatted 
with CCG personnel on the water, VHF visible on my PFD, and they never 
asked about it.  I have never heard of any sea kayaker who was checked. 
And, I used my VHF (from the beach) to contact the CCG to help some other 
kayakers chase down some overdue companions.  This exchange went on for 
half an hour of transmissions before the lost paddlers were found.  They 
never asked me if I had a license or if I had call numbers, and were simply 
grateful I had a VHF and knew how to use it.

In a busy harbour, you might get checked, but if you do not abuse the 
marine band (e.g., you only use 16 for hailing, and move your subsequent 
discussion with others to an approved channel), I do not believe you will 
have a problem.

Please note using the marine VHF band in Canada without a license is 
illegal, and that I am not advocating any illegal activity.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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