Ship and Aircraft Radio Station Licensing
 On February 8, 1996, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 was signed into law. This Act gives the FCC discretion to eliminate the individual radio station licensing requirement for ships and aircraft operating domestically which are not required by law to carry a radio. On April 12, 1996, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rule Making in WT Docket No. 96-82, FCC 96-145, asking for public comment concerning the elimination of the radio station licensing requirement. Pending a final decision in this matter, the FCC has issued an interim rule temporarily eliminating the individual licensing requirement for recreational ships and private aircraft operating domestically which are not required by law to carry a radio. The paragraphs below describe how the proposed and interim rules affect the public.
Do I need a license to operate a radio in my ship or aircraft?
 Until further notice from the FCC, you do not need an individual license to operate certain radio equipment on board recreational ships and private aircraft operating domestically.
Which ships and aircraft are included?
 The term "recreational ships refers to ships that are not required by law to carry a radio. The following types of ships ARE NOT recreational:
  • 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 Commercial fishing industry vessels with galley or berthing facilities operating on the high seas -- required by the Coast Guard to carry emergency radio equipment.

The term "private aircraft refers to aircraft that are not required by law to carry a radio. This includes aircraft weighing less than 12,500 pounds maximum certified takeoff gross weight which are not operated as air carriers.
What is domestic operation?
Ships operating domestically do not travel to foreign ports or transmit radio communications to foreign stations. Aircraft operating domestically do not make international flights or transmit radio communications to foreign stations. Sailing in, or flying over, international waters is permitted so long as the previous conditions are met.
What radio equipment may I use?
 On board ships, you may use marine VHF radios (with or without a digital selective calling capability) any type of emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), and any type of radar. Ships that use MFIHF single side-band radio, satellite communications, or telegraphy must continue to be licensed by the FCC. On board aircraft, you may use any aviation-band radio, navigation equipment or emergency alerting equipment.
Should I apply for a new license or renew my current license?
 If you operate a recreational vessel or a private aircraft domestically, you are not required to apply for a new license or renew your current license at this time If the individual licensing requirement is not eliminated. sufficient time will be provided for obtaining a license.
Should I cancel my license or ask for a fee refund?
 There is no need to cancel your license, return it to the FCC, or request a refund at this time. In the event that the licensing requirement is permanently eliminated, the FCC will issue guidelines concerning license cancellation procedures.
What operating procedures should I follow?
 Even though a station license may no longer be required, you must continue to follow the operating procedures for calling other stations, maintaining a safety watch, and relaying distress messages as specified in the FCC Rules. You may identify your ship station over the air using your current FCC issued call sign or the name of your vessel Similarly, you may identify your aircraft station using the "N" number of your aircraft.
What happens if the Coast Guard boards my ship?
 On April 12, 1996, the FCC asked the U.S. Coast Guard to suspend enforcement activities related to recreational ship radio licensing while the FCC considers the elimination of the licensing requirement.
How can I find out about the FCC's final decision?
 Presently, the FCC is receiving hundreds of phone inquiries each day asking for updated information on this topic.
Updated information is available via the Internet on the FCC's World Wide Web homepage at http://www.fcc.gov