VHF license for foreign waters

[bennta01]

I am curious?? Do most caribbean and south american countries require seeing a VHF liscense? I know the FCC requires registration for boats traveling outside of the US, but I wonder how serious other countries are about seeing this. Thanks for the info.

[carib99]

My understanding is there is reciprocity among nations, but that means you need to be actually licensed here.

[jayhop]

...for what it''s worth...I spent a few years in the Carib and two in the N/S Pacific without an FCC radio license...not one official in 30 countries asked about it...

- J

[kmeeks]

I just recently paid the fees and received my Restricted Radio Telephone Operator Lic. ($50).

I also submitted the application for a Ships Radio Station License ($200 application fee)

and also mailed $141 for Coast Guard documentation.

Of course - I doubt if anyone will ask to see the FCC licenses...but if it saves me hassles and fines in a foreign port - that''s cool.

[WHOOSH]

We went just about everywhere in the Caribbean (exceptions: Cuba, Columbia, Panama, Nicaraugua) and there was zero interest in any radio licensing - as evidenced by the customs/clearance forms and procedures.

OTOH when British CG folks accept a float plan in UK waters, they request your radio call sign (which presumes licensure). I''d expect this might be typical of more bureaucratic Northern Europe...but it doesn''t mean you can''t come here without one.

It''s my impression that radio regulatory practices are, in most countries and especially those outside Western Europe and North America, driven by revenue collection and a general desire for regulation absent enforcement, active licensing practices & education. Even within the U.S., the FCC''s role has shifted dramatically away from enforcement related to voice comms as other parts of the frequency spectrum and comm types accellerate in importance.

Jack