VHF Licenses

[Karl]

Do I need a VHF and operator's license cruising between the U.S. and the Bahamas? I have a 43' boat, but not sure that is important criteria. Karl

 

[ThirdHatt]

I believe that you need one to travel internationally but check with the FCC to be sure. That was the case back in 2007 when I checked, so I got one. Laws do change though.

 

[hibanx]

Legally, yes. If you travel internationally you should have a ships station license. However, 100% of the U.S. flagged boats that travel to the Bahamas have VHF radios. I would guess that less than half have a license. Furthermore, I have made close to a hundred trips to the Bahamas, and have never been asked to produce one, nor I have I ever heard of anyone who has.
If you have radar, ssb, epirb, AIS, etc, you are required to have a license in the U.S. too.

 

[captddis]

No license needed for Radar or Epirb.

 

[Canuck Dennis]

In Canada......VHF operators license, no station license.. for foreign pleasure craft...you need both....

For SSB...situation is the same......

For Canadians travelling to the US ..they must also have a station license...due to 911 situation...