Question
What licensing is required when operating an amateur station aboard a US-registered vessel in international waters?
Answer Options
- A) Any amateur license with an FCC Marine or Aircraft endorsement
- B) Any FCC-issued amateur license
- C) Only General class or higher amateur licenses
- D) An unrestricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit
Correct Answer: B
Explanation
When a US-registered vessel is in international waters, the FCC retains jurisdiction over the amateur station operating aboard it. The FCC Part 97 rules specify the licensing requirements in this scenario. According to the regulations, operation of an amateur station aboard a US-registered vessel in international waters is permitted by anyone holding any valid FCC-issued amateur license.
There is no requirement for a special endorsement, such as a marine or aircraft certification, for amateur radio operation in this context. The core requirement is simply possessing a current FCC amateur radio license. This is consistent with the general philosophy that amateur radio is secondary to and must not interfere with the primary communication and navigation systems of the vessel.
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