11OPERATING RULESD PRIORITIES• Read all rules and regulations pertaining to priorities andkeep an up-to-date copy handy. Safety and Distress callstake priority over all others.• You must monitor Channel 16 when you are not operatingon another channel.• False or fraudulent distress signals are prohibited and pun-ishable by law.D PRIVACY• Information overheard but not intended for you cannot law-fully be used in any way.• Indecent or profane language is prohibited.D RADIO LICENSES(1) SHIP STATION LICENSEYou must have a current radio station license before usingthe transceiver. It is unlawful to operate a ship station whichis not licensed.Inquire through your dealer or the appropriate governmentagency for a Ship-Radiotelephone license application. Thisgovernment-issued license states the call sign which is yourcraft’s identification for radio purposes.(2) OPERATOR’S LICENSEA Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit is the licensemost often held by small vessel radio operators when a radiois not required for safety purposes.The Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit must beposted or kept with the operator. Only a licensed radio op-erator may operate a transceiver.However, non-licensed individuals may talk over a trans-ceiver if a licensed operator starts, supervises, ends the calland makes the necessary log entries.Keep a copy of the current government rules and regulationshandy.1Radio license for boaters (U.S.A. only)The Telecommunications Act of 1996 permits recreationalboaters to have and use a VHF marine radio, EPIRB, andmarine radar without having an FCC ship station license.Boaters traveling on international voyages, having anHF single sideband radiotelephone or marine satelliteterminal, or required to carry a marine radio under anyother regulation must still carry an FCC ship stationlicense. For further information, see the FCC Ship RadioStations Fact Sheet.