11OPERATING RULES AND GUIDELINESBefore transmitting, monitor the channel you wish touse so as to avoid interrupting transmissions al-ready in progress.• CALL PROCEDURECalls must be properly identified and the time limitmust be respected.q Give your call sign each time you call another ves-sel or coast guard station. If you have no call sign,identify the station by giving your vessel name andthe name of the licensee.w Give your call sign at the end of each transmissionthat lasts more than 3 min.e You must break and give your call sign at least onceevery 15 min. during long ship-to-shore calls.r Keep your unanswered calls short, less than30 sec. Do not repeat a call for 2 min.t Unnecessary transmissions are not allowed.• PRIORITIESq Read all rules and regulations pertaining to priori-ties and keep an up-to-date copy handy. Safety anddistress calls take priority over all others.w False or fraudulent distress signals are prohibitedand punishable by law.• PRIVACYq Information overheard but not intended for you, can-not lawfully be used in any way.w Indecent or profane language is prohibited.• LOGSq All distress, emergency and safety calls must berecorded in complete details. Log data activity isusually recorded in 24 hour time. Universal Time(UTC) is frequently used.w Adjustments, repairs, channel frequency changesand authorized modifications affecting electrical op-eration of the equipment must be kept in the main-tenance log; entries must be signed by the autho-rized licensed technician performing or supervisingthe work.• RADIO LICENSES(1) SHIP STATION LICENSEYou must have a current radio station license beforeusing the transceiver. It is unlawful to operate a shipstation which is not licensed.Inquire through your dealer or the appropriate govern-ment agency for a Ship-Radiotelephone license appli-cation. This government-issued license states the callsign which is your craft’s identification for radio pur-poses.(2) OPERATOR'S LICENSEA Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit is the li-cense most often held by small vessel radio operatorswhen a radio is not required for safety purposes.The Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit mustbe posted or kept with the operator. Only a licensedradio operator may operate the transceiver.However, non-licensed individuals may talk over atransceiver if a licensed operator starts, supervises,and ends the call and makes the necessary log en-tries.Keep a copy of the current government rules and reg-ulation handy.