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 calls are prohibited under 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 LICENSEWhen your craft is equipped with a VHF FM transceiver, youmust have a current radio station license before using thetransceiver. It is unlawful to operate a ship station which isnot licensed.Inquire through your dealer or the appropriate governmentagency for a Ship-Radiotelephone license. This license in-cludes the call sign which is your craft’s identification for radiopurposes.(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 near the transceiver or be kept with the operator. Onlya licensed radio operator may operate a transceiver.However, non-licensed individuals may talk over a transceiverif a licensed operator starts, supervises, ends the call andmakes the necessary log entries.A current copy of the applicable government rules and regu-lations is only required to be on hand for vessels in whicha radio telephone is compulsory. However, even if you arenot required to have these on hand it is your responsibility tobe thoroughly acquainted with all pertinent rules and regula-tions.