The WARNING sticker for the VHF radio

B

baz

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Subject: The WARNING sticker for the VHF radio

I've just come across this sticker requirement for my Horizon Explorer GX1600 VHF radio Owner's Manual. The sticker came inside the manual.

It states that to comply with FCC regulation this sticker must be affixed near to the radio's operating controls.

I find there's not too much space around the radio's location, plus I wonder what others have done to comply with this FCC regulation ?

Thanks.... 🙂
 
Never heard of anyone going to jail or fined for not having the sticker affixed. Quite frankly, never saw a sticker like that.
 
Mike: I hear you. 🙂

I'm just wondering and presume this is a new regulation as I've not come across this sticker before.

1) Will USCG inspector require it ?

2) Here's what FCC can do... 😱 :roll: https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-970A1_Rcd.pdf

What Happens if Users Do Not Comply with the FCC’s Rules?
Interference to a maritime distress and safety frequency, including VHF Marine Channel 16, is a violation of the most critical nature, with potential impact upon safety of life and property. Harmful interference can be caused not only by intentional operation, but also by stuck microphones on Channel 16, and inadvertent activation of EPIRBs. Harmful interference disrupts vital safety frequencies, and can obscure genuine distress transmissions. Tracking down such interference also places a strain on valuable resources of the safety and rescue agencies. Be aware that the Enforcement Bureau intends to strictly enforce the Rules related to marine radio operations.1
Violators may be subject to the penalties authorized by the Communications Act, including first offense fines as high as $16,000 for each violation or imprisonment for up to one year. Your radio equipment can also be seized and forfeited to the U.S. Government. In addition, the Coast Guard can recover the costs of its rescue efforts when the initiating distress call is determined to be false; these rescue-related costs can be as much as $5,000 per hour.
 
When we have been inspected (on the dock at Sucia once) they looked for specific required labels like the CO label and flammable gasses labels. They may start looking for the FCC label during those inspections as well.

Why not put the label on the helm bulkhead down below the radio?
 
A possible solution would be to carry the sticker with you, but not affixed.

If anyone ever asks about it, you can produce it and attach it for them!
 
Took a little bit of digging, but CFR 80.225(b), FCC Regulations for stations in the Maritime Services is applicable.

I'm not an attorney, but seems like this is a warning that the DSC Emergency Button is NOT a guarantee of rescue, and the sticker is sort of like the airbag warning stickers on your car or truck; how many of us have ever checked the required notification stickers on a vehicle?

Also, fails to mention that DSC will only function if an MMSI number has been programmed into radio.

Also, a good description of U.S. Rescue 21 coverage areas for the various Coast Guard Districts is at the USCG Navigation Center.

I found a description of Canada Coast Guard Marine Radio and a small map at:
http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/Marine-Communications/Home

Since the warning label says 20 miles, I remember once hearing a relay request from a vessel out of range, and another boat quickly answered and relayed request to CG.
 
I've placed the WARNING sticker in the space between the radio and the fwd edge of the throttle lever's cover. It just fits in there nicely.

I've programmed my provided FCC Radio Station License MMSI into the radio... Now I have to ensure my DSC distress call will be received .... so have to figure out how to do a DSC test call. It seems I need to know another boat's MMSI to do this... but dunno for sure at this time. What have others done to test that their DSC distress call will be received ?

Now I've got to find places for my two fire extinguishers... there's little space with wood base for their brackets to attach to in the cabin of the 2018 R-27/OB..... sigh.
 
In case that sticker falls off, don't worry, I'll post bail! :lol: Hey, what does someone do that has DSC capability on their handheld? You better get some for your kayak! :lol:
 
knotflying":1k2fq811 said:
In case that sticker falls off, don't worry, I'll post bail! :lol: Hey, what does someone do that has DSC capability on their handheld? You better get some for your kayak! :lol:
Click to expand...

The sticker would need to be attached to the handheld and not the kayak. Then again, one could take the sticker at normal font and reduce it to a very much smaller font so that it can be printed on the back of a postage stamp and stick that on the handheld. :lol: 😉 :roll:
 
knotflying":3v2jhcm0 said:
In case that sticker falls off, don't worry, I'll post bail! :lol: Hey, what does someone do that has DSC capability on their handheld? You better get some for your kayak! :lol:
Click to expand...

If you are more than 20 miles offshore in a kayak, you have way bigger problems than a sticker!
 
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